Leap year  —  Crisp's catch vaults Sox to 12th straight  —  For all the talk about homecomings at Fenway Park this week, the Red Sox graciously allowing they will always leave a light on for Pedro Martínez, there can be no debate that Curt Schilling until further notice remains master of the house.

For Nats, A Really Bad Trip  —  Road Woes Continue, Patterson Is Ailing: Blue Jays 8, Nationals 4  —  TORONTO, June 29 — He didn't say it as if he was resigned to his team's fate, as if there was no hope at all.  But Washington Manager Frank Robinson's response could only seem realistic given …

Steinbrenner's spending has AL on top  —  George Steinbrenner turns 76 on the Fourth of July.  His legacy as owner of the New York Yankees is secure.  —  The Boss made the American League into a powerful beast.  —  In the B.S. era (before Steinbrenner), the AL had turned meek and out of date.

Rangers get Haigwood for Castro  —  SAN FRANCISCO - The Rangers managed to get something out of the Fabio Castro affair.  —  Essentially, they got Castro with options.  —  The Rangers sent Castro, a 21-year-old left-hander who began his career with the Chicago White Sox organization …

Barrett: Brewers' Lee belongs at Wrigley  —  Michael Barrett is a catcher, but he made a strong pitch Wednesday for Cubs general manager Jim Hendry to pursue Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Carlos Lee.  —  Lee's power explosions at Wrigley Field remind Barrett of how his former Montreal Expos …

Rock the game clock  —  As game times are ticking back from three-plus hours, the Rockies are displaying better defense; players hope staying fresher will help them contend  —  Seattle - To understand the Rockies' standing in the NL, think DSL.  —  For years, Colorado was a dial-up franchise in a high-speed world.

Personal trainer refuses to testify in Bonds case  —  Barry Bonds' personal trainer refused to testify yesterday to the federal grand jury investigating the San Francisco slugger for perjury.  —  Greg Anderson, who served three months in prison after pleading guilty last year for his role …

Yanks do A-Rod an in-Justice  —  David Justice's pointed critique of Alex Rodriguez Tuesday night on the Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network was not a solo act.  —  A variety of moles, some embedded inside YES, said Justice, the network's pre- and postgame studio analyst, was strongly encouraged …

Kasten prioritizes 'long term'  —  Incoming Washington Nationals president Stan Kasten hinted yesterday the team will be active in acquiring young talent at the July 31 trade deadline, and reiterated his commitment to rebuilding the team's depleted farm system.

Palmeiro speaks … The man whose finger-wagging image may forever be the lasting snapshot of baseball's so-called steroid era hasn't paid much attention to the sport's most recent drug scandal.  —  Rafael Palmeiro spends his mornings working out, his days playing baseball with his two sons …

Reds give manager Narron, GM Krivsky extensions  —  CINCINNATI — The eight-game winning streak that vaulted the Cincinnati Reds into first place in the NL Central earlier this month convinced their new owner that things were headed in the right direction.  —  The ensuing slump didn't change Bob Castellini's mind.

Rangers have bargain guys  —  Three starters, more relievers were real steals  —  Pessimists looking at the Rangers' pitching might grouse about the fact that the team ERA (4.74) ranks 10th in the American League.  —  That won't cut it, they say, for the Rangers to make the playoffs.

Dunn hits 25th, Junior homers in fourth consecutive game  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  CINCINNATI — Adam Dunn wanted to see a few pitches from Jimmy Gobble.  He jumped all over the fourth one.  —  Dunn took the first two pitches from the reliever for strikes and fouled off …