Santana, Mets beat Braves 3-0 to avoid sweep  —  NEW YORK—Johan Santana saved the Mets from a sweep with another spotless outing and rookie Ike Davis hit his latest titanic home run in New York's 3-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.  —  Alex Cora and pinch-hitter Josh Thole delivered RBI singles …

Bob Sheppard, longtime Yankee Stadium announcer, dies at 99  —  Longtime New York Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard died early Sunday morning.  —  Sheppard died at his Baldwin, N.Y., home.  He was 99.  —  Sheppard became the PA announcer at the old Yankee Stadium in 1951.

Phillies head into break with four-game sweep of Reds  —  The Sports Network  —  Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Cole Hamels tossed 7 2/3 scoreless innings, while Jose Contreras, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge finished off the shutout and Philadelphia's four-game sweep of Cincinnati with another 1-0 decision.

Larry Beinfest: It's “hard to foresee” current Florida Marlins roster getting on a hot streak  —  Marlins baseball ops president Larry Beinfest just spoke with reporters about the first half of the season.  I'll have story on his comments later but here's a quick snapshot.

Jeter's salary drive and other key N.Y. baseball issues of second half  —  The Yankees refused to enter extension talks with Derek Jeter last offseason because, they insisted, it was their policy to wait until a contract ended before negotiating a new one.  —  That was a good alibi.

Broadcaster Miller whiffs on Rockies' cheating accusation  —  The Rockies have finally begun to hit.  So the only explanation is that they cheat.  —  Giants Hall of Fame broadcaster Jon Miller lobbed that accusation in Colorado's direction last week.  Miller was doing his regularly scheduled morning bit …

Dodgers could be in payroll limbo  —  If divorce case of Frank and Jamie McCourt goes to trial, the club could spend another off-season not knowing where it stands financially.  —  Frank McCourt's financial situation could be up in the air for months if he and his estranged wife, Jamie …

Cuban will make pitch  —  Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is taking another run at buying a Major League Baseball team.  —  Cuban has emerged as a bidder for the Texas Rangers, joining forces with former sports agent Dennis Gilbert and Texas businessman Jeff Beck to make a play …

Hitting coach Sean Berry relieved of duties; Jeff Bagwell named as replacement  —  HOUSTON, TX—The Houston Astros have relieved hitting coach Sean Berry of his duties, General Manager Ed Wade announced today.  —  Berry will be replaced by former Astros first baseman Jeff Bagwell …

Tillman, Orioles spoil Lee's debut with Rangers  —  The Sports Network  —  Arlington, TX (Sports Network) - Chris Tillman overshadowed the much- anticipated Rangers debut of Cliff Lee with 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball, and the Baltimore Orioles recorded their first road series win of 2010 with a 6-1 victory over Texas.

Paul Konerko to replace Justin Morneau on A.L. All-Star roster  —  Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko has been named to replace Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins on the American League's active roster for the 81st All-Star Game, Major League Baseball announced today.

Lopez slam, Hernandez pitching beats Yankees 4-1  —  SEATTLE—Jose Lopez hit his second career grand slam off Joba Chamberlain in the eighth inning, and Felix Hernandez outlasted Javier Vazquez to lead the Seattle Mariners to a come-from-behind 4-1 victory over the New York Yankees on Saturday night.

Bautista Hits 24th Home Run for Win Over Red Sox  —  TORONTO (AP) — Jose Bautista hit his major league-leading 24th home run, Alex Gonzalez and Adam Lind also went deep and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Boston Red Sox 9-5 on Saturday.  —  The Blue Jays, who lead the majors with 135 homers …