Manny to Sox fans: ‘I love you guys’  —  LOS ANGELES — Decked out in a No. 99 Dodgers jersey, and LA cap and a pair of sunglasses, Manny Ramirez was introduced at Dodger Stadium this afternoon, answering questions for just over 10 minutes and sending a message to Red Sox fans.

Angels eke out win over Yankees as Rivera falters  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Torii Hunter hit an RBI single off Mariano Rivera in the ninth, Ervin Santana pitched eight stellar innings and the Los Angeles Angels won their fifth straight game, 1-0 over the New York Yankees on Friday night.

Cub bats go cold in 3-0 loss  —  Jeff Karstens and the new-look Pittsburgh Pirates made a strong showing, beating Chicago 3-0 Friday and ending the Cubs' five-game winning streak.  —  Coming off a four-game sweep at Milwaukee that boosted their lead in the NL Central to five games …

Nats release Lo Duca, Estrada, Lopez  —  Dukes activated from disabled list; Bonifacio to be recalled  —  WASHINGTON — Late Thursday, the Nationals gave infielder Felipe Lopez and catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada their unconditional releases.  The team is expected …

Terry Francona has Jason Bay take 5th, Mike Lowell works cleanup  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email  —  With Manny Ramirez [stats] in the rearview mirror, Red Sox [team stats] manager Terry Francona last night moved Mike Lowell up one position in the batting order to cleanup …

Where Losing Is Everything  —  If you happen to be from Philadelphia, as I am, last week's series between the Phillies and the New York Mets was the perfect three-act play for the city of perpetual sports futility — delight followed by deflation followed by convulsive death with the double by Carlos Delgado.

Liriano, Ruiz to join Twins; Hernandez, Monroe headed out  —  The Twins plan to cut ties with Livan Hernandez and Craig Monroe today, clearing space for Francisco Liriano and Randy Ruiz to join the roster from Class AAA Rochester.  —  The team has yet to make an official announcement …

Orioles on the clock with Matusz  —  Club has until Aug. 15 to sign No. 4 overall draft pick  —  SEATTLE - Though the trade deadline has come and gone, the Orioles remain on the clock in their efforts to sign Brian Matusz, the fourth overall pick in June's baseball draft.

Rays' bullpen shuts down Tigers in win  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—The Tampa Bay Rays are counting on Carlos Pena's bat to help them stay in the pennant race.  —  The struggling slugger homered for the fourth time in eight games Friday night, helping the AL East leaders beat …

Braves cut Miller after McCann gets doctor's OK  —  ATLANTA — Brian McCann was cleared for pinch-hit duty on Friday, opening the way for backup catcher Corky Miller to be designated for assignment by the Atlanta Braves.  —  The Braves waited until after batting practice to clear a roster spot …

Mickey Klutts (and others) expected for Old Timers' Day on Saturday at the Stadium  —  This press release from the Yankees:  —  The New York Yankees announced that more than 70 Old-Timers, including 18 first-time Old-Timers, are scheduled to attend the 62nd annual Old-Timers' Day at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, August 2.

Did the Braves Overvalue Ohman?  —  I was surprised yesterday when the trade deadline passed and Will Ohman was still a part of the Braves.  Ohman is a lefty specialist capable of throwing a lot of innings, and he'll be a free agent after this season.  He's a good candidate for deadline deal.

Mike Nadel Got Your E-mail And Is Actually Quite A Reasonable Fellow  —  Yesterday's column by Mike Nadel caused a major stir in the sports blogatorium and sports media in general when he crucified America's favorite sideline princess, Erin Andrews, for her wardrobe and flirtatious reporting style …