The Manny candidacy gains steam  —  A few years back, American Idol had a contestant named Sanjaya Malakar, and when he sang it was evident that he probably was not the most qualified candidate.  But he was different and he was quirky and liked unusual hair styles and he got a lot of attention week to week.

Hoffman Savoring Fresh Start With Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Trevor Hoffman has no phone in his house, is content with listening to the same radio station every day and does not have any serious friends here outside his new buddies on the Milwaukee Brewers.  And he likes it that way.

Managing with a human touch  —  Terry Francona, Charlie Manuel face tough decisions concerning franchise favorites  —  Unlike love, literature and season finales of “The Bachelor,” baseball is an operation that allows very little room for sentiment.  —  But tell that to Terry Francona in Boston …

Red Sox-Twins: Updates  —  (3:30, top seventh, 3-1 Red Sox)  —  Fireworks here in the seventh.  In a span of about 10 minutes the catchers and managers of both teams have been thrown out of the game.  In the bottom of the 7th, Jason Varitek turned around and argued a called ball on a pitch …

Wang Impresses as Yankees Grab a Share of First Place  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — Rarely have the Yankees been more dominant in victory than they were Wednesday night at Rangers Ballpark.  Pick a player, and he probably had a highlight.  A. J. Burnett fired six scoreless innings.  Hideki Matsui smoked two home runs.

Fran Tarkenton Responds to the Brett Favre Stir He Created, Destroys Marcellus Wiley  —  Fran Tarkenton appeared on 790 the Zone Tuesday and was asked about Brett Favre coming back to the Vikings.  He called it “despicable” and got freaking blasted yesterday.  (For whatever it's worth, I freaking agree; go 'way, Brett!)

Braves' GM won't comment on Francoeur-Red Sox rumors  —  SAN FRANCISCO -  —  Braves general manager Frank Wren would not comment on a report that the Boston Red Sox have recently scouted Jeff Francoeur and might have trade interest in the Braves right fielder.

Myers injures hip in loss to Marlins  —  Right-hander expects to make next start, but isn't certain  —  PHILADELPHIA — The unknown gnawed at Brett Myers late Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park.  —  He has been healthy for most of his eight-year Phillies career, but he suddenly finds himself wondering …

PitchF/X Detective: Has Bradley's Strike Zone Been Widened  —  Last weekend Milton Bradley claimed that his strike zone had been expanded in retaliation for his early season run-in with umpire Larry Vanover. … This claim was brought to my attention in Craig Calcaterra's ShysterBall blog …

REPLAY-AIDED HR PROPELS METS TO SWEEP  —  Any minute now, instant replay is going to determine the Mets actually made the playoffs the last two seasons.  —  The Mets love technology — last night it even helped make previously slumping Daniel Murphy into a savior.

Bay rests  —  MINNEAPOLIS — As expected, Jason Bay will a day off for the first time this season, with Jeff Bailey getting the start in left field as the Sox play the finale of their four-game set here.  Mike Lowell moves up to fifth in the batting order, while David Ortiz remains in the sixth spot.

No love lost for Francona, Metrodome  —  Red Sox manager looking forward to Twins' new ballpark  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Unless Boston and Minnesota hook up in the postseason, the Red Sox played their last game in the Metrodome on Thursday afternoon.  —  Manager Terry Francona isn't weepy with sentiment.

White Sox shortstop sued for $20M in Dominican … SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) — Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is being sued for $20 million for allegedly violating a contract he signed with local talent scouts before inking a major league contract.

Indians recall reliever Okha … CLEVELAND (AP) — Right-hander Tomo Ohka was recalled by the Cleveland Indians on Thursday and left-hander Zach Jackson was optioned to Triple-A Columbus.  —  Ohka spent parts of nine seasons in the major leagues with Boston, Montreal, Washington, Milwaukee …

Zambrano loses his cool after ejection  —  Big Z argues theatrically after run scores on wild pitch  —  CHICAGO — At this rate, the Gatorade dispenser in the Cubs dugout will not last the entire season.  —  Carlos Zambrano attacked it with a bat on Wednesday after he was ejected …

Manny Ramirez's return to Los Angeles Dodgers goes through minors … DENVER — Suspended outfielder Manny Ramirez will be sent to the minor leagues for a week to 10 days as part of a rehabilitation assignment prior to rejoining the Los Angeles Dodgers.  —  Ramirez