Rubin: Lobbying for the truth  —  I want to get something straight.  —  Everything I wrote about Tony Bernazard - bombshell stories that appeared in the pages of the Daily News over the last week - is accurate.  —  My reporting was solid, met the journalistic standards of sourcing and beyond …

WORLDS APART?  RED SOX AND MATSUZAKA STRUGGLE TO FIND MIDDLE GROUND … Though he is now in his third year in the United States, it is increasingly clear that Daisuke Matsuzaka and the Red Sox still are dealing with their differences as they approach the issue of how to keep the pitcher both healthy and effective.

Phillies eyeing Duke and other rumors  —  PITTSBURGH _ Charlie Manuel likes Zach Duke enough that he put the Pirates left-hander on the National League squad for the All-Star Game in St. Louis earlier this month.  —  The Philadelphia Phillies manager also likes Duke enough …

UPDATING THE HALLADAY TALKS  —  The latest I have learned from talking to officials who are involved in the Halladay negotiations:  —After their latest round of meetings, Toronto officials are more dug in than ever that they should receive an elite package for Roy Halladay or they will simply wait until the offseason again.

Astros lose pitcher's duel with Cubs in extra innings  —  Soriano delivers game-winning slam in bottom of 13th  —  CHICAGO —Alfonso Soriano drilled a majestic walk-off grand slam in the 13th inning Monday night, putting a sudden end to what had been a tight ballgame at Wrigley Field.

Garko traded to Giants for Class A lefty  —  First baseman Ryan Garko has been traded from the Indians to the Giants for Class A left-hander Scott Barnes.  —  Garko had been in the Tribe's lineup at designated hitter but was yanked about an hour before the first pitch against the Angels at Angel Stadium.

Nats' Win Is Worth 2 Grand  —  Willingham Hits A Pair of Slams: Nationals 14, Brewers 6  —  Before Monday — before a market correction on all his bad luck blasted a path into history — Josh Willingham was merely another middle-of-the-order outfielder who saved his best for the smallest moments.

Social Networking and Sports Summit  —  Lest there be any doubt about the power of social networking and sports, one need only look at the diversity of this compilation to see it in action.  From beat writers, columnists, those in television and radio, blogs, an MLB club, and others in sports business …

Yankees, Reds Working on Arroyo Deal  —  The Yankees are in serious discussions with the Reds about acquiring Bronson Arroyo, although right now the deal may be hinging on how much of Arroyo's remaining contract the Reds are willing to eat, major league sources told FanHouse on Monday.

Angels' ‘machine’ breaks down in ninth  —  Brian Fuentes, their seemingly automatic closer, blows a save for first time since May 30, giving up four runs on consecutive homers as Indians win, 8-6.  —  It had been so long since Brian Fuentes had given up a run, let alone blown a save …

Giants 4, Pirates 2  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Tim Lincecum looked like his old self, pitching a four-hitter and bouncing back from a rough outing with a career-high 15 strikeouts in the San Francisco Giants' 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday night.

Jeter makes long strides at shortstop  —  Improved range, mobility shows in Ultimate Zone Rating  —  It was last spring that Derek Jeter offered dismissive smirks to a small gathering in front of his locker at the Yankees' Spring Training complex.  He chose his words carefully …

Carpenter wraps up undefeated month as Cards tame Dodgers  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — Chris Carpenter (FSY) wrapped up an undefeated month, Brendan Ryan (FSY) matched a career high with four hits and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-1 on Monday night.