Let the good times roll  —  Sweet Caroline.  Good times never seemed so good.  —  The Red Sox last night won their 12th consecutive game, which ties for the third-longest winning streak in the 106-year history of the franchise.  They beat the NL East-leading Mets, 4-2, improving their record to 14-1 against the National League.

For Schneider, They Aren't Prime Numbers  —  TORONTO, June 29 — On June 9, Brian Schneider went 3 for 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies, raising his average to .248.  It wasn't much, but it was a start, and there was every reason to believe Schneider — who entered this season …

Angels searching for the right mix  —  The right move for the Angels won't just be Jered Weaver, but Stoneman isn't panicked.  —  ANAHEIM - For now, the Angels will have to wait for another flight from a minor-league town to try to patch their problems.  —  The team plans to bring …

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  —  In the B.S. era (before Steinbrenner), the AL had turned meek and out of date.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 …

Three Long Days in Boston  —  If the last three days were supposed to be a preview of this year's Fall Classic, then Mets fans probably want a do-over.  —  However, this is the best thing that could have happened to the 2006 Mets.  They were getting far too comfortable in their perch atop the NL East.

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 …

Prospectus Notebook  —  Rockies, Yankees  —  COLORADO ROCKIES  —  In his first year with the Colorado Rockies, 32 year-old Jamey Carroll has become a fast fan favorite.  Why shouldn't he be?  As of Thursday afternoon, his batting line was .329/.402/.441, a significant part of the reason …

Phlop  —  Philadelphia sports fans have a well-earned reputation for being hostile.  —  Sometimes you can't blame them, really.  —  The Phillies opened 2006 with four straight losses, and proceeded to win 22 of their next 33. which included a nine-game winning streak from April 30 to May 9.

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.