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.

Alex Gordon's career would be in less trouble if this really was all about service time  —  You should believe two things about Alex Gordon's demotion to the minor leagues:  —  1. This is not primarily a ploy for the Royals to get an extra year before his free agency.

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.

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.

Ryan Church calls comments by New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel a ‘low blow’  —  NEW YORK — Ryan Church made it clear: He didn't appreciate those recent comments by New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel.  —  After Mets slugger David Wright was hit in the head by a pitch last weekend …

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.

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.

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.

Sheffield, Mets light up Lowe and beat Braves  —  NEW YORK(AP) When the Atlanta Braves handed Derek Lowe a four-run lead against an injury-depleted team, they figured they were in pretty good shape.  —  Turns out, those New York Mets backups had a big surprise in store.

NY Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain told to relax on extra days … OAKLAND, Calif. - Joba Chamberlain escaped during the All-Star break, returning home to Nebraska and blocking out all talk about baseball.  It worked so well for the talented right-hander, who emerged from the hiatus …