Fan starts ‘Vote for Manny’ Web site  —  NEW YORK — Jason Rosenberg was heading home and listening to satellite radio when he heard that Manny Ramirez was fourth among National League outfielders in initial All-Star voting.  By the end of the night, a new Web site was born: Vote for Manny.

Cabrera Designated For Assignment  —  Unable to find a place for him in their rotation or their bullpen, and unable to tolerate the idea of watching his continued struggles, the Washington Nationals on Tuesday designated Daniel Cabrera for assignment, cutting ties with the pitcher they signed in the offseason.

Posada plays in extended spring game  —  TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada played five innings of defense in an extended spring training intrasquad game Wednesday and is hopeful of rejoining the team during a series that starts Friday night in Cleveland.

Authorities trumpet massive steroids bust in Polk  —  LAKELAND - Deputies said they have plenty of evidence that Richard Thomas and his wife, Sandra, were big-time steroid dealers.  At a Tuesday night news conference announcing their arrest, Polk County sheriff's officials were surrounded by thousands of doses of anabolic steroids.

Yankees-Sox showdown ahead  —  Trying to call a division race in late May is the exercise of fools, not to mention professional suicide.  That disclaimer aside, who here gets the feeling this just isn't the Rays' year in the AL East?  —  Better question: why does it feel like this war …

Another defeat: Hurdle's last stand?  —  It was the type of moment that defines games, and, over time, frames a season.  It arrived in the fifth inning Tuesday night: Aaron Cook vs. Andre Ethier.  —  Ethier, setting the stage for Casey Blake, won with a walk.

Padres could rebuild organization by trading star slugger Gonzalez … If the Padres really want to rebuild their team, opposing executives say a trade of Jake Peavy pales in comparison to a trade of Adrian Gonzalez.  The Padres don't like to use the “R” word in San Diego …

MLB Cuts Slots By 10 Percent  —  In a development first reported by Murray Chass, MLB commissioner Bud Selig said his office will reduce its recommendations for bonus slots by 10 percent.  Selig made the comments at an owners meeting last week in New York, and Baseball America has confirmed his plan with multiple sources.

Cubs call up Jake Fox and two others, send down Bobby Scales and Neal Cotts, put Aaron Miles on DL  —  In a shakeup of their roster, the Cubs made three moves today to help their lineup and their pen.  —  Jake Fox, who is hitting .423 with 17 home runs and 50 runs batted in for Triple-A Iowa over 40 games, was called up.

Yanks Lose Cabrera, and a Shot at First Place  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Yankees had a chance to claim a share of first place in the American League East on Tuesday, a spot they have not held all season.  They got a poor start by Joba Chamberlain and lost center fielder Melky Cabrera …

Lupica: Sotomayor ruling saved season, not baseball  —  Sonia Sotomayor is one of ours, a kid from the projects who grew up a few miles from the old Yankee Stadium.  She is a woman and the first Hispanic nominated to the Supreme Court, and it was a fine thing to see the announcement …

Astros short on infielders with two hurt  —  Houston (18-26) at Cincinnati (25-20), 6:10 p.m. CT  —  CINCINNATI — The last time Jason Smith was designated for assignment, he stayed put in Houston, instead of heading to Triple-A Round Rock.  Smith had been told there was a chance he might be needed again.

Cards wary of bad news  —  MILWAUKEE — The Cardinals are preparing a search for a righthanded-hitting third baseman or outfielder given what they expect to be a pessimistic report about third baseman Troy Glaus.  —  General manager John Mozeliak admitted Tuesday that a “gut feeling” …