How should the Indians spin their Victor Martinez giveaways?  —  The Indians were an AL Central favorite heading into this season and there's no reason to think that those around the team didn't feel the same way.  —  After all, how can you explain the $20 million handed to reliever Kerry Wood

White Sox beat Yanks again  —  CHICAGO — Scott Podsednik and Gordon Beckham had four RBIs apiece and the Chicago White Sox finished with 17 hits Saturday in a 14-4 rout of the New York Yankees.  —  In beating New York for the third straight game, the White Sox scored six times in the second …

New York Mets Carlos Beltran takes batting practice, bruise not healed  —  NEW YORK — Carlos Beltran took early batting practice on the field Saturday, an encouraging sign for the New York Mets' center fielder as he tries to return from a bone bruise on his right knee.  —  Beltran

Yankees Still Hunting For Starters?  —  After a drubbing to Sergio Mitre last night, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi admitted that the team is hurting for depth at the back end of their rotation, reports Marc Carig at the Newark Star-Ledger: … The Yankees weren't able to make a move for pitching …

Dodgers fall short against Derek Lowe and Braves  —  The Dodgers score three runs off their former ace, but are shutdown by the Braves' bullpen.  —  Reporting from Atlanta - A few inches here, a few inches there and the day could have turned out much differently for the Dodgers …

Padres part ways with oft-injured Prior  —  Once-dominant right-hander plagued by shoulder issues  —  SAN DIEGO — The Padres are cutting their ties with pitcher Mark Prior, who was trying to get back to the Major Leagues following two significant shoulder surgeries in the last three years.

Duncan thrilled to be back with Yankees  —  Photo credit: Newsday/Newsday Photo / Thomas A. Ferrara |  CHICAGO - Shelley Duncan said  —  his call back to the big leagues was “a really pleasant shock,” a call he wasn't sure would ever come again.  —  Duncan exchanged hugs with various players …

Rays sign pitcher Jeff Bennett  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays have signed free agent right-handed reliever Jeff Bennett to a major league contract.  —  Bennett joined the team on Saturday.  He was granted his release by the Atlanta Braves Thursday.

Players Not Traded  —  This year, more teams seem to think they're in contention and fewer teams wore the tag of a true “seller.”  Countless names were bandied about as potential trade bait before yesterday's deadline, but as always only a few were actually dealt.

On Being Traded  —  The funny thing is I started this blog post while I was sitting in the clubhouse hanging out with not much going on.  I then had to put it on hold while Tito called me in to his office to talk to me.  So now this would or will be my last post as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

Left-handed pitcher Luke French joins Mariners in Texas  —  Left-hander acquired from Detroit Friday reports to club; will join rotation  —  Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Jack Zduriencik announced today that left-handed pitcher Luke French has reported to the club.