All-Star ties aren't so bad, Bud  —  Selig's overreaction to '02 tie creates poor situation for teams, fans  —  All right, everybody, let's say it together.  Bud Selig, we are so, so sorry.  —  Maybe ties in the All-Star Game aren't so bad, after all.  —  Now, six years after what we …

Trade Ichiro?  It's a bold but sensible proposition  —  During last month's news conference announcing the firing of general manager Bill Bavasi, Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln said he was open to trading anyone on the team.  —  If that's the case, the Mariners should deal Ichiro Suzuki by the July 31 deadline.

U.S. Olympic Roster Announced  —  USA Baseball announced its roster for the Olympics this afternoon.  We'll have plenty of analysis as the day goes along, but here's a quick look at the 23-man roster that was announced.  Team USA will be prospect-laden behind the plate and in the outfield …

Wainwright finds comfort in latest step  —  On the eve of the second half, one of the Cardinals' healing aces took to the field with his teammates for a simple, but telling, game of catch.  The other pitcher on the mend could learn today what field he's headed to next.

Billy Wagner is a major worry, but starting pitching will carry Mets  —  For Mets fans, the All-Star break was a time to bask in the glory of a nine-game winning streak that wiped away much of the anger and exasperation that came with watching this team for three months.

MacPhail stays the course  —  O's president keeps focus on rebuilding despite surprising first half, but players still hopeful  —  About 2 1/2 weeks ago, Orioles president Andy MacPhail appeared headed for a dilemma that he would have been perfectly happy to confront.

Shea is no place for a teenager  —  Inexpensive veterans would fit team better than F-Mart  —  A nine-game winning streak is a very good thing for any team.  Totally awesome.  Whether the credit goes to Jerry Manuel, the contributions from reserve players, offensive upgrades at catcher and second base …

PCL Rallies For All-Star Game Win  —  The Pacific Coast League scored six times in the top of the ninth inning, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 6-5 win against the International League in Wednesday's Triple-A all-star game in Louisville.  All six runs were charged to Toledo righthander Blaine Neal …

Brian Giles  —  There have been a number of comments concerning Brian Giles, so I thought he should be the topic of a post.  —  In my previous posting regarding our potential free agents and the trading deadline, I did not include Brian.  I did not include him principally because he's …

Will New York Yankees Use Announcer Bob Sheppard Forever?  —  As I was listening to a recorded Bob Sheppard at the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium yesterday, I wondered if the Yankees could have Bob Sheppard announcing the lineups forever.  —  Sheppard, 97, who had been announcing all the names …

Radomski says new HGH receipt found under TV  —  Report: Evidence Exists Of HGH Shipments To Clemens  —  The case against Roger Clemens might turn on a busted television.  —  Convicted steroid distributor Kirk Radomski told ESPN.com that while he was moving a broken television off a dresser …

Francona discusses his, Ortiz' ailments  —  Red Sox manager Terry Francona confirmed a report by the Globe's Gordon Edes today that said he would have an injection to alleviate numbness and pain on his left side today at Massachusetts General Hospital.  Francona told WEEI's Dale and Holley show …