Gammons stricken, undergoes surgery  —  ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons, 61, is undergoing surgery this afternoon for an aneurysm in his brain.  —  Gammons was stricken earlier today and was taken to a Boston-area hospital.  He is expected to be in intensive care for the next 10 to 12 days.

Call it a learning experience … MIAMI - Rookie James Shields has shown the Devil Rays a confident and aggressive attitude on the mound.  He has shown off a dominating combination of a fastball and a "power changeup" that allows him to breeze through innings.

Sox win not easy on the eyes  —  Buehrle in control, Thome gets key hits while playing field  —  PITTSBURGH — The White Sox's dominance over the National League Central nearly received a black eye Tuesday night.  —  But thanks to Jim Thome's roots at first base, the Sox persevered …

Womack demoted; Nevin next to go?  —  The Cubs sent second baseman Tony Womack to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, a move that could signal the beginning of a midsummer purge.  —  Manager Dusty Baker said Womack's demotion was made because catcher Henry Blanco had a sore neck …

Marlins' heat wave carries Olivo with it  —  MIAMI GARDENS — It seems like everyone for the Marlins has hit well during the team's hot streak, and catcher Miguel Olivo is no exception.  —  Olivo is batting.408 (20-for-49) through 16 games in June with three home runs and 16 RBI.

Notes: Struggling Bucs shuffle staff  —  Perez sent to 'pen; Vogelsong designated for assignment  —  PITTSBURGH — With the Pittsburgh Pirates mired in an 11-game losing streak, everyone from the fans to the players to the Bucs' CEO has been calling for changes.

Nats Are Mowed Down by Burnett  —  TORONTO, June 27 — There was a time in December when hope filled a Dallas hotel suite, one packed with executives from the Washington Nationals.  General Manager Jim Bowden worked the winter meetings, browbeating agents and other general managers, trying to make a splash.

Votto reclaiming top-prospect status  —  Canadian first baseman to participate in 2006 Futures Game  —  For first baseman Joey Votto, the 2005 season was one to forget.  —  After batting .301 with 19 home runs, 92 RBIs and 90 walks in 2004 with Class A Dayton and Potomac …

Mets get a feeler for Floyd  —  BOSTON - The Tigers recently inquired about the availability of Cliff Floyd, but were told the outfielder was not being traded, according to two baseball officials.  —  Floyd has been on the disabled list for three weeks with a sprained left ankle, but could return this weekend against the Yankees.

Cards skid now lengthiest in almost 18 years  —  Offering the definition of a slumping team, when the Cardinals hit, they don't pitch.  When they pitch, as was the case Tuesday night against the Cleveland Indians, they don't hit.  —  And for eight games now they haven't won.

Anatomy of a Tiger (Part 1)  —  Amid the continuing performance-enhancing drug scandal, Barry Bonds passing Babe Ruth on the all time home run list and yet another AL East race between the Yankees and the Red Sox, the season's biggest surprise has undoubtedly been the resurgence of the Detroit Tigers.