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.

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.

Jeter, Longoria vie for most votes in American League All-Star Balloting  —  wo Rangers, two Red Sox are among A.L. leaders; Ichiro, Griffey compete for OF spot  —  New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria are in a closely contested race …

Game 47: Yankees at Rangers (with updates on Bruney, Cabrera and Posada)  —  YANKEES (26-20)  —  Pitching: RHP A.J. Burnett (2-2, 5.28).  —  RANGERS (27-18)  —  Kinsler 2B  —  Young 3B  —  Hamilton CF  —  Jones DH  —  Cruz RF  —  Murphy LF  —  Davis 1B  —  Saltalamacchia C

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

Randy Johnson wins No. 299, Giants top Braves 6-3  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Randy Johnson earned his 299th victory with six impressive innings, yielding three hits and one run in the San Francisco Giants' 6-3 win over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night.  —  Johnson (4-4) retired the Braves …

Ilitch stands up to baseball, for the fans  —  Baseball has duly honored Jackie Robinson and the memory of veterans who fought for freedom.  Now, with the Red Wings on the brink of another Stanley Cup and the Tigers in first place, it is time to honor Mike Ilitch alongside workers …

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 …

Hicks now open to selling majority share of Rangers  —  ARLINGTON — First, there's Wednesday's off-the-field Rangers news:  —  In a surprise, Tom Hicks didn't rule out that his nearly 11-year ownership tenure might soon be reduced to something less than having the final say.

Dodgers may not see Manny at home  —  Slugger could leave LA to continue workouts in Arizona  —  DENVER — Though he began working out at Dodger Stadium this week when the team began a seven-game road trip in Colorado, Manny Ramirez's L.A. reunion with the Dodgers may have to wait.