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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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) …

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: