Lobel: Manny fined — and wasn't happy about it  —  According to former WBZ sports director Bob Lobel, Manny Ramirez was fined a six-figure amount for his June altercation with Red Sox traveling secretary Jack McCormick — and he wasn't happy about it.  —  “Manny was fined six figures to go to a charity …

Marlins left-hander Andrew Miller sidelined by knee tendinitis  —  MIAMI GARDENS — The Marlins overcame injuries to go into the All-Star break just 112 games out of first place in the National League East.  But if they hope to reach the playoffs, they'll have to overcome more injuries.

Liriano to file grievance against Twins  —  Lefty believes he should have been called up to Majors by now  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The agent for Francisco Liriano has reportedly gotten the players' union to agree to investigate whether the Twins have violated the collective bargaining agreement by keeping Liriano at Triple-A Rochester.

Jays fans fight to keep the ‘Beer Guy’ in the game  —  Never mind the peanuts and crackerjacks.  Toronto Blue Jays fans want their favourite beer guy back.  —  Wayne McMahon, a 61-year-old beer vendor known for his trademark beer holler, was fired July 8 and since then, fans have turned to the web to fight for his reinstatement.

Prospect Hot Sheet: July 18  —  The A's were in the news a lot this week because of the Rich Harden trade.  But as we started to put together the Hot Sheet for this week, we realized that the club deserves to be in the spotlight for another reason.  If you look at this week's list …

Yankees reportedly sign Sexson  —  Slugger provides power against left-handed pitching  —  NEW YORK — Looking to add some thump to their lineup against left-handed pitching, the Yankees have added slugger Richie Sexson for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports.

Cook's star turn still the rage  —  Even as the Rockies juggle to put together a starting rotation for their last 65 games, the clubhouse was buzzing about ace Aaron Cook's three-inning performance in Tuesday's All-Star Game.  —  “I was jumping up and down,” Jeff Francis said.

Church, Pagan to remain on shelf  —  Neither outfielder expected to be ready for Phillies series  —  CINCINNATI — The Mets' hopes to move closer to full strength before they engage the Phillies next week have been dashed.  Neither Ryan Church nor Angel Pagan is expected to return …

Can Billy Wagner Close a Big Game?  —  It is not surprising that Billy Wagner pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to save New York's 10-8 victory over Cincinnati Thursday night.  After all, since coming to the Mets, Wagner has been one of the most automatic closers in baseball, converting 87 percent of his save opportunities.

Wagner making a statement to Phillies  —  New York (52-44) at Cincinnati (46-51), Friday, 7:10 p.m. ET  —  CINCINNATI — The first part of Billy Wagner's latest proclamation clearly was directed at the Phillies.  —  “We've got their attention,” Wagner said.  —  A challenge masquerading as an observation is what it was.

Foot injury knocks El Duque out of B-Mets game  —  Orlando Hernandez cited a foot injury as the reason he exited after just one inning Thursday in the Binghamton Mets game against Connecticut at NYSEG Stadium.  —  Hernandez, making his fourth minor-league rehab start and first with the B-Mets, gave up two runs in the first inning.

Blalock reclaims third-base job  —  With Davis entrenched at first, veteran returns to hot corner  —  MINNEAPOLIS — It took some managerial pleading, but Hank Blalock is switching positions.  Again.  And this time he is headed back to a place that he never technically vacated.

He's back with a bang  —  Ortiz hits a homer in Pawtucket rehab  —  David Ortiz may have been feeling bottled up before the game by all those autograph requests in milk containers.  (Barry Chin/Globe Staff)  —  PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The sellout crowd brayed a mighty, encouraging “Papi!  Papi!

Get ready for Burnett trade talk  —  Blue Jays pitcher A.J. Burnett delivers a pitch against the New York Yankees on July 13, 2008, at the Rogers Centre.  The Jays won 4-1 to take the series 2-1.  —  'I enjoy being a Blue Jay and that's where I'm at.  That's where I plan on being,' pitcher says

Nothing doing on St. Louis front  —  DENVER — Before this one grows any legs beyond one national report, the Pirates are not in discussions with St. Louis regarding outfielder Colby Rasmus, one of the top prospects in all of baseball.  The reason, as they and other teams have been told by the Cardinals: Rasmus is untouchable.

Phillies land workhorse Blanton  —  Trade sends three prospects to A's for durable righty  —  PHILADELPHIA — In Big Joe's Bluegrass Blog entry last month, Joe Blanton said this regarding what he called 'Year Three of “Joe's Gonna Get Traded"' rumors:  —  “I don't know what the percentage …

Kelly signs, volunteers to play two positions  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - The University of Tennessee lost a quarterback yesterday, while the Red Sox gained a shortstop.  Or a pitcher.  Or both.  —  The Sox signed their No. 1 draft pick, Casey Kelly, a two-sport star at Sarasota (Fla.) …