Sox acquire Alex Gonzalez  —  The Red Sox, who have had a revolving at shortstop in recent seasons, reacquired a familiar face this afternoon in attempt to help solve their ongoing problem.  —  Alex Gonzalez, who was spectacular with the glove but so-so at the plate during 2006 …

3 UP: JOBA'S ROLES, JOBA'S RULES AND MATSUI  —  Yes, I am on Twitter.  —  1. In today's Post I wrote about why I believe it is wise to limit Joba Chamberlain's innings.  Here is something else to consider: Let's say in late July 2007, the Yankees had done what was the popular thing and traded …

Lee, Cubs snap skid in a big way, fly past Pirates 17-2  —  CHICAGO (AP) — For the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, it was flying practice.  For the Chicago Cubs, it was batting practice.  —  GAME REPORT: Cubs 17, Pirates 2  —  Pilots prepared for the weekend's Chicago Air & Water Show …

Red Sox, Renfroe Agree On $1.4 Million  —  The Red Sox and third-round pick David Renfroe have agreed to terms on a $1.4 million bonus.  Under MLB provisions for two-sport athletes, his bonus will be spread over five years.  The net present value of the deal comes in below …

Mets Additions to Citi Field  —  The Mets today will unveil several enhancements to Citi Field highlighted by new HD video boards in Right Field and on the Promenade Level, as well as another in Left Field and down the third base line, among others.  —  ...i.e., they're finally turning them on...

Source: Lerner meets with Strasburg  —  Publicly, neither the Washington Nationals nor Stephen Strasburgs camp having been saying much about contract negotiations for the No. 1 overall pick, which will end with or without a deal at midnight on Tuesday.  But that doesnt mean things arent heating up behind the scenes.

D-backs sign top pick Borchering  —  Infield prospect was selected 16th overall in June Draft  —  PHOENIX — The D-backs signed first-round pick Bobby Borchering on Friday.  —  Borchering, who was selected No. 16 overall in June's First-Year Player Draft, was one of the D-backs' two first-round picks.

Tom Verducci TomVerducciThree Strikes A rise in ejections, and Damon's power.  Plus, another Nats error? … 1. Does it seem to you that ejections and arguments are way up this year?  It might seem that way after a wild past week in which umpires Ed Rapuano (long-distance ejection) …

Bedard out 4-6 months, Beltre won't need surgery  —  Pitcher Erik Bedard won't be able to pitch again for between 4-6 months after surgery today revealed a torn labrum and inflamed bursa - injuries that will impact him into next season.  —  At the same time the Seattle Mariners got that news …

Dodgers to announce signing of highly regarded draft pick Garrett Gould, sources say  —  Since I'm pretty adamant with my skepticism toward unsourced reports, feel free to apply the same standard to this one.  Although I can't offer on-the-record confirmation, I have gotten reliable indications …

Prospectus Roundtable: The Problem with Young Pitchers Is... by Baseball Prospectus  —  Remember when Mark Prior was on his way to Cooperstown?  Or when Edwin Jackson was a bust?  Every year, it seems like some young hurler is defying our expectations, yet we are constantly forgetting …

Love or hate him, Sterling has our attention  —  Someday, someone less interesting will preside over the Yankee Stadium  —  radio booth, and fans who were young around the turn of the millennium doubtless will reminisce fondly about John Sterling.  —  They will recall the personalized home run calls …

Duquette on Statistical Analysis & Decision Making  —  Readers of the site know about some of the spirited debate going on here regarding statistical analysis.  I questioned our good friends at Amazin Avenue, who tend to look at the game from a very numbers centric perspective.

Yankees' Pen Clamps Down  —  Over the past seven days the Yankees have played seven games and won six of them.  Their hitting was good and there starting pitching very good, but I wanted to highlight the contribution of their bullpen.  Seven games in seven days including two extra innings games …

Hide the women and children: Vintage CC might be coming  —  Needless to say, it's already looking prettay-prettay-prettaaay good for the league-leading Yankees these days.  —  Mark Teixiera is the leading candidate for AL MVP, the team has been avoiding serious injuries and even Jerry Hairston …

A few random afternoon thoughts ...  The Red Sox have acquired SS Alex Gonzalez and his .554 OPS.  Being the shortstop of the Red Sox is like being one of the security officers beaming down to the planet with Captain Kirk.  You're only going to be around for so long.  —  Meanwhile: