Nationals could replace Acta with Valentine; pitching market thinning … Manny Acta appears to be on his way out as Nationals manager, and while respected ex-big league manager Jim Riggleman reportedly will be installed as the interim manager, team higher-ups also have begun internal discussions about permanent candidates.

NL East race reflected in All-Star votes  —  Utley leaps Pujols for top vote-getter; Wright leading at third  —  The latest score in the battle for the NL East: Phillies 3, Mets 2.  —  In potential National League All-Stars, that is.  —  While the defending World Series-champion Phillies continue …

Candid Buchholz itching to pitch in Majors again  —  (NECN: Mike Giardi, Pawtucket, R.I.) - The tale of Clay Buchholz's career, at least to this point, is one of a big up and a downhill slide.  —  In his second start with Boston Red Sox, Buchholz tossed a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles.

Bruney needs to work on his delivery  —  The funniest part about that quote, of course, is that Brian Bruney started this war with Francisco Rodriguez by doing the exact opposite.  —  So while Bruney respects the Mets closer for going shoulder to shoulder with him in the outfield during batting practice …

Colorado Rockies are shaping up as the most likely trade partner for Ian Snell  —  PITTSBURGH _ There was plenty of speculation swirling around the Pirates' clubhouse Sunday morning that another big trade was about to go down.  —  General manager Neal Huntington, manager John Russell …

Burnett and Chavez Are Burning Mad at ESPN...Rumbunter Swabs the Web  —  Buried in a Trib story by Rob Biertempfel....  Isn't it hilarious how so many people in this town portrayed the Pirates clubhouse after the Nate McClouth trade?  I trust Burnett and Chavez get an apology, but I seriously doubt it will happen.

What's Wrong with Johan Santana?  —  Johan Santana's velocity is down, as is his command.  One thing I notice is his arm dragging behind slightly — it's out of sync with his hips, and as a result the hips and legs are driving forward a hair too early, and therefore not helping to power the ball.

Start now to keep Pujols on the payroll  —  Like many baseball fans, I continue to be surprised that teams choose to challenge Albert Pujols.  He's the human wrecking ball who destroys pitchers and breaks open games with one swing of his bat.  —  But there's also one team that hasn't pitched to Pujols, and I'm wondering why.

It's not exactly observe and report for Dibble  —  Rob Dibble will tell you that he is just an “observer” when he does the color analysis on Washington Nationals telecasts.  He is “just a guy sitting up [in the booth] watching it like everybody else.”  —  Well, then, if he's just like everybody else …

Pirates Notebook: Wilson trade discussed with Boston  —  The Pirates and Boston have had trade talks regarding shortstop Jack Wilson, but no move in that direction seems imminent or even likely based on how talks have gone to this point.  —  The Red Sox, without a shortstop while Jed Lowrie recovers …

When Santana Hurts, the Mets Feel His Pain  —  Johan Santana is human.  As much as the Mets are accustomed to watching him operate as their unparalleled pitching machine, Santana can make poor pitches and mistakes, too.  Sometimes, his fastball and changeup do not trick anyone.

ESPN: Brandon Tierney  —  Brandon gets into Girardi's decision to keep Sabathia on the moun.  Plus, Brandon gets into the importance of this Subway Series and Former Mets reliever John Franco give his take on the Amazin's.  —  Brandon Tierney: 6/11  —  Brandon on why he feels Wang should lose his spot.

Interview with 2009 1st round pick, Slade Heathcott  —  Back at the end of February I wrote a post about a player that I wanted the Yankees to select with one of their first two picks.  Slade Heathcott was a dynamic athlete with enormous two-way potential, and earning 1st round consideration as a pitcher at that point.

Penguins don Pirates jerseys  —  Fifteen players on the Penguins' Stanley Cup championship team, led by head coach Dan Bylsma and concluded by Sidney Crosby carrying the Cup, were just introduced to the large, standing, roaring crowd at PNC Park.  —  Most of the players wore Pirates jerseys …

Toronto Raptors' Chris Bosh interested in playing for Miami Heat  —  The Heat's interest in Chris Bosh apparently is mutual.  A friend of the Toronto power forward said Bosh has interest in playing for Miami, which would love to add him via trade this summer or free agency in 2010.