NY Mets have been in contact with Red Sox about Manny Ramirez  —  TRADE WINDS METS BUZZ  —  Contrary to the denials that made the rounds Monday, officials from both teams say the Mets have contacted the Red Sox about Manny Ramirez and are interested in pursuing a deal for him if Boston decides to make him available.

Teixeira trade talks revised  —  According to a National League source, Diamondback fans might not want to get too excited about the possibility of landing Mark Teixeira.  This source believes the Yankees, Rays and Angels are more likely to land the switch-hitting first baseman before Thursday's Trade Deadline.

A WASH-OUT  —  YANKS' DEAL FOR M'S LEFTY IN JEOPARDY  —  Though the Yankees are saying otherwise, a potential deal for Jarrod Washburn isn't dead yet.  Not with so much time before Thursday's trading deadline remaining.  And Sidney Ponson and Mike Mussina getting pounded on consecutive nights …

Pirates Notebook: LaRoche to DL; Bixler coming  —  The Pirates today will place first baseman Adam LaRoche on the 15-day disabled list and recall infielder Brian Bixler from Class AAA Indianapolis, sources confirmed early this morning.  —  LaRoche and second baseman Freddy Sanchez sat …

Young suffers finger fracture as Texas Rangers lose, 7-5  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - The Texas Rangers tried to make a comeback Monday in the late innings, a situation usually made for Michael Young.  —  But the All-Star shortstop was in the dugout after suffering a fractured right ring finger in the first inning.

Dodgers fall short of picking up Kuroda  —  Comeback bid nearly erases hole dug by starter  —  LOS ANGELES — Long after Casey Blake and Joe Torre were done explaining their ejections Monday night and after the fan that jumped into the Giants dugout had been ejected and the parking lots had emptied …

Gillick shopping and hoping  —  Time is running out for the Phillies to make an additional move before Thursday's 4 p.m. non-waiver trade deadline.  —  Don't bet on them dealing for Manny Ramirez.  A better bet might be a lefthanded relief pitcher, but don't bet the house on that, either.

Mahay going to Phillies?  —  Left-handed reliever Ron Mahay could be on the verge of heading to the Phillies.  —  According to clubs that have been speaking with the Royals, they've been having extensive conversations with the Phillies about a trade that would send Mahay to Philadelphia …

Burnett's fastball stays alive in Toronto  —  Hurler fans 10 Rays, ties wins mark at 12; GM says he's staying  —  TORONTO — Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi apparently wants to put an end to all the A.J. Burnett trade rumors.  So, while Ricciardi admits that Toronto is willing …

Marlins' trade targets include catchers, left-handed pitchers  —  Facing a potentially lengthy absence for injured starting catcher Matt Treanor, the Marlins have increased their efforts to acquire an established replacement before Thursday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Sox have no interest in Tejada  —  A week ago the Red Sox shot down rumors of a possible deal for White Sox backup shortstop Juan Uribe.  —  Now, a few days later there's a Houston Chronicle report of Boston having interest in Miguel Tejada, which has also been completely dismissed.

Cubs fans accused of beating White Sox fan  —  HUNTLEY, Ill. - McHenry County authorities say three Chicago Cubs fans face felony battery charges after allegedly beating a Chicago White Sox fan so badly he lost his right eye.  —  The men are accused of beating 32-year-old Robert Steele …