Failure?  The Possibility Exists  —  It may be a fallacy, this notion that the Yankees have a mandate to win a championship every season.  For five years, they have not done it.  And what has changed?  —  Joe Torre is still the manager.  Brian Cashman is still the general manager.

Nationals Are Ready For Their Makeover  —  Team Weighing Moves Before Trade Deadline  —  The group of Washington Nationals who leave tonight for Pittsburgh and the post-all-star break portion of their season are little more than a ragtag bunch who have, by their manager's estimation, underachieved.

Astros fire Gaetti, promote Berry from minors  —  HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros shook up their slumping offense Wednesday night by firing hitting coach Gary Gaetti.  —  The Astros have the second-worst batting average in the National League and their run totals (408) ranks 23rd in the majors.

Ten burning questions for second half  —  It's July, time for the All-Star break, and the first half of the 2006 season is over and done with.  Now, it's time to get down to business.  —  As is the case with any other season, this year's MLB model figures to provide us with another engaging stretch drive …

Reds Bloggers Roundtable (July 2006 edition) Part I  —  It's time once again for that most celebrated of blogging traditions, the Reds bloggers roundtable.  Eight of us got together in a virtual setting on Monday night, to discuss the state of the Reds.  The parts of the discussion …

Sox knee-d to keep Manny happy  —  If you are the Red Sox, you ultimately have one decision.  Either you tick off Manny Ramirez or you tick off Major League Baseball, and we all know that it has been quite some time since Bud Selig knocked in a run.  —  The Red Sox will open the second half …

On Letterman, Mets' David has Wright stuff  —  David Wright became a baseball star in the first half of this season.  During the All-Star break he went supernova.  —  Wright capped his break, in which he finished second in the Home Run Derby, started in his first All-Star Game and hit …

Fenway for free  —  A sneak peek into how teens find the cheapest way to see Sox  —  There was a little blood spilled sneaking into Fenway Park to see the great Pedro Martínez pitch against his old pals last month.  —  ``It was worth it," says Josh Earle, a 16-year-old from Roslindale …

Speaking of Damon  —  Former stutterer now talks good game  —  He seems made to stand in front of a television camera - glib, rock-star handsome with a ready smile and a helluva player, too.  He is a spokesman for Puma, has talked teammates through complicated labor negotiations …

Ponson will be cut loose  —  Rebuffed in attempts to trade Sidney Ponson, the Cardinals are expected to officially part ways today with the pitcher.  —  Ponson, designated for assignment Friday hours after making a quality start in a loss against the Houston Astros, is due to clear release waivers this afternoon, according to sources.

TRADE WINDS  —  Moore is playing it cool, but a seller's market and a host of veterans could lead to some wheeling and dealing.  —  DETROIT |  - DETROIT |  The Royals and their fans are about to learn a lot about Dayton Moore, their new general manager, as baseball's rumor season hits its midsummer bloom after the All-Star break.

Canseco pumped for steroid probe  —  Jose Canseco, baseball's most famous whistleblower, took his turn before Mitchell investigation attorneys on Tuesday, giving up more names and making an offer the inquisitors probably didn't expect: He wants to go to work for them.

Quite a catch  —  Second baseman Jamey Carroll playing significant role in revival of Rockies … Jamey Carroll didn't go to the All-Star Game, but a case can be made that he was the Rockies' most valuable player in the first half.  —  At the very least, the 32-year-old second baseman …

Cards, Padres, Mets are first as second half opens  —  A team-by-team preview of the second half of the season:  —  TEAM-BY-TEAM: American League outlook  —  ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS  —  •Schedule: The Diamondbacks have the division's worst home record at 19-23, a trend they need …