It's Lima time, again  —  Lima Time apparently is back.  —  The Daily News has learned that Jose Lima is expected to rejoin the Mets from Triple-A Norfolk, capping a flurry of moves involving the pitching staff.  Yesterday began with the Mets demoting Alay Soler to Norfolk …

Petit to get first major-league start Wednesday  —  Rookie right-handed pitcher Yusmeiro Petit never received a chance to do what he does best — start — when he spent two months with the Marlins earlier this season.  —  But that will change Wednesday.  —  Petit, who made seven relief appearances …

Rookie's Seasoned Repertory, and Strike Zone, Bewilder the Yankee Batters  —  CLEVELAND, July 3 — The Cleveland Indians played a road game Sunday, but they made it home in time to watch the Yankees on TV at night.  Jeremy Sowers would be facing the Yankees on Monday, seeking his first major league victory.

Notes: Guillen got help from brother  —  Outfielder received a DVD showing his hitting in the past  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals outfielder Jose Guillen received a DVD on Friday from his brother, Eddie, that showed his batting stance when he was with the Reds and Angels.

Even in His Finest Moments, Yankees' Rodriguez Brings Out Detractors  —  CLEVELAND, July 3 — There is a poster of Alex Rodriguez on a pillar next to Derek Jeter's locker in the visiting clubhouse at Jacobs Field.  "The Natural," it proclaims, with Rodriguez's cherubic face smiling beneath a Seattle Mariners cap.

Stats Geek: Pirates could top 1-run loss record  —  The Pirates' annual hunt for dead October is particularly frustrating this year.  Not because there was ever legitimate hope for a winning season, but because there is so much dashed hope in so many winnable games.  —  Maybe it's time to change our strategy as fans.

Looking Ahead, Yankees Sign 16-Year-Old Catcher  —  CLEVELAND, July 3 — It may be years before the Yankees find out if they spent wisely Sunday, when they agreed to pay $2 million to a 16-year-old catcher from Venezuela.  But for now, the Yankees are excited to have Jesús Montero …

Houston 7, Chi Cubs 2  —  Houston 7, Chi Cubs 2  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Roger Clemens finally got some run support and won for the first time in his latest comeback.  —  "All in all, it was a good game," Clemens said.  "The guys hit the ball, and that was a lot of fun to see."

Cards notebook: Dream weaving  —  Dream weaving  —  The Cardinals are having internal discussions about Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Jeff Weaver, who was designated for assignment Friday and must either be traded or released by the All-Star break.  —  Weaver apparently …

Weaver sharp in return to rotation  —  Rookie allows just one run in seven innings, striking out nine  —  SEATTLE — If ever there was a time to say, I told you so, it was Monday night at Safeco Field.  —  That's where Jered Weaver, in his return to the Angels rotation, made it a perfect five-for-five in Major League starts.

Rangers really are boys of summer  —  Been thinking.  Head hurts.  —  I know.  I know.  I should do that less often.  But inside the old cranium, the voices are arguing:  —  Talk about something significant," the one little man says. "  This team is going nowhere.''

Piazza may link his future to Padres  —  PHILADELPHIA - Halfway through the 14th season of a Hall of Fame career, Mike Piazza laughs when asked about his future.  —  "In or out of the game?" joked the 37-year-old catcher.  —  But as he thought about the future, Piazza spoke about some options.

The life of Brien  —  Bricks, back roads & broken dreams of a former phenom  —  BEAUFORT, N.C. - A few times a week, often on his way home from work, the greatest pitching prospect the New York Yankees ever had pulls into a little roadside convenience store called In & Out Food Mart.

All-Star injury won't benefit Crawford  —  ST. PETERSBURG -An injury to one of the American League's All-Star outfielders apparently won't be enough to get Devil Rays leftfielder Carl Crawford into the July 11 game in Pittsburgh.  —  AL manager Ozzie Guillen on Monday told reporters …