Johnson pitches Marlins past Pirates 3-2  —  PITTSBURGH (AP)—Welcome back, Josh Johnson  —  Johnson shook off a five-game winless streak to again be the effective pitcher he was earlier in the season, withstanding two solo home runs over eight innings to lead the Florida Marlins past the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 on Wednesday night.

Ozzie fires back at critics over Thome's departure  —  Jim Thome acknowledges the crowd's cheers.  (REUTERS / Eric Miller)  —  MINNEAPOLIS — White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen fired back at critics who still can't stomach the departure of Jim Thome, who hit a two-run walkoff home run Tuesday night …

The Franchise Player  —  A few weeks ago, I was asked the popular barstool argument question: if you could start a franchise with just one player - with contracts and dollars being irrelevant - who would it be?  I'd guess that a lot of us have had that conversation more than once.

BLUE JAYS SEND ARENCIBIA DOWN TO TRIPLE-A LAS VEGAS  —  The Toronto Blue Jays optioned rookie catcher J.P. Arencibia back to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday following their 5-4 loss to the Oakland A's.  —  The move had been planned to coincide with the return of catcher John Buck …

Pirates agree to terms with Mexican pitcher Heredia  —  The Pirates early this morning agreed to terms with 16-year-old pitching prospect Luis Heredia of Mexico on a $2.6 million bonus, the biggest payout in franchise history for an international amateur.  —  In Mexico, the team owning …

Cards seek help at third base  —  The Cardinals are pursuing a third baseman or utility infielder with more urgency as the team gropes for offense and stability at a position left exposed by inconsistent play and injury.  —  General manager John Mozeliak said the team was involved in discussions …

Rockies' Hawpe clears waivers; likely last game with team  —  After clearing waivers with the Rockies, will Brad Hawpe be traded?  (Karl Gehring, The Denver Post)  —  LOS ANGELES — As predicted, Brad Hawpe cleared waivers today, a procedural move that has set the stage for the Rockies to release Hawpe either tonight or tomorrow.

Rollins paces Phillies to victory over Giants  —  The Sports Network  —  Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Jimmy Rollins' three-run homer capped a four-run fourth inning, and the Philadelphia Phillies widened the gap in the NL Wild Card race with an 8-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.

New York Mets plan to carry three catchers with Rod Barajas coming off minor league rehabilitation  —  HOUSTON - Rod Barajas (strained left side) has completed his minor league rehabilitation and will be activated Thursday, Jerry Manuel said.  The Mets plan to carry three catchers …

Mets outlast Astros 3-2 in 14 innings  —  HOUSTON—Jose Reyes matched a season high with four hits and scored on a sacrifice fly by slumping Ike Davis in the 14th inning to give the New York Mets a 3-2 win over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.  —  After Geoff Blum hit a tying home run …

Reds rally for 11-7 win over D'Backs  —  PHOENIX—Pinch-hitter Chris Heisey laid down a perfect squeeze bunt, driving in Jim Edmonds with the go-ahead run from third base with one out in the top of the ninth inning, and the Cincinnati Reds rallied from a four-run deficit to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 11-7 on Wednesday night.

Reds offer Baker an extension  —  The Reds have offered Dusty Baker a contract extension.  —  “We just got the proposal a few days ago,” Baker said.  “We're still evaluating it.”  —  Baker wouldn't say if it's a one-year or multi-year extension.  —  “I've got to look at where were going,” he said, “and what I want to do.”

Lindstrom placed on 15-day DL  —  Lindstrom goes on DL  —  The Astros placed righthander Matt Lindstrom on the 15-day disabled list following Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Mets.  —  “We need to get him right,” Astros manager Brad Mills said.  —  Lindstrom is coming off three rough outings …

Venezuela's Chávez Has Advice for Rodriguez  —  From one famous Venezuelan to another came a reassuring phone call this week.  —  Venezuela's president, Hugo Chávez, a fan and a friend of the embattled Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, said he reached out on Sunday to the pitcher known in his native country as El Kid.

Heyward's hit gives Braves another last at-bat win  —  ATLANTA—The Atlanta Braves did it again in their final at-bat, beating the Washington Nationals 3-2 on Jason Heyward's run-scoring single in the ninth inning Wednesday night.  —  The Braves won for the 21st time in their final swing, which leads the majors.

Lackey, Red Sox look to stay perfect vs. Angels … John Lackey's first season with the Boston Red Sox hasn't gone exactly according to plan, but he's saved two of his best performances for his former team.  —  The right-hander has a chance to beat the Los Angeles Angels for the third …

Sox, Cuban prospect Ibarra renegotiated deal after failed physical  —  According to industry sources, Red Sox catcher Adalberto Ibarra signed a minor league deal for a bonus in line with a late-sandwich pick in the draft, between $700,000 and $800,000.  —  Ibarra had originally agreed …

Braves Acquire Derrek Lee For Three Prospects  —  When Derrek Lee takes the field at Wrigley this weekend, he won't be wearing a Cubs uniform.  The Braves have acquired Lee from Chicago in exchange for right-hander Robinson Lopez, right-hander Tyrelle Harris and left-hander Jeffrey Lorick.