Homers by Stewart, Giambi rally Rockies past Red Sox  —  They rushed the field Wednesday night, players flowing from the Rockies' dugout into the mosh pit at home plate.  —  Somewhere in the middle stood Jason Giambi, smiling like a 6-year-old on Christmas morning.

Mets, Twins appear to be two frontrunners in Cliff Lee sweepstakes  —  Quite the outing by Cliff Lee yet again, leading the Mariners to a sixth win in a row.  By the way, have you ever seen a team have so much trouble picking up even a single game in the standings?  It's getting ridiculous.

Bobby Valentine the overwhelming favorite to replace Fredi Gonzalez as Marlins manager, source says  —  PHOENIX - Bobby Valentine may be taking his act to South Florida.  —  The former Mets manager is the frontrunner to become the new manager of the Marlins, who fired Fredi Gonzalez on Wednesday.

Reyes shines on Seinfeld's big night  —  The legendary comedian was in the TV booth, and the Mets' leadoff hitter was huge … NEW YORK — On an evening featuring comic legend Jerry Seinfeld talking about musical sensation Lady Gaga, once again the fastest rising star in Flushing wore No. 7 and sprinted through the night like a comet.

Strasburg's strikeout show not enough  —  Phenom sets another K mark in taking first defeat  —  WASHINGTON — Stephen Strasburg may want to hone his hitting skills, as a lack of run support is beginning to become an early theme to the righty's young career.

Pirates Designate Dana Eveland For Assignment  —  The Pirates designated Dana Eveland for assignment, according to the team.  The club, which placed Zach Duke on the DL yesterday, will announce corresponding moves later today.  —  It's the third time Eveland has been designated for assignment this year.

Mets Ace Johan Santana Accused of Sexual Battery  —  TMZ has learned New York Mets star pitcher Johan Santana was accused in a police report of sexual battery that allegedly went down on a Florida golf course ... but the case went nowhere.  —  TMZ obtained a copy of the report filed …

Pedro Martinez is available, if Dodgers are interested  —  The former Cy Young winner, now a free agent, would seem to be a good fit at the back of the rotation.  —  Nothing personal against Charlie Haeger, but we would feel a lot better about the Dodgers if Pedro Martinez were starting for them Thursday.

Rollins hits 2-run HR in 9th, Phils beat Indians  —  PHILADELPHIA—Jimmy Rollins hit the first game-ending homer of his career, a two-run shot with one out in the ninth inning Wednesday night that lifted the Philadelphia Phillies over the Cleveland Indians 7-6.  —  Trailing 6-5, the Phillies rallied against Kerry Wood (1-3).

FREEWAY SERIES NOTEBOOK: Facing Yankees will be strange for Torre  —  ANAHEIM - Given that the teams have played just one three-game set since meeting in the 1981 World Series, the mere prospect of the Dodgers hosting the New York Yankees in a series that begins Friday might strike the baseball contingent as a little strange.

Cunningham's risky dive pays off for Padres  —  Left fielder makes spectacular catch in eighth with tying run on  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Take it from someone who has spent time in the outfield — leaving your feet for a diving attempt at a ball is much more a high-risk venture than it is a high-reward endeavor.

Dibble vs. Knight In Televised Pissing Match  —  Who'd have thought another fine performance (albeit in a losing cause) by Nationals phenom Stephen Stasburg would provoke such a spectacular war of words between MASN broadcasters Rob Dibble and Ray Knight?  In the unlikely event Nats fans …