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.

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.

2014 Competitive Balance Lottery Results  —  The Competitive Balance Lottery for the 2014 MLB Draft took place today.  Twelve competitive balance picks are awarded, with the first six taking place after the first round's conclusion and the next six taking place following conclusion of the second round.

(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 …

Alex Rodriguez expects to return to Yankees on Monday … Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees left little to the imagination: Both parties expect he'll return to their lineup Monday.  —  In a radio appearance on New York's WFAN, Rodriguez said he expects to be in their lineup against the Texas Rangers …

Cuban righty Gonzalez could sign next week  —  The next baseball sensation from Cuba could be in a Major League uniform soon.  —  According to an industry source, the market is taking shape for Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and the right-hander could sign with a club as early as next week.

Bucs' renaissance can be completed with playoff berth  —  After teasing with hot starts last two seasons, Pittsburgh has goods to make run  —  PITTSBURGH — There is an old expression in sports for situations when a team is doing something unexpectedly well:  —  “Stop the season.”

Players union bracing for suspensions  —  NEW YORK (AP)  —  The baseball players' association says any suspensions resulting from the sport's latest drug investigation likely won't be served until next year if the discipline is challenged before an arbitrator.

Pirates' Jason Grilli and Giants' Buster Posey on July 22 covers of Sports Illustrated  —  At 36, first-time closer Jason Grilli has an NL-best 29 saves for the wild-card-leading Pirates.  (Hunter Martin/Getty Images)  —  One of baseball's best stories and one of its best players grace …