Smoltz, Cardinals reach a deal  —  LOS ANGELES — The Cardinals and free agent pitcher John Smoltz have reached agreement on a deal that will bring the former NL Cy Young Award winner to St. Louis as a potentially valuable swing man.  —  Smoltz, released by the Boston Red Sox on Monday …

Walking papers for Nats GM?  —  Buzz up!  —  So, what does Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo do for an encore after playing a key role in the signing of designated franchise savior Stephen Strasburg?  —  Would you believe lose his job?  —  Multiple sources insisted Tuesday that the Nationals …

Beckett gets caught off guard  —  With Varitek sidelined, ace's routine is disrupted  —  In his worst outing since June, Josh Beckett allowed nine hits and seven runs over 5 1/3 uninspired innings.  (Mark Blinch/Reuters)  —  TORONTO - Josh Beckett is a man who relies on habits.

One does it right, one does it wrong  —  Many of his teammates think he's goofy with some of the stuff he does, but if more were as dedicated and innovative as Adam Rosales the Cincinnati Reds might be better off.  Probably a whole lot better off.  —  While some are in the clubhouse laughing …

GARY DOESN'T EXPECT TO END YEAR WITH METS  —  THE Mets pulled Gary Sheffield off waivers last week when he was claimed by an unidentified team.  This means Sheffield cannot be traded for the remainder of the season.  He can be placed on waivers again, but this time, the Mets would not be able to negate a claim.

New York Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy headed for instructional league game  —  TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees pitcher Ian Kennedy likely will pitch next month in the instructional league, his first game action since having surgery May 12 to remove an aneurysm from beneath his right biceps.

Pedro, Moyer combine to stifle D-backs  —  After rain delay, lefty tosses six scoreless innings in relief  —  PHILADELPHIA — Pedro Martinez thought about his night Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park and still smiled.  —  He hoped to take another step forward after pitching five innings Wednesday in his season debut against the Cubs.

The evolution of the “valuable” in “Most Valuable Player”  —  Gotta love baseball's Most Valuable Player award.  Does any similar honor generate even one-tenth of the debate as this one?  This past week, there has ben a free-for-all in the yakosphere (copyright Neil Best) on this topic.

Ryan Church fires back at NY Mets manager Jerry Manuel for taking ‘cheap shot’ at him … NEW YORK — Former Mets outfielder Ryan Church shot back at manager Jerry Manuel on Tuesday for what he called a “cheap shot” remark last week.  —  After David Wright suffered a concussion Saturday …

Wright leads Mets' trio of Aaron nominees  —  Castillo, Pagan also in the mix for prestigious annual award  —  Through the travails that have marked the Mets' 2009 season, All-Star third baseman David Wright, second baseman Luis Castillo and outfielder Angel Pagan have delivered some good news with their bats.

Brewers trade underperforming Hall to Mariners  —  The Seattle Mariners acquired Bill Hall from the Milwaukee Brewers today in exchange for minor league pitcher Ruben Flores, SI.com has learned.  A source said that the Brewers will pay the remainder of Hall's $6.8 million salary for this season …

Derek Jeter actually has become underrated … Not too long ago, I achieved a brief burst of infamy for inventing a new word: Jeterate.  The official definition of the word — which has not yet, as far as I know, been picked up by the Webster's or New Oxford people — is …

Los Angeles Dodgers consider Vicente Padilla for rotation, source says  —  With right-hander Hiroki Kuroda's future availability still uncertain, the Dodgers have reversed course and have made Vicente Padilla “a consideration,” according to a source who has spoken with Kuroda's agent, Paul Kinzer.

First baseman Aubrey recalled from Norfolk  —  Left-handed hitter assumes Huff's roster spot  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Michael Aubrey's 2009 was already a whirlwind.  —  Now it could become a season of redemption, with a second chance for the former first-rounder to play in the majors.