July 2 Signings Update, Recap  —  As you've seen, we have confirmation of several major signings on the first day of the international signing period.  —  However, most signings have either not been officially announced or will wait until after July 2 to commence as the market sorts itself out.

There's Some Grit In Them Furry Beasts  —  As if going to Pittsburgh for a one game rainout makeup isn't exciting enough, the Mets were also able to catch the phenomenon known as Anthrocon 2009, a convention where people can dress like animals.  Boy, it was the club's lucky day ... let alone Kevin Burkhardt's lucky day.

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 …

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.

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.

Former Yankee Jim Leyritz to spend weekend in jail after domestic battery arrest  —  Ex-wife denies making up domestic battery story  —  DAVIE - Former New York Yankee Jim Leyritz will be spending the Fourth of July weekend in jail following his arrest early this morning on charges of domestic battery, a Broward judge decided today.

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.

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.

Braves complete sweep of Phillies, 5-2  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Matt Diaz drove in the go-ahead run with an eighth-inning double and the Atlanta Braves beat Philadelphia 5-2 on Thursday night to complete their first home sweep of the Phillies in four years.  —  Diaz had his second straight three-hit …

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 …

Mets hit Philly in hot pursuit of first place  —  PITTSBURGH - After twice being caught - and passed - by the Phillies in September, this time the Mets are the pursuers.  And Fernando Tatis figures the Amazin's ought to be pretty loose this weekend, after rallying for a 9-8 …