Dodgers Didn't Have Authority to File Bankruptcy, MLB Says  —  Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt didn't have authority to put the baseball team into bankruptcy, according to Major League Baseball, which hopes to replace the team's proposed rescue loan with its own.

As race with the Red Sox heats up, Yankees may pay price for arms  —  The Yankees have the best record in the American League and the worst record against the Red Sox.  —  Which carries the most influence with the trade deadline a month away?  —  Organizations generally try to build a team …

The Math Problem  —  Sabermetrics can help teams identify hidden talent and turn regular sports fans into math nerds.  But can the numbers lie?  —  Buying a car is a hard decision.  There are just so many variables to think about.  We've got to inspect the interior and analyze the engine, and research the reliability of the brand.

Williams defends Dunn signing  —  Sox GM covers many bases in wide-ranging interview  —  White Sox general manager Kenny Williams has no regrets about signing slugger Adam Dunn.  (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / December 3, 2010)  —  Saying, “I would make the same move tomorrow” …

Blue Jays recall Brett Cecil  —  Brett Cecil is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays.  —  The American League club announced on Tuesday that the left-handed pitcher has been recalled from Las Vegas of the Pacific Coast League.  —  To make room for Cecil on the roster the Blue Jays …

Brian Cashman says he doesn't plan to talk to Yankees about a new deal until his contract expires  —  For years, the Yankees have followed a policy of not talking contract with their upcoming free agents until after the season.  As far as free-agent-to-be GM Brian Cashman is concerned, the same applies to him, too.

Indians OF Choo has thumb surgery  —  CLEVELAND—Indians outfielder Shin-Soo Choo could miss up to 2 1/2 months after having surgery on his broken left thumb.  —  Choo's thumb was broken Friday night in San Francisco when he was struck while batting in the fourth inning by Giants left-hander Jonathan Sanchez.

Ellsbury closes gap on Hamilton in All-Star voting  —  NEW YORK—Jacoby Ellsbury has narrowed the gap on Josh Hamilton in fan voting for the final starting spot in the American League outfield at the All-Star game.  —  Major League Baseball released the latest results Tuesday.

Surging Yanks host NL Central-leading Brewers … A veteran lineup continues to produce for New York Yankees, who have a slim lead in the AL East.  —  The Milwaukee Brewers have opened a slightly larger advantage in the NL Central thanks to their young stars.

Wainwright fights to get back quickly  —  Much like the 35 or so players who have been on the Cardinals' roster this season, Adam Wainwright is on a mission.  Or at least he has a dream.  —  “My modest goal,” he said, “is try to talk them into letting me play on the playoff roster in October.”

Cecil Fielder thinks Mets could have chance at signing son Prince Fielder when he hits free agency  —  Could Prince Fielder be a Met next year?  His father, Cecil, seems to think it could happen.  —  They say they are losing money off the field and they're struggling to contend on it …

Source: Tigers open to trading reliever Thomas  —  The Detroit Tigers have been gauging trade interest in left-handed reliever Brad Thomas and are willing to move him, a major league source told FOXSports.com.  —  Detroit is in the rare position of having a surplus of left-handed relievers.

Rangers' Ryan: No interest in Beltran, K-Rod  —  Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan downplayed reports Monday that the club is eyeing New York Mets veterans Carlos Beltran and Francisco Rodriguez as the trade market begins to heat up.  —  “I can't believe that we have an interest in either,” Ryan told 103.3 FM's Galloway and Company.

Cabrera's HR in 9th lifts Indians over D-backs 5-4  —  PHOENIX—Orlando Cabrera homered off closer J.J. Putz with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night, snapping the Indians' three-game skid.