Rockies' Sunday losing streak reaches MLB-record 17 games  —  ST. LOUIS — The Rockies began the season as World Series contenders, believing earnestly they would make history.  —  This wasn't what they had in mind.  In their one and only appearance on ESPN, the Rockies became the first modern team …

Wait is starting to get heavy for Wakefield  —  SEATTLE - This is starting to feel like waiting for the completion of the Neponset Bridge project.  Or like waiting for Shaq to rescue the Celtics in the playoffs.  —  The Wait for Wake has become the Weight.

Posada loves Yankees fans, but would consider playing for a new team  —  Jorge Posada wearing anything but Yankees pinstripes?  That would have seemed impossible a few months ago.  —  Not anymore.  —  Posada, a career-long Yankee who is celebrating his 20th year with the organization …

Expect A Manic Monday  —  Baseball begins the day of the signing deadline with 23 of the 33 first-round picks still negotiating rather than playing.  Eleven of 27 supplemental first-rounders also haven't come to terms, and 98 of the 331 selections in the first 10 rounds have yet to turn pro.

Royals, Junis Agree On $675,000  —  The Royals have agreed to terms with 29th-rounder Jake Junis for $675,000.  That's the equivalent of sandwich-round money.  —  A star two-way player and basketball standout at Rock Falls (Ill.) HS, Junis is an 6-foot-3, 195-pounder.

For Branca, an Asterisk of a Different Kind  —  Earlier this summer, Ralph Branca met me at a country club in Westchester where he lives, extending the arthritic hand that 60 years ago this October threw the baseball that became the most famous of home runs, the “shot heard round the world.”

Phillies Sign Larry Greene For $1 Million  —  The Phillies have signed their top draft pick, agreeing to terms with supplemental first-rounder Larry Greene, the 39th overall selection in the draft.  According to an industry source, Greene received a $1 million bonus, the first reported seven-figure bonus outside the first round.

Tigers come up short in 8-5 loss to Orioles  —  BALTIMORE — It might be a while before Tigers manager Jim Leyland stops lamenting his kind-hearted decision to remove Victor Martinez in the ninth inning of a lopsided game.  —  Down by seven runs in the ninth, Detroit eventually got …

A's lose eighth straight to first-place Rangers  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Manager Bob Melvin is a bit perplexed by all of Oakland's ups and downs.  —  A strong road trip followed by a three-game sweep at home.  Defensive blunders that cost his club games.  A comeback that almost was against the reigning AL champions.

Gordon and Royals to discuss long-term deal after season  —  “Staying here?” he said.  “Heck, yeah.  I love it here.  I love the guys here.  I love being close to home.  I love the fans.  I love everything about this place.”  —  General manager Dayton Moore previously characterized …

Phillies Agree to Terms with Bush  —  The Phillies have agreed to terms on a Minor League contract with right-hander Dave Bush, according to a source.  —  The deal is pending a physical.  —  If Bush passes his physical he will report to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

After offering advice to Logan Morrison, Wes Helms gets released by Florida Marlins  —  Logan Morrison plans to consult the player's union to see if he has any grounds for a grievance against the Marlins for optioning him late Saturday to Class AAA New Orleans.