WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE RED SOX AFTER LATEST WAVE OF UNCERTAINTY  —  TORONTO — Monday — the day the Red Sox suffered a 1-0, 11-inning loss to the Blue Jays — might end up being a memorable moment in this 2011 season.  For Sox fans' sake, they better hope that isn't the case.

Is WAR the new RBI?  —  Let's face it, it's the only reason we remember Tony Batista.  In 2004, in his final full season as a major-leaguer, T-Bats drove in 110 runs for the Montreal Expos, despite a putrid .272 OBP.  Although he was, arguably, the worst everyday player in the majors in '04 …

Other Details Cloud Owners Comfort Level on Jim Crane and the Astros  —  It wasn't supposed to be like this.  For Drayton McLane and Jim Crane, the sale of the Houston Astros was to be a smooth-sailing process.  Although MLB protests such actions until sales are approved …

After 12 long months, Stephen Strasburg is back at Nats Park  —  Every few days this season, Steve McCatty would get a text message with a picture attached, and before the Washington Nationals' pitching coach could even open it, he knew what was in the picture: It would be Stephen Strasburg's grinning face …

Ozzie: Embarrassment should spark Dunn, Rios  —  MINNEAPOLIS — There's only one guarantee for both Adam Dunn and Alex Rios as far as 2012 is concerned, and that's their contracts.  —  Dunn will have $14 million coming his way, while Rios collects a cool $12.5 million.

Alex Liddi about to become first Italian-born player in majors in almost 50 years |  Mariners notebook  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Alex Liddi will do something Tuesday that no one from his homeland has in nearly half a century.  —  The third-base prospect will become the first Italian-born major …

Why Gamel wasn't called up  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  St. Louis - A lot of you Brewers fans have been asking me since yesterday why first baseman/third baseman Mat Gamel wasn't called up from Class AAA Nashville since yesterday, so I just had a conversation …

Lee Tosses Another Gem, Shuts Out Braves  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Cliff Lee tossed a five-hitter for his sixth shutout of the season, helping the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies beat the second-place Atlanta Braves 9-0 on Monday night.  —  Lee (16-7) struck out six …

Rod Barajas wants to return; do Dodgers want to go young?  —  Say this for catcher Rod Barajas, he gave the Dodgers exactly what they expected this season.  Solid defensively and with some nice power.  —  Now he wonders if they'll want it again.  —  Barajas will be a free agent at the end …

Trumbo, Wells Homer for Angels in Win Over M's  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mark Trumbo continued his torrid rookie season with a two-run homer and an RBI double, Vernon Wells hit his 20th home run, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Seattle Mariners 7-3 on Monday night to put themselves within 2½ games …

Benson, Parmelee to join Twins on Tuesday  —  MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins announced on Monday that they will recall outfielder Joe Benson and first baseman Chris Parmelee from Double-A New Britain and infielder Matt Tolbert from Triple-A Rochester prior to Tuesday night's game against the White Sox at Target Field.

Niese not progressing significantly from strain  —  MIAMI — Though the Mets are not ruling out a return this season for starting pitcher Jon Niese, the left-hander has not progressed significantly since straining his right intercostal muscle last month.  —  Niese is currently doing pool work …