Rev up the Bryce Harper hype machine  —  This was just the start.  Bryce Harper, a 17-year-old, got nearly $10 million from the Washington Nationals on Monday night, and it seems big, so big, too big.  Actually, it's just right: Welcome to the era of the proto-athlete.

Bobby Thomson, who hit the 'shot heard ‘round the world’ home run for the Giants, dies at 86  —  The man who hit the most famous home run in baseball history is gone.  —  Bobby Thomson, whose “shot heard ‘round the world” capped a best-of-three playoff and the Giants’ miracle comeback to win …

Francisco Rodriguez has thumb surgery … New York Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez underwent surgery on his right thumb ligament in Manhattan Tuesday evening, his agent Paul Kinzer confirmed to ESPNNewYork.com.  —  Rodriguez suffered a torn ligament in the thumb while allegedly striking …

Diamondbacks Set Loux Free  —  The 2010 draft keeps making news even after the signing deadline has passed, with the unprecedented step Tuesday of the Diamondbacks and unsigned first-rounder Barret Loux working with the commissioner's office to make Loux a free agent on Sept. 1.

Study Says Brain Trauma Can Mimic A.L.S.  —  In the 71 years since the Yankees slugger Lou Gehrig declared himself “the luckiest man on the face of the earth,” despite dying from a disease that would soon bear his name, he has stood as America's leading icon of athletic valor struck down by random, inexplicable fate.

Baseball Beginnings Exclusive: Dylan Covey Bypasses Brewers; Rumored Shoulder Injury turns out to be Type 1 Diabetes; Will Play for the University San Diego  —  California high school right-hander Dylan Covey has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and will honor his commitment to play college baseball …

Yankees Sign Dominican Shortstop Tamarez For $650,000  —  Dominican shortstop Christopher Tamarez has agreed to terms with the Yankees for $650,000.  —  Tamarez, 16, is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound rigthanded hitter who played in the Dominican Prospect League.  Tamarez has a wiry frame …

Will Saturday's scoreless inning complicate K-Rod case?  —  As we await word from the Mets about their handling of the Francisco Rodriguez situation, here are a few things to consider:  —The “fact” that K-Rod suffered the torn ligament in his thumb during last Wednesday's alleged assault so far comes only from the Mets.

Red Sox hope Pedroia's return fuels rally  —  Back from left foot injury, second baseman set to add spark  —  BOSTON — There will be a surge of energy that permeates Fenway Park for Tuesday night's game against the Angels.  It will be felt when second baseman Dustin Pedroia takes his position at Fenway Park around 7:10 p.m. ET.

Yanks' captain can't stop seeing double  —  Like jump throw and shovel pass, DPs in danger of becoming a Jeter trademark … NEW YORK — Derek Jeter can never hope to spend all the capital he has earned being the best all-around baseball player in New York over the past 15 seasons.

A-Rod day-to-day with tight left calf  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez left Monday's 3-1 loss to the Tigers before the fifth inning with tightness in his left calf.  —  No tests on the calf are scheduled, and Rodriguez is listed as day-to-day.  —  Manager Joe Girardi said Rodriguez approached …