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...

Howard homer carries Phillies past Braves 3-2  —  ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves kept coming up just short of the fence.  Chase Utley (FSY) and Ryan Howard (FSY) showed them how it's done.  —  Utley hit a two-run homer and Howard led off the ninth inning with a tie-breaking shot that gave …

Johnson's gem helps Marlins beat Rockies 6-5  —  MIAMI (AP) — The third and final standing ovation for Josh Johnson (FSY) was the loudest.  After allowing only one hit in 7⅓ innings, Johnson left the game to a big roar from the small crowd.  He helped the Florida Marlins tighten …

Pie hits for cycle as Orioles rout Angels 16-6  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Felix Pie (FSY) became the fourth player in Orioles history to hit for the cycle, and Baltimore tied club records for extra-base hits and doubles in a 16-6 rout of the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.

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) …

Halladay gets 13th win as Blue Jays beat Rays  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Roy Halladay (FSY) gave up two runs over eight innings for his 13th win, and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 on Friday night.  —  Halladay (13-5) was 0-2 in three previous starts against Tampa Bay this season.

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 …