Spotlight is off Alex Rodriguez and his poker games as Yankees, Red Sox battle for first  —  Alex Rodriguez has a lot of heat on him for playing in some underground poker games.  But he won't have any heat on him this weekend as the Yankees play the Red Sox.

Lee tosses 5th shutout of 2011 as Phils top Giants  —  SAN FRANCISCO—For Cliff Lee it was just another game, another win that will help his team reach the postseason.  There was no revenge factor, no statements.  —  Lee threw a seven-hitter, Hunter Pence and John Mayberry hit …

A pressing matter  —  Ochocinco grabbed my attention with his hug-the-reporters suggestion  —  Group hug.  —  I still can't get my arms around it.  —  The inimitable Chad Ochocinco, a man destined to make us forget about Bill Lee, Oil Can Boyd, Shaquille O'Neal, and every other free spirit …

Extension offered, but Cuddyer waits  —  A two-year deal was on the table, but the All-Star wants to negotiate his contract after the season.  —  Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer  —  Buy Photos  —  view larger  —  ANAHEIM, CALIF. - Knowing Michael Cuddyer can become a free agent at season's end …

Haren beats Twins 7-1 despite Thome's 598th HR  —  ANAHEIM, Calif.—Dan Haren took a one-hitter into the eighth inning before giving up Jim Thome's 598th career home run, rookie Mark Trumbo had a homer and four RBIs and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Minnesota Twins 7-1 on Thursday night in the rubber game of the three-game series.

Matt Stairs' career highlights  —  Matt Stairs recently announced his retirement, which didn't come as much of a surprise to those who knew he was still playing, but possibly jolted many who figured he left years ago.  —  He was a late bloomer, not making it to 100 games in a season until …

Batting glove the only kind that fits Mets' Murphy  —  You ask Daniel Murphy what his choice is and he pushes aside his first baseman's glove.  He moves the outfielder's glove, the second baseman's glove and the slightly longer third baseman's glove.  —  “I don't care,” he said.

Colbert in charge of MLB's Twitter for today  —  Stephen Colbert has taken over the MLB Twitter account.  —  No, the host of the “Colbert Report” didn't hack in.  He won the keys fair and square by defeating MLB in the Beat the Streak Challenge back on June 14.  —  The Colbert Report

Sources: Mets “still nervous” about Crawford-type deal for Reyes  —  Jose Reyes is still here, knocking triples and stealing bases in the big city.  He was not traded last month, not shopped, not even mentioned in rumors.  This must have signalled an increased likelihood that the Mets will re-sign him …