Choosing when to rest A-Rod a puzzle  —  New York (45-32) vs. Seattle (39-38), 7:05 p.m. ET  —  NEW YORK — Yankees manager Joe Girardi knows he eventually needs to rest Alex Rodriguez.  He has seen firsthand what happens when Rodriguez plays too often while recovering from right hip surgery …

July 2nd Live Updates  —  As I discuss in the article that should be going up shortly, I'm not even sure what to expect as far as players that will sign today and what information will be available.  That being said, I already have one confirmed signing, and it's a big one …

U.S. of Bay  —  Just in time for the nation's birthday, Red Sox outfielder Jason Bay will be sworn in as a U.S. citizen this morning near Faneuil Hall.  —  The 30-year-old Bay, a native of Trail, British Columbia, aced his 10-question citizen's test last week at the John F. Kennedy Federal Building.

Blunders cost Angels in loss to Rangers  —  The biggest mistake of the night might have been made in the dugout.  —  Recommend  —  ARLINGTON, TexasThis one was a beauty all right — but it was no beauty contest.  —  “It was ugly,” Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said of the team's 9-7 loss …

Ex-Yankee Jim Leyritz arrested again  —  Fallen Yankee hero Jim Leyritz was busted early Thursday on charges of beating up his ex-wife.  —  Leyritz went ballistic and dragged Karrie Leyritz out of bed and socked her twice because she'd written a check without his permission, police said.

Hanley records RBI in 10th straight game  —  Shortstop's streak the longest in the Majors in 2009  —  MIAMI — Hanley Ramirez's RBI rampage continues.  —  The Marlins shortstop dropped a two-run double in the third inning off Washington's Jordan Zimmermann, extending his club-record string …

All-Star rosters expand to 33 players  —  NL and AL will each carry a 13th pitcher on staffs  —  Major League Baseball moved on Wednesday to alleviate a nagging problem, expanding All-Star rosters for the July 14 game in St. Louis to include one more pitcher, for a total of 33 players on each squad.

The 39 strikeouts: Dodgers take series from Rockies with 1-0 finale victory  —  After striking out 17 Colorado Rockies in 13 innings Monday and 12 in nine innings Tuesday, Dodger pitchers wrapped up an almost dominating performance against their Rocky Mountain rivals, fanning 10 in a 1-0 victory today at Dodger Stadium.

Source: Cubs deal for Rockies' Baker  —  The Chicago Cubs have acquired Jeff Baker  —  from the Colorado Rockies, according to a source close to the club.  —  It is unclear who the Rockies will receive in return for Baker or the Cubs' plans for him.  —  Baker, an infielder …

Mets might be on a road to nowhere  —  Buzz up!  —  Magic bus?  Jerry Manuel's decree that the New York Mets all share a ride to the ballpark Wednesday morning in Milwaukee probably beat the alternative - 25 players, 25 cabs.  At least it reduced the chances of anyone repeating …

Indians Prospect Faked Age, Identity  —  Major League Baseball has caught another high-profile prospect from the Dominican Republic misrepresenting his age and identity.  —  MLB's latest catch is Indians shortstop Jose Osoria, who signed for $575,000 last year on July 2.

On Mullin, Bad Words and Hypocrites  —  It seems like a natural fit: Chris Mullin, New York guy and deposed general manager of the Warriors, going back to his home town for a job in the Knicks' front office.  I just wonder if Mullin, having taken a hard look at the scene, wants to make that move.

David Wright shakes off criticism from ex-New York Met John Franco  —  MILWAUKEE — The New York Mets already are riddled with injuries and struggling to win.  Now former teammate John Franco is piling on — but Mets third baseman David Wright said that's the least of the team's problems.

Personal struggle leads Snell back to Indianapolis  —  Indianapolis - A former major league pitcher is back in Indianapolis following a tough personal battle.  —  Ian Snell returned to Indianapolis last week, back to the friendly confines of Victory Field.  —  “It's something about this stadium that brings out the best of me.