Coming and going on September 1  —  There are no major surprises in the initial wave of September call-ups, but there is one significant surprise among the players filling the resulting holes on the Triple-A roster.  —  First the big league call-ups.  — C Francisco Cervelli  — SS Ramiro Pena

When did Trader Kenny become Traitor Kenny?  —  So if I have this straight, the White Sox acquired Jake Peavy and Alex Rios for a playoff run and then when things didn't go well, they ran with their tails between their legs.  —  Does that about sum it up?  —  And while we're asking questions …

Yankees go Bird-bashing in Baltimore  —  Robinson Cano gets props from Eric Hinske hitting a home run in the second inning.  Hinske goes deep later as the Yankees beat the Orioles, 9-6, Tuesday night.  —  BALTIMORE - Much has been made of A.J. Burnett's up-and-down season …

RED-HOT A-ROD MAY NOT NEED SECOND SURGERY  —  BALTIMORE — When Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees picked Dr. Marc Philippon to operate on the superstar's right hip in March, they did so because they believed the Vail-based surgeon was the best in the business.  —  Apparently, they were right.

Duncan wins MVP, Jackson named ROY  —  The league leader in home runs, RBIs and runs scored, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees right fielder Shelley Duncan has been named the International League MVP.  He's the second Scranton/Wilkes-Barre player to win the award, following Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino, who won it in 2005.

Red Sox set for crucial series at the Trop  —  Boston (76-54) at Tampa Bay (71-59), 7:08 p.m. ET  —  BOSTON — With momentum clearly on their side, the timing might finally be right for the Red Sox to end their near two-year slump at Tropicana Field.  —  Since the start of the 2008 season …

Burnett living in the shadows?  —  Has any big ticket free agent been more under-the-radar, more in-the-shadows than AJ Burnett?  If any other team, and I mean ANY, had signed Burnett and he posted the numbers he has thus far on the Yanks, is there any doubt there'd be some “overrated” or “bust” chatter?

Cardinals ink Ryan Franklin & Trever Miller to contract extensions  —  New pacts could keep both relievers in fold through 2011  —  ST. LOUIS- The St. Louis Cardinals completed a busy day of signings this afternoon by announcing that they have reached agreements on contract extensions …

Dodgers call up Elbert, Ellis and Repko  —  On the day that active rosters can expand to 40 players, the first wave joining the Dodgers will include Scott Elbert, A.J. Ellis and Jason Repko.  —  Some had believed Repko would be designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster …

Thole catches call-up break for Mets  —  DENVER - Josh Thole learned to hit in a barn while growing up in rural southeast Illinois.  He's only truly learning to catch as a Mets farmhand.  —  Now he's emerged as the organization's top catching prospect.  And Thole's progress will make him a call …

The Book of Fred  —  The Lord sat upon His throne, watching - of course - the World Series.  Satan came into His presence.  And the Lord spoke.  —  “See My faithful servant, Fred Wilpon?  I have allowed you to test him as you said.  In 2005, his team fell short of the postseason.

Mariners vice president Lee Pelekoudas resigns  —  Can't say this comes as an extreme shock, but it does rate as considerable news.  Mariners vice-president Lee Pelekoudas, who handled interim GM duties for the club last fall, has resigned.  —  A release put out by the team and statement …

Tuesday Dish: Appy League's More Pleasant Surprises  —  With the 863rd pick in the draft, the Mariners selected outfielder Brandon Haveman, an outfielder from Purdue.  —  While Seattle's 29th-round pick continues to terrorize Rookie-ball pitchers, his selection and subsequent assignment …

Florida Marlins: Cameron Maybin in, Luis Ayala out (and upset about it)  —  One of our astute contributors on the live game blog figured the Marlins had to win at least five of Josh Johnson's last six starts.  He, like the rest of us, were of the opinion Monday's outing was all but a sure thing.

Phillies' Hamels dominates Giants with two-hitter  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cole Hamels (FSY) pitched a two-hitter, Ryan Howard (FSY) drove in the only run with a fourth-inning double and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Francisco Giants 1-0 Tuesday night.