2009 Yankees May Look A Lot Like 2008 Yankees  —  According to legend, at least, after being poisoned, shot, and savagely beaten, Grigori Rasputin refused to die.  His killers had to bind him and throw him in a river.  You can imagine the terror they felt as they watched him drown, wondering what they'd do if this didn't work.

Posey on the cusp of getting $7.5 million; Crawford signs, too (13)  —  According to industry sources, No.5 overall pick Buster Posey is a done deal.  It's expected to be a major league contract in the neighborhood of $7.5 million.  That shatters the biggest amateur bonus in franchise history — by nearly $5 million.

Marlins Notebook: Cantu could be candidate for Comeback Player award  —  MIAMI GARDENS — While struggling last season with Tampa Bay, Jorge Cantu said he found inspiration by watching teammate Carlos Pena, who revived his career by hitting .282 with 46 home runs and 121 RBI.

Fort Worth Cats sign major-league draft pick Aaron Crow  —  Pitcher Aaron Crow, who was selected ninth overall in the Major League Baseball first-year player draft by Washington in June, signed a minor-league contract with the Fort Worth Cats on Wednesday.  —  Crow was the Big 12 pitcher of the year at Missouri last season.

With Lowell out, Youkilis trades places  —  Mike Lowell has one of those oblique injuries that requires lots of rehabilitation, and finger crossing that the two weeks on the disabled list will heal it.  If not, the Sox will be seeing Gold Glove first baseman Kevin Youkilis playing a lot of third base.

D-Backs notebook: Dunn rebuts ex-teammate's claims  —  DENVER - When Adam Dunn was traded, former teammate Bronson Arroyo said he could understand it because Cincinnati could not afford him.  —  “He was going to be moved no matter what,” Arroyo told the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Dykstra unsigned as deadline looms  —  Padres must ink first rounder by Friday; Zornes comes to terms  —  SAN DIEGO — To a man, the Padres never figured it would take so long to get their first-round pick from June's First-Year Player Draft, first baseman Allan Dykstra, signed and into their farm system.

Orioles play their ace, shut down Indians  —  Guthrie allows one run in seven innings, wins fourth straight  —  CLEVELAND - In the two days leading up to his start last night, Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie barely set foot in the visiting clubhouse at Progressive Field.

Rockies sign reliever Villarreal  —  The Rockies have signed reliever Oscar Villarreal to a minor league contract, adding a veteran at minimal financial risk who might help in long and middle relief this season and in 2009.  —  Villarreal, 26, will make his debut in the organization Saturday with Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Cubs sweep doubleheader from Braves  —  ATLANTA — The 1984 season brings back memories both delicious and dreadful for Cubs fans, and now they have a companion piece to compare it to.  —  By sweeping Atlanta 10-2 and 8-0 Wednesday in a day-night doubleheader at Turner Field …

Jose Bautista demoted in surprise move  —  Pirates send third baseman to Class AAA, clear space for LaRoche  —  No more than a minute or two had passed after Jose Bautista learned that he had been demoted to the minors, and he was on the phone with his agent, Bean Stringfellow.  —  Probably no coincidence.