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.

Myers may need surgery  —  After having an MRI today, Phillies pitcher Brett Myers was told that there was fraying to the labrum in his right hip, an injury that could require surgery and jeopardize the remainder of his season.  —  “I don't know what I am going to do,” Myers told The Inquirer.

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 …

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 latest from Brian Cashman  —  It's official, Jorge Posada will be activated tomorrow.  No word yet on who is out.  —  Melky Cabrera showed improvement today and is not headed to the DL at the moment.  But he's out for the Cleveland series.  —  In terms of the rehab crew:

Ramirez held out because of groin injury  —  PHILADELPHIA - An injured groin kept Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez out of the lineup for Wednesday night's series finale against the Phillies, but he doesn't believe the injury is serious enough to linger.  —  Ramirez, who did no baseball activity …

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.

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!)

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.

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 …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …