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.

Report: Rangers borrowed money from MLB  —  The Texas Rangers borrowed millions of dollars from Major League Baseball within the last week, according to a Yahoo! report.  —  Rangers spokesman John Blake told the website that the club would have no comment, and Rich Levin …

Hanson named NL's top rookie in June  —  Wins over Yankees, Red Sox among righty's highlights  —  ATLANTA — One month into his Major League career, right-hander Tommy Hanson has been as good as advertised.  Braves fans have known about the 6-foot-6 phenom since he dominated opponents in the Minor Leagues.

Branyan punctuates win with long blast  —  Slugger hits restaurant in center field at Yankee Stadium  —  NEW YORK — After going nearly two games without hitting a ball between the white lines at Yankee Stadium, Mariners first baseman Russell Branyan hit one where no else has gone.

Twins make offer to Miguel Angel Sano...sort of  —  STILL FROM KANSAS CITY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, MO. — I was told today that the Twins have made an offer to Dominican superprospect Miguel Angel Sano - but it's contingent on him being able to prove that he's 16.

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.

Chicago Cubs deal for Jeff Baker of Colorado Rockies, cut Ryan Freel loose  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-handed pitcher Al Alburquerque and designated infielder Ryan Freel for assignment.

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 …

Votto leads Reds over D-backs with a single in 10th  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto still has his touch in the clutch.  —  Votto turned a tough pitch into a two-out single with the bases loaded in the 10th inning Thursday, sending Cincinnati to a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks …

Triple-A All-Stars Announced  —  The Triple-A All-Star Game is scheduled for July 15 in Portland, Ore. The host Pacific Coast League announced its roster Wednesday, and the International League followed suit Thursday, with some intriguing prospects as well as Triple-A veterans.

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.

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 …

'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,