Acta says he's been fired  —  Manny Acta has been fired as manager of the Washington Nationals, he told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas on Sunday.  —  Acta  —  The Nationals were blanked by the Houston Astros on Sunday 5-0 to go into the All-Star break with the worst record in the league at 26-61.

Roy Halladay open to playing for Yankees  —  ST. LOUIS - Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay, who has been made available by his general manager J.P. Ricciardi, indicated Monday that he was open to playing for the Yankees.  —  The Yankees are not optimistic that they'll land the 33-year-old right-hander …

Yankees pitching prospect Sergio Mitre makes strong case for rotation spot  —  ANAHEIM - The Yankees plan on discussing their fifth starter situation during the All-Star break, but Sergio Mitre may have helped make that decision a little easier Sunday.  —  Mitre tossed eight shutout innings …

Report: Pedro Martinez may be on way to Philadelphia  —  Pedro Martinez may be flying to Philadelphia on Monday, WCAU-TV reported on Sunday night.  —  Martinez  —  After arriving, it is believed Martinez will take a physical, which appears to be the final obstacle standing …

Kelly molding his future as we speak  —  Sox prospect deciding on whether he'll be pitcher or short  —  ST. LOUIS — Though Casey Kelly had the honor of representing the Red Sox at the XM Radio All-Star Futures Game on Sunday, the truth is that his future is still filled with the intriguing unknown.

Bergesen closes first half in fitting style  —  Starter allows two runs in victory; Roberts rips two RBIs  —  BALTIMORE — They thought he was ready, but they never thought he'd already be their ace.  Rookie starter Brad Bergesen ended his first half in fine style Sunday …

Trivia and Jocketty  —  I never posted the (apparent) answer to the trivia question from last week about Hall of Famers who retired after World Series wins or losses, and I'll get to what I have on that shortly.  —  Firstly, in the wake of the very disturbing Jay Bruce broken wrist last night …

Citi is the wrong field for Wright  —  NEW YORK - David Wright had just crushed a double, a run-scoring double at that, and yet through his smeared eye black he wore the expression of a 12 year old just informed his X-Box was on the blink.  —  This was the perfect scene to capture the Mets at the All-Star break.

Field set, Derby promises to thrill  —  Newcomers pitted against hometown favorite Pujols  —  ST. LOUIS — Post positions have been drawn and the horses are just about ready to break from the gate in baseball's favorite Derby.  —  The 2009 State Farm Home Run Derby field was finalized on Sunday …

Straight-out beloved  —  His knuckler goes all over, but friends of Wakefield are direct with their praise  —  On July 31, 1992, Montreal Expos general manager Dan Duquette rooted against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the team with which the Expos were tied for first place, and he felt confident.

Chicago Cubs Bankruptcy Looms as Way to Finish Sale by Tribune  —  The Chicago Cubs may become the first Major League Baseball team in 39 years to file for bankruptcy as Tribune Co. seeks to sell the franchise after months of negotiations.  —  Tribune sought Chapter 11 protection in December.

Dodgers hope to build on strong first half  —  Los Angeles (56-32) vs. Houston (44-44), 7:10 p.m. PT  —  MILWAUKEE — Joe Torre had a good feeling about his team during Spring Training.  —  Between the loose personality conveyed by the players in the spring and last season's ride …