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 …

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.

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!)

Altanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine anxious to move up after Triple-A win  —  LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Tom Glavine was glad to get his first minor league victory in 22 years.  It's his major league total of 305 that the Atlanta left-hander wants to add to, though.  —  Glavine

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.

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 …

Cash: Wang is staying in the pen  —  Andrew Marchand with Michael Kay on the Wang situation  —  Yankees GM Brian Cashman told me that Chien Ming Wang is in the bullpen unless Joe Girardi decides to make a change.  Cashman says that Wang shouldn't have a problem because “his contract says baseball player …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …