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 …

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 …

Yankees notebook: solving the homers  —  The number of dingers at the Stadium are not due to wind  —  Post on facebook Fan Comments print email  —  Let's kickoff this Yankees Notebook with a great study on ballpark effects from physicist Dr. Alan Nathan of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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 …

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 …

Pie hits for cycle as Orioles rout Angels 16-6  —  BALTIMORE (AP) — Felix Pie (FSY) became the fourth player in Baltimore Orioles history to hit for the cycle, then got two pies in the face from his teammates during the postgame television interview.  —  It was an emotional Friday night …

Halladay gets 13th win as Blue Jays beat Rays  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Roy Halladay (FSY) got the run support he needed to earn his first win of the season against the Tampa Bay Rays.  —  Halladay gave up two runs over eight innings for his 13th win and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Rays 5-2 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 …

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 …

Haren handcuffs Dodgers in opener  —  Four-run second provides ace with all the support he needs  —  PHOENIX — Dan Haren said he was just pitching inside.  —  D-backs manager A.J. Hinch called it aggressive baseball.  —  Mark Reynolds said one might have gotten away from Haren.

Twins shut down Indians  —  Minnesota pitcher Scott Baker throws a two-hitter while bat of Jason Kubel comes alive in 11-0 win over Cleveland on Friday night  —  Scott Baker pitched a two-hitter, Jason Kubel homered and had five RBIs and the Minnesota Twins beat the Cleveland Indians 11-0 on Friday night.

Best season ever...  I had the honor of pitching in front of Cal Ripken.  I got to pitch in front of Craig Counsell when he was at a Gold Glove caliber of play in Arizona.  Scott Rolen, Mark Lewis, Mickey Morandini, all of them.  —  I never pitched in front of a player that had a better defensive season …