The July 2nd Liveblog  —  As I discuss in today's article, 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, so I figured it would be worth throwing …

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.

Club Officials Go Silent Over Chatter Major League Baseball Has Loaned Texas Rangers Money  —  UPDATED, 9:10 a.m. CDT to indicate it is Hicks Sports Group, not Tom Hicks personally, that is struggling with debt issues.  —  ARLINGTON - Amid increased internet chatter Wednesday that Tom Hicks' sports group …

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 …

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez making return on Friday against San Diego Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — Manny Ramirez will be back in big leagues on Friday night after a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy.  His return should be nothing short of a spectacle.

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.

Banned!  —  Whew.  —  As those of you who follow me on twitter (@jazayerli) know, the Royals are PISSED OFF at me right now.  Let's just say you won't hear anyone from the front office on my radio show anytime soon.  —  I confess to being surprised that after years of being critical …

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 …

Amaro on free agent possibilities  —  Right now, the Phillies' top two options for bettering themselves are through the trade market, and through internal improvement.  But with a number of veteran free agents still unsigned, there is an outside chance the team could go that route in order …

Mariano Rivera's a true Yankee, almost mythical in his dominance … There is a Yankee mythology that sustains New York fans and drives everybody else crazy, and it goes something like this: To play for the New York Yankees, you need to have a certain quality — quiet dignity, maybe, that's part of it, or valor or a sense of the moment.

Sports Agent's Car Damaged In Bandera Parking Lot  —  Someone caused $2,000 in damage to sports agent Scott Boras's Land Rover while he was parked at Bandera Restaurant on Monday evening, police records state.  —  The agent told police that his car was parked in the lot …

BRUNEY WON'T CRY IF HE LOSES EIGHTH-INNING ROLE  —  Brian Bruney isn't launching a campaign to keep his eighth-inning job.  —  The inconsistent Yankee reliever yesterday stopped short of saying he'd welcome a new role, but also made it known he wouldn't lose sleep if manager Joe Girardi …

MLB teams raid international market … Approximately 40 percent of the players in organized baseball were born outside the United States.  Most of those players sign during the summer when they are 16 years old, a signing bonanza that begins annually 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.

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 …

D-Backs scouting Red Sox  —  The Arizona Diamondbacks spent a lot of time scouting the Red Sox during the Atlanta and Baltimore series.  While it could merely be normal coverage assignments with nothing cooking, the D-Backs might have a player who could be appealing to the Red Sox.

'Twas the night before Manny, and all through the ball park,  —  Not a creature was stirring, not even a McCourt;  —  The helmets were hung by the dugout with care,  —  In hopes that St. Dreadlock soon would be there;  —  Some fans were still parking, 15 bucks is tragic,