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 …

Dodgers sign second-round pick Gould  —  Right-hander to immediately report to training complex  —  PHOENIX — The Dodgers believe they came away from the June First-Year Player Draft with an extra first-round talent in second-round pick Garrett Gould, and on Friday, they signed …

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 …

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 …

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...

Game 116: Yankees at Mariners (with A-Rod update)  —  YANKEES (72-43)  —  Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (9-6, 4.14).  —  MARINERS (60-55)  —  Suzuki RF  —  Gutierrez CF  —  Lopez 2B  —  Griffey Jr, DH  —  Branyan 1B  —  Hannahan 3B  —  Johnson C  —  Wilson SS  —  Saunders LF

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 …

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) …

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.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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:

San Diego Padres' David Eckstein still resentful of departure from St. Louis Cardinals  —  ST. LOUIS — This is David Eckstein's second trip back to the town where he was a World Series MVP in 2006.  Lingering resentment remains over his departure.  —  The Padres' second baseman wants …