Ramirez, Cubs clobber Phils  —  The Sports Network  —  Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez wiped the slate clean from a dreadful first half, driving in four to set the tone of Chicago's 12-6 victory over Philadelphia in the first of four games at Wrigley Field.

Heyward helps Jurrjens as Braves beat Brewers, 2-1  —  The Atlanta Braves' new shortstop, Alex Gonzalez, left, prepares to throw after fielding a ground ball as second baseman Martin Prado looks on during batting practice for the Braves' baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Turner Field in Atlanta on Thursday, July 15, 2010.

Bob Sheppard's funeral: a majestic voice stilled  —  BALDWIN, N.Y.—Bob Sheppard considered himself a speech teacher more than a public address announcer, enlightening students about the importance of diction and elocution.  —  So imagine the pressure of speaking at his funeral.

Los Angeles Dodgers activate Manny Ramirez from disabled list  —  ST. LOUIS — As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers activated left fielder Manny Ramirez from the 15-day disabled list Thursday and immediately inserted him into the starting lineup, batting fourth, for the team's second-half opener against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Rangers get off to quick start vs. Red Sox  —  BOSTON—The Texas Rangers couldn't wait for the All-Star break.  —  And then they couldn't wait for it to end.  —  Josh Hamilton took over the major league batting lead with three doubles, helping the Rangers get off to a quick start …

Castillo's $2.2 Million Deal Highlights Seattle's Three Top International Signings  —  The Mariners have signed three high-profile international free agents, the most prominent being Dominican outfielder Phillips Castillo, who signed for $2.2 million.  —  Seattle also signed Colombian …

Cardinals Give John Mozeliak a Three-Year Extension  —  The Cardinals will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon where they will formally announce that general manager John Mozeliak will receive a three-year contract extension.  The news wasn't expected but it doesn't come as much of a surprise either.

Reds Seek Right-Handed Reliever  —  The first-place Reds are looking to add a right-handed reliever, according to ESPN.com's Buster Olney (via Twitter).  Cincinnati leads the NL Central, but their bullpen (4.45 ERA) could use help.  Francisco Cordero, Nick Masset, Logan Ondrusek …

Judge in McCourts' divorce case talks of Dodgers sale  —  As Frank and Jamie McCourt both claim to be low on cash, L.A. Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon says one resolution would be to sell ‘the asset which is being fought over.’  —  Frank and Jamie McCourt take in a July 4th game at Dodger Stadium.

Were the All Stars really throwing that hard?  —  If you watched the All-Star Game on Tuesday night, you may have noticed a lot high-nineties fastballs zipping from pitcher to catcher.  At one point Fox put up a graphic listing the fastest fastballs of the night: