Nationals encounter risks, rewards of dealing with Scott Boras while working to sign Bryce Harper  —  Just how deeply is agent Scott Boras now embedded in the fabric of the Nationals, especially if as is expected, his client Bryce Harper signs with Washington by midnight on Monday night?

Extension for Reyes in plans  —  Mets on Twitter  —  Obviously the philosophy can change, but the Mets plan to pick up Jose Reyes' club option this winter and explore signing him to another long-term deal, a person familiar with the team's thinking told The Post yesterday.

Rangers' Nelson Cruz headed to disabled list  —  Right fielder Nelson Cruz is heading to the 15-day disabled list for a third time this season, and a second time with a strained left hamstring.  An MRI on Sunday revealed no tear but inflammation in and around the muscle.

Craig makes first start at third base  —  A protracted skid by regular third baseman Felipe Lopez caused manager Tony La Russa to briefly modify his stance regarding Allen Craig's fitness for third base.  —  On the same day the Cardinals moved opening day third baseman David Freese to the 60 …

Minor League Baseball: Investing In The Future  —  Baseball players know what you think of them.  —  They're overpaid.  They're spoiled.  Everything's been handed to them.  —  If you've lived the life, however, you already know perception does not match reality.  At least not in the minor leagues.

Galarraga, Avila scuffle in Tigers dugout  —  ‘Misunderstanding’ between pitcher, catcher gets heated  —  CHICAGO — Armando Galarraga catapulted to fame with his graciousness and sportsmanship after a blown call spoiled his bid at a perfect game, but he's just as competitive as anybody else.

You've Gotta Have Heart  —  Derek Jeter has played with heart and hustle for 16 seasons.  (Diamond Images/Getty Images)  —  I'm going to give you what I found to be an obscure but still kind of shocking bit of baseball award news.  But first let's talk a little bit about baseball and heart.

Lind, Romero give Blue Jays win over Angels  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ricky Romero pitched seven solid innings one day after signing a multi-year contract extension, Adam Lind homered and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Sunday.  —  Romero (10-7) allowed six hits, struck out four and walked three.

Kendrick, Phillies beat Mets 3-1  —  NEW YORK—Kyle Kendrick toyed with New York's sputtering offense into the seventh inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies ended the Mets' miserable week by beating them 3-1 on Sunday night.  —  Jimmy Rollins stole two bases and Shane Victorino swiped another …

The greatness of baseball (Updated)  —  Update: During the August 15 game against the Diamondbacks, Rob Dibble offered the following on-air statement to MASN viewers: … My mother was and continues to be my biggest fan.  She has been there since I was eight years old playing Little League in Southington …

Tim Lincecum didn't get hit hard today.  —  The Padres dinked and dunked him to death.  But we all know the way Lincecum has trended this season, and no matter what the hits and runs looked like, it's hard to be encouraged when a guy needs 93 pitches to record 11 outs.

Sad end to a man's quest for knowledge  —  With newspaper box scores going the way of the dinosaur, a daily obsession goes away  —  We interrupt the stretch run of this fascinating baseball season with something completely irrelevant, epically ridiculous and wildly unimportant.

Signing Josh Hamilton to extension a priority for Rangers  —  ARLINGTON - The new ownership group has spoken often about the desire to sign left-hander Cliff Lee once he hits free agency in the off-season.  While that is the top priority, signing Josh Hamilton to a long-term extension …