Quotes: Jeff Francoeur's Best Years Ahead of Him  —  Prior to today's game, Jeff Francoeur told reporters he hopes he can help out, and once guys like Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado get back, ‘hopefully we can make a run.’  —  He said, “If you look at it, 6.5 games is not that tough …

Mets sign Angel Berroa  —  The Mets have signed infielder Angel Berroa and assigned him to Buffalo.  —  Lefthander Arturo Lopez has been placed on the temporary inactive list.  —  Berroa hit .136 (3-for-22) with a double and one RBI in 21 games with the Yankees this season.

Gimme a U!  A Knee!  An S!  A Key!  —  So here's the deal: I had absolutely no intention of writing about the Kansas City Royals this weekend.  None.  I'm pretty sure everyone who would care knows exactly where I stand on the Royals.  —  They're in a death spiral.

Despite comeback, Rockies lose second straight to Braves  —  The joint was jumping, rally caps were in place and the spirit was willing.  —  But the Atlanta Braves refused to partake in the festivities.  —  They quashed a Rockies' comeback and hung on for a 4-3 victory Saturday night at Coors Field.

Chamberlain frustrated and embarrassed  —  According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Joba Chamberlain's 10 decisions (7-3) through his first 29 career starts are the fewest in Major League history.  I'm not sure how to interpret that.  But there you go.  —  As to what counts, Joba has one victory since June 1 and a 5.05 ERA.

Braves' Gonzalez has elbow checked in Atlanta  —  Denver — Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez was diagnosed with tendinitis in his surgically repaired pitching elbow on Saturday after returning to Atlanta to have it examined.  —  Braves general manager Frank Wren said Gonzalez …

Howard HR highlights Phillies' five-run 9th on Pirates  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ryan Howard hit a tying three-run homer in the ninth inning before Paul Bako's single gave the Philadelphia Phillies an 8-7 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night.  —  The Phillies, who have won eight of nine …

Dodgers' Broxton (toe) might skip All-Star game  —  MILWAUKEE (AP) — Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton likely will have to skip the All-Star game Tuesday because of an ailing big toe on his right foot.  —  Dodgers manager Joe Torre says they noticed Broxton limping after giving up two runs …

Scouting the Futures Game  —  A look at 16 of the game's best prospects who'll be playing St. Louis  —  STAY AHEAD OF THE GAME Become an Insider Today  —  This year's Futures Game returns to the pre-2008 format, where there's at least an attempt to get the best prospects in the minors together in one stadium for a showcase game.

Yanks' pitching pounded, lose to Anaheim  —  ANAHEIM - The way things have been going for the Angels, Mike Scioscia could probably come out of retirement today and go 3-for-3 against the Yankees.  —  The Angels' manager watched his depleted team stage its second straight comeback victory …

NATIONALS POUND OUT 21 HITS TO ROUT ASTROS IN HOUSTON  —  The Sports Network  —  Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Josh Willingham hit two home runs, doubled and drove in four as the Nationals achieved season-bests in runs and hits en route to a 13-2 drubbing of the Astros at Minute Maid Park.

Smoltz shuts down Royals to earn first win with Red Sox  —  BOSTON (AP) — John Smoltz got his first win for Boston and Kevin Youkilis hit two home runs to lift the Red Sox over the Kansas City Royals 15-9 Saturday night.  —  GAME REPORT: Red Sox 15, Royals 9

PAVANO GOES EIGHT STRONG AS INDIANS EDGE TIGERS  —  The Sports Network  —  Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Carl Pavano worked eight solid innings and Cleveland took a 5-4 decision from Detroit in the second of a three-game weekend set between AL Central foes.

A most unlikely no-hitter  —  (07-10) 23:21 PDT — As long as bats and balls connect on warm summer evenings, baseball never will cease to amaze.  —  The Giants' 33-year no-hitter drought ended at China Basin on Friday night, and the pitcher who threw the nine innings of brilliance …

Kemp, Dodgers slam Brewers in extras  —  Slugger connects on granny in 10th after Blake's RBI triple  —  MILWAUKEE — On a night when Manny Ramirez tied Mickey Mantle on the all-time home run list, Matt Kemp was part Willie Mays Hayes and Pedro Cerrano as the Dodgers beat the Brewers, 12-8 …