Girardi Puzzled as Blue Jays Pound Yankees 16-7  —  TORONTO (AP) — Joe Girardi was left scratching his head at Bartolo Colon's latest bad start.  —  Edwin Encarnacion and Eric Thames had three hits and three RBIs each and the Toronto Blue Jays used an eight-run first inning to beat Colon …

Lupica: Rocket off on technicality  —  Roger Clemens didn't get vindication Thursday when the judge at his perjury trial, Reggie Walton, declared a mistrial because of a bad mistake by the prosecution.  He didn't clear his name, or settle his score with Congress or the government.

Paperwork error allowed Mets GM Sandy Alderson to trade Francisco Rodriguez to any team he wished  —  It was a paperwork screwup that allowed the Mets to deal Francisco Rodriguez to the Milwaukee Brewers.  —  Sandy Alderson confirmed a published report that K-Rod did have a limited no-trade clause.

Epstein won't rest on laurels as Deadline nears  —  BOSTON — With the All-Star break coming to an end, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein will be looking at his team with a microscope over the next two-plus weeks, trying to identify what moves he might be able to make before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.

Updating the top prospects  —  Harper soars while Montero plummets in midseason prospect rankings  —  With the Futures Game and more than half the minor league season in our rearview mirror, it's time to update the rankings of the top prospects in the minors.

Chipper progressing well after knee surgery  —  ATLANTA — Third baseman Chipper Jones has responded well since his right knee surgery last Saturday and will begin hitting off a tee Friday at Turner Field.  —  “[I] went out and threw a little bit just now [and] felt fine,” Jones said during Atlanta's workout Thursday.

Justin Masterson records 8th victory for rejuvenated Indians  —  BALTIMORE — The All-Star break is supposed to have a restorative effect on teams.  At least that is the hope for clubs fighting for division championships.  —  If the Indians' 8-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night …

Padres' bullpen meltdown leads to Giants' 6-2 win  —  SAN DIEGO - Aubrey Huff hit a tying homer off All-Star closer Heath Bell leading off the ninth inning and Mike Fontenot brought in the go-ahead run with a bases-loaded walk with two outs in the 12th, helping the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants beat …

10 steps to keep Bucs' success  —  The Pirates emerge from the All-Star break Friday in Houston four games over .500, one game out of first place and 34 victories shy of ending an 18-year losing streak, with 10 sellouts at PNC Park, two starting pitchers owning ERAs below 3.00, another owning 11 wins …

After K-Rod trade, Mets may close by committee with Bobby Parnell, Jason Isringhausen, Pedro Beato  —  It did not take long to replace Francisco Rodriguez - in the Mets' clubhouse at least.  As the team reconvened for the first time since its former fiery closer was shipped off to Milwaukee …

Spilborghs' 4 hits powers Rockies past Brewers  —  DENVER—Ryan Spilborghs had a home run among four hits, Ubaldo Jimenez pitched six solid innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 12-3 on Thursday night.  —  Spilborghs finished a triple shy of the cycle while registering …

Holland tosses 5-hitter in 5-0 win over Seattle  —  SEATTLE—Derek Holland was more satisfied with how he finished than his perfect start against the Seattle Mariners.  —  Holland, the Texas Rangers 25-year-old left-hander, was perfect for the first five innings and finished with a five-hitter …

Yankees call up Golson to replace A-Rod  —  Speedy outfielder Greg Golson will take Alex Rodriguez's spot on the Yankees roster.  —  Golson will be activated in time for Thursday night's second-half opener against the Blue Jays.  Rodriguez underwent surgery Monday to repair a torn meniscus …