Catchers May Have Hand in Yanks' Pitching Problems  —  “Jorge is obviously that rare combination of being a catcher and an offensive player,” Brian Cashman said.  “Cervelli and Molina are more one-sided, to the defensive side.  I can't really say why there's a difference.”

Morning links: Dude singing on that video  —  I put out the word last week, seeking the identity of the young man who produced this song about the Nate McLouth trade ...  (Please visit the site to view this media)  —  ... and I ended up hearing from Jesse Andrews himself:

Hunter crashes into outfield wall, injures ribs  —  The Los Angeles Angels gasped for breath Monday night, watching center fielder Torii Hunter lying on the ground, wincing in agony.  —  They have survived a horrific performance by their bullpen this season.  Their starting rotation has been in shambles.

Smoltz to make Sox debut next Thursday  —  John Smoltz's first start in a Red Sox uniform will come against the Nationals next Thursday, June 25, in Washington D.C., the pitcher and club confirmed before tonight's game at Fenway Park.  —  Smoltz, who has won 210 games and saved 154 more during …

If Mets keep fading, will Manuel follow Randolph?  —  BALTIMORE - Set your alarm clocks.  —  At 3:11 a.m. Wednesday, it will be exactly one year since the Mets fired Willie Randolph, hours after his team rallied to beat the Angels in Anaheim.  —  The move was largely applauded …

Youkilis moves up in All-Star balloting  —  First baseman slides ahead of Teixeira in tight race  —  While the Red Sox currently have the lead in the AL East over their rival Yankees, they also have the lead in projected American League All-Star starters, along with the upstart Texas Rangers.

OMAR MINAYA'S GOTTA FIX METS  —  NOT only did GM Omar Minaya watch the Mets lose two of three to the Yankees — including the 15-0 Sunday slaughter and Friday night's ultimate give-away, when Luis Castillo dropped that pop fly — but he's had to do it from a sick bed.

Dodgers sign Korean high school player  —  Tae-hyeok Nam agrees to Minor League contract  —  Infielder Tae-hyeok Nam on Tuesday became the first Korean high school player signed by the Dodgers, who reached agreement on a Minor League contract with the 18-year-old from Seoul.

Dodgers first baseman James Loney is a cool customer  —  He has a unique personality that provides plenty of stories for teammates to tell but is also the guy they want to see at the plate in a clutch situation.  —  Go around the Dodgers' locker room and ask someone to tell you a story about James Loney.

AccuScore: Playoff shifts after week 10  —  Buzz up! … AMERICAN LEAGUE  —  The Red Sox have managed to lead this American League list two weeks in a row thanks to their resounding sweep of the Yankees (wins are doubly important when they are over a primary division rival) and their taking two of three on the road in Philadelphia.

Raissman: Slow burn on SNY as Joba chided  —  The line was once reserved for Steve Trachsel.  On Friday night, Keith Hernandez applied it to alleged phenom Joba Chamberlain.  —  “It's like watching paint dry with Joba out there, isn't it?”  Hernandez, on SportsNet New York …

Three Strikes: Wright having a crazy season  —  The Useless Info Department is stretched thin this week.  So we're cutting back on quantity for the sake of quality.  But here they come, our latest barrage of favorite tidbits:  —  Strike One: The Wright Stuff

Phillies GM looking for pitching  —  After playing three extra-innings games last week and enduring a 95-minute rain delay on Saturday night, the Phillies got a much-needed day away from the ballpark yesterday.  —  Ruben Amaro Jr. did not.  —  The Phillies' general manager is happy …

Ervin Santana to the DL?  —  As if the Angels hadn't been through enough already, Ervin Santana will miss tonight's scheduled start with right forearm tightness.  Santana has already missed time this season with an elbow injury that left him out until mid-May.

Draft Picks and Expected Wins Above Replacement  —  Last week here at Baseball Analysts, we covered the baseball draft in detail with player interviews, scouting reports, and a live blog of the draft.  Each team of course has high hopes for the players they draft - hopes that often go unrealized.

SHEFFIELD'S KNEE DIDN'T NEED MRI  —  BALTIMORE — The Mets now say Gary Sheffield will continue to play on his sore right knee after an exam by team doctors Sunday at Yankee Stadium showed the 41-year-old slugger didn't need an MRI exam.  —  The sudden about-face came after Sheffield …

Angels ride seven-run fourth past Giants  —  Lackey strikes out 10, delivers first career hit and RBI  —  SAN FRANCISCO — A seven-run fourth inning — highlighted by a pair of homers and John Lackey's first Major League hit and RBI — lifted Lackey and the Angels to an 9-7 decision …