Yankees' Hopes Are Going, Going ...  The grand slam exploded like a gunshot Wednesday night, tearing out the guts of even the most naïve believers in the 2008 Yankees.  —  The eighth-inning bullet by Dustin Pedroia was like the opening scene of a documentary, many years from now …

PAVANO AVAILABLE TO OTHER TEAMS AFTER ONE START  —  Could “The Idle” be moving?  —  Carl “American Idle” Pavano is scheduled to start tomorrow night against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium - unless another team wants him.  —  The Post has learned Pavano was put on waivers within …

Phils lose game, ground in NL East  —  Bullpen allows Mets to stage a comeback of their own  —  PHILADELPHIA — Anyone looking for a clear-cut National League East favorite to emerge from this week's Phillies-Mets games at Citizens Bank Park may have to wait a little longer.

Ramirez's flub: ‘It happens’  —  ATLANTA - By Wednesday afternoon, Hanley Ramirez was more willing to discuss his ninth-inning trouble on a potentially game-ending double-play ball the night before.  —  But only slightly.  —  Asked if the ball simply got stuck in his glove before he could throw to first …

Angels looking for a backup shortstop  —  David Eckstein is among those mentioned for depth at the position.  —  Five days before Monday's trade deadline, the Angels continue to pursue a veteran shortstop as insurance in case Erick Aybar is injured.  —  The team has targeted three Toronto players …

Rollins again noticing Mets' celebrations  —  PHILADELPHIA - Don't look now, but it sounds as if the Phillies are acting like the fun police again.  When asked about Tuesday's inspired comeback win over the Mets, which involved erasing a 7- deficit, Jimmy Rollins made yet another reference …

Sox on Mariotti's split: 'It's about time'  —  BALTIMORE — Word of Jay Mariotti's split with the Chicago Sun-Times reached the White Sox' clubhouse minutes after their victory Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, and the reaction could be heard outside.

About those Quad-A All-Stars  —  In Kevin's article he built an “All-Star” of minor leaguers over 30, and his off-the-cuff guess was 52 wins.  —  Let's get serious about that number, speculative as the entire enterprise is.  —  For hitters, I'm going to use their regular translation for all of 2008 …

Technology worthy for instant replay  —  Video headquarters equipped for making clear, efficient calls  —  NEW YORK — The baseball, as it flew, cued everything around it into action.  Careening toward a formerly quiet corner of Yankee Stadium, it first forced two Orioles outfielders to converge …

Boras challenges Pirates to ‘come clean’  —  The one down below looks to be getting overwhelmed with comments, which will make it tough to load.  So reload up here.  —  I will put updates here, too, but I can tell you now that actual reporting has taken up almost all of my time and probably will continue to do so through the evening.

Game 133: Red Sox at Yankees  —  YANKEES (70-62)  —  RED SOX (76-55)  —  Mike Mussina (16-7, 3.45) vs. the Boston hitters.  —  Jon Lester (12-5, 3.49) vs. the New York hitters.  —  Notes: The Yankees start the day 10.5 games out in the division and seven out in the wild card. ...

Braves sign veteran Dessens  —  Hurler to add experience to young rotation for final month  —  ATLANTA — With four young pitchers in their starting rotation, the Braves have decided to add an older presence for the season's final month.  —  The Braves have agreed to terms with Elmer Dessens …

Zambrano feels fine, expects to rebound from irritating month  —  PITTSBURGH - Carlos Zambrano has assured Cubs general manager Jim Hendry his shoulder is fine, allaying fears his August slump is more physical than mental.  —  “He has no discomfort, he feels good and he's very confident he'll rebound …