Mets passed on 9/11 hats in part due to loan: source  —  Mets on Twitter  —  A red-faced Bud Selig called the Mets on Sunday night, the commissioner of baseball irate that the organization had thrown his office “under the bus” in divulging MLB was responsible for the decision that banned players …

David Ortiz exits game with back spasms  —  Here's some potentially bad news for the reeling Red Sox.  —  Brian McPherson of the Providence Journal reports that David Ortiz left tonight's game against the Blue Jays due to back spasms.  Ortiz was in the original starting lineup as the designated hitter …

Aaron at the movies: “Moneyball” review  —  Last night I attended an advance screening of the “Moneyball” movie, which is set for a wide release on September 23.  —  I've read Michael Lewis' book twice and consider it some of the best, most important baseball writing of all time …

La Russa hates losing, loves overmanaging  —  For some reason, the Tony La Russa moment I always remember is his postgame television interview after his Oakland A's got swept by the underdog Cincinnati Reds in the 1990 World Series.  I don't remember the reporter, only that La Russa …

Manny Ramirez out of jail after battery charge  —  Former baseball star Manny Ramirez has been released from jail after deputies say he struck his wife during an argument.  —  The 2004 World Series MVP walked out of a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., jail Tuesday after spending the night.

Marlins Release Mike Cameron  —  The Marlins released center fielder Mike Cameron after last night's win in Atlanta, tweets Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald.  The move drops the team's 40-man roster to 39, though it'd fill back up if Scott Cousins is activated from the 60-day DL.

Braves call rare meeting to ‘get mojo back’  —  ATLANTA (AP) — Mired in their first four-game losing streak of the season, the Atlanta Braves called a rare team meeting before facing the Florida Marlins.  —  Third baseman Chipper Jones says the meeting Tuesday was “basically a circling of the wagons” …

Grit, speed help Gathright return to BoSox  —  The Red Sox were looking for a player who could steal a base.  They found him in Yuma, Ariz., at the end of his independent league season, on a 115-degree day.  —  With his agent throwing him batting practice, no less.

Seamheads.com Launches Negro Leagues Database Powered by The Baseball Gauge  —  Welcome to the Seamheads.com Negro Leagues Database, powered by The Baseball Gauge.  We are creating the first comprehensive statistical encyclopedia of the great black baseball teams and leagues that operated behind …

Tigers roaring toward postseason  —  Flaws fixed through trades, Detroit's suddenly the hottest team in the game  —  Stop us if you've heard this line before:  —  In October, it isn't the best team that wins the World Series.  It's the hottest team.  —  Well, if that's true …

Josh Beckett set for Thursday or Friday; Bobby Jenks diagnosed with embolism  —  You want Red Sox news?  We have Red Sox news:  —  • Josh Beckett will start Thursday or Friday.  His right foot feels good and he will talk to the specialist today.  Then, presumably, they'll reach a decision about which day he pitches.

Rockies' Tulowitzki nominated for Roberto Clemente Award  —  Major League Baseball announced today that Rockies' shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is the team's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field.

Plenty of debate about baseball saves milestone, what it says about Mariano Rivera, modern relievers  —  No one doubts the greatness of Mariano Rivera.  His resume of shattered bats and unmatched postseason record lays waste to any debate.  —  But what exactly will it mean to become …

Angels ace Jered Weaver to pitch on short rest  —  Mike Scioscia says the right-hander will definitely throw on three days' rest, most likely in Baltimore on Sunday so he can start against Texas in the season finale Sept. 28.  —  Angels ace Jered Weaver delivers a pitch in the first inning …