Starlin Castro's space cadet routine draws Bobby V's ire  —  Over the course of a season, I'm guessing it's an impossible task for any player outside of the battery to be 100 percent dialed into every pitch of a 162-game season.  The mind can wander, the mind can zone out, the mind can see something without seeing anything.

Jered Weaver and Park Effects  —  Over the next few days, you're going to read an awful lot about how Jered Weaver left money on the table to re-sign with the Angels and pitch close to home.  That is almost certainly true, since he probably could have commanded a significantly larger deal …

Timetable for Duncan's return unknown  —  CHICAGO — Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and general manager John Mozeliak could not say whether pitching coach Dave Duncan would rejoin the club in time for tonight's opener of a three-game series against the Dodgers.  —  Duncan left the club Friday night for personal reasons.

Mets broach Mike Pelfrey to bullpen, R.A. Dickey gets little support as Mets fall to Brewers, 6-2  —  Mets starting pitcher R.A. Dickey gives up two runs on six hits Sunday.  The Mets ask Mike Pelfrey (below) is he would be open to closing next year - an indictment of the current bullpen.

Ricketts in prime position to hire next GM  —  FOX Sports  —  Man, I would like to be Tom Ricketts right now.  —  I'd be the owner of the Cubs - pretty sweet.  And I'd be in position to hire just about any general manager I wanted.  —  Not everyone is available: The Red Sox's Theo Epstein …

A.J. Burnett spot in question  —  NEW YORK — With A.J. Burnett having his “typical terrible August,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said that the pitcher's five-year, $82.5 million contract will not prevent him from being dropped from the rotation.  —  “No, money is never going to be a factor,” Cashman told ESPNNewYork.com.

Indians put Travis Hafner on DL  —  The Cleveland Indians have put designated hitter Travis Hafner on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right foot.  —  General manager Chris Antonetti announced the move Monday before the Indians opened a series against Seattle.

Pirates put Kevin Correia on 15-day DL  —  The Pittsburgh Pirates have put starting pitcher Kevin Correia on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique and recalled right-hander Chris Leroux from a rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis to fill the roster spot.

Texas trouble for Red Sox in recent years  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — It would be inaccurate to portray these four games in Texas as a playoff preview for the Red Sox.  —  Jon Lester is not starting any of the four games.  And presumably come October the Red Sox will field a lineup …

Laffey odd man out on A-Rod's return  —  MINNEAPOLIS — With the Yankees activating Alex Rodriguez from the disabled list on Sunday, recently acquired lefty Aaron Laffey was the odd man out, as he was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.  —  Laffey made his debut for the Yankees on Saturday night …