Derek Lowe ‘officially’ threw his last MLB pitch  —  STATELINE, Nev. - Derek Lowe doesn't see the point in using the word “retirement” to signify the end of his 17-year major league career.  —  But Lowe left no room for interpretation after his practice round on Wednesday at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament.

Baseball union boss Michael Weiner warns Biogenesis drug cheats could face major road block  —  Although Weiner was not specifically speaking about Alex Rodriguez, sources have told The News that MLB investigators have gathered an overwhelming amount of evidence that shows …

Braves Eyeing Left-Handed Relievers  —  The Braves' priority is to add a left-handed reliever, writes MLB.com's Mark Bowman, with James Russell of the Cubs, Mike Gonzalez of the Brewers, and Wesley Wright of the Astros on their wish list.  The Braves are more interested in Russell and Gonzalez, he adds.

Top 50 MLB prospects update  —  Byron Buxton moves to top spot; No. 1 draft pick Mark Appel in top 10  —  At the MLB season's midpoint, just past the signing deadline for drafted players, here is a fresh look at the top 50 prospects still in the minor leagues, including a new name on top.

(USATSI)  —  The Yankees recently called for Padres star third baseman Chase Headley and were told there wasn't a deal to be made, according to people familiar with the brief discussion.  —  While the Padres are willing to listen on any of their players, Headley appears to be about as close …

Brewers' chief sees a ‘silver lining’  —  “We win and lose as a team, and as a team, we need to figure this out from a planning standpoint as well as from an execution standpoint.”  - Mark Attanasio  —  With the Milwaukee Brewers in the midst of one of their worst seasons in several years …

Reds call up Neftali Soto  —  In a piece of roster gymnastics, the Reds have called up Neftali Soto as an extra bat off the bench for the next few days, optioning left-hander Tony Cingrani to the Arizona Reds of the Rookie Arizona League.  —  Cingrani was at Thursday's workout and will still pitch …

Competitive Balance Lottery pays out 12 Draft picks  —  Rockies get first pick of Round A, followed by Orioles, Indians, Marlins, Royals, Brewers  —  Last year, the Competitive Balance Lottery was a novelty, a mystery to many.  The second annual version took place on Wednesday afternoon …

O's agree to terms with Cuban prospect Alvarez  —  Cuban outfield prospect Dariel Alvarez has agreed in principle to a deal with the Orioles worth $800,000, he told MLB.com on Thursday.  —  Alvarez, who is waiting on the results of his physical, could officially sign on Saturday.

Beltran hopes to play three more years  —  • By Derrick Goold dgoold@post-dispatch.com 314-340-8285  —  NEW YORK  • Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran found a familiar sight waiting for him when he reported to the National League clubhouse Monday afternoon.

Diamondbacks announcer accused of threatening wife with knife  —  FONT:  —  The Spanish-language play-by-play voice of the Arizona Diamondbacks was arrested Wednesday accused of holding a kitchen knife to his wife's throat and threatening to kill her, according to court records.

Miami Marlins to Host “Legends of Wrestling Night” in August  —  It's something that Bill Veeck knew and it's a staple of the Minors: when all else fails, make sure you do creative promotions.  The Miami Marlins have certainly taken this to heart for a date in late August.