Boss prefers Soriano over Abreu  —  When George Steinbrenner spoke Saturday about "a guy I prefer," reporters followed up with a question about Bobby Abreu, and the Yankees' principal owner spoke positively of the Phillies' outfielder.  —  But Abreu is not the player The Boss had in mind.

Red Sox activate outfielder Wily Mo Pena, recall righthander Jermaine Van Buren from Triple-A  —  Lefthander Javier Lopez optioned to Triple-A, infielder Willie Harris designated for assignment  —  BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox today activated outfielder Wily Mo Pena from the 15-day disabled list …

Indians acquire RHP Brian Sikorski from the San Diego Padres  —  CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has acquired RHP Brian Sikorski from the San Diego Padres in exchange for RHP Mike Adams.  Sikorski will join the Indians in Anaheim prior to tonight's game.

Rockies overhaul 'pen  —  Two down; Corpas sent up with Shealy  —  PITTSBURGH - The Rockies made the first move in a revamping of their bullpen Monday, hoping that smaller can be better.  —  Something needs to change.  —  With a 3-1 loss Monday against Pittsburgh at PNC Park …

Notes: Hardy's season over  —  Shortstop to undergo surgery to repair loose tendon in ankle  —  SAN FRANCISCO — J.J. Hardy's season, in limbo for the last two months, is officially over.  —  The Brewers' second-year shortstop will undergo season-ending surgery this week to repair a loose tendon in his right ankle.

Molina's Numbers Need Asterisk  —  A statistic in Sunday's team-issued postgame notes made it seem as if catcher Jose Molina is on a tear, batting .356 (16 for 45) in his last 16 games.  Not mentioned was the fact that those numbers were accumulated in the Angels' last 42 games.

Krukow adds color to Giants broadcasts — and how  —  In 1976, early in his pitching days with the Cubs, Mike Krukow had dinner with his wife's relatives in Chicago.  One of the other guests that night was Raul Smith, a linguistics professor from Northwestern, who couldn't believe his ears.

CITGO sign makes Hall of Fame  —  To be located in the Museum's Grandstand Theater  —  There is a famous image emblazoned in the mind of any baseball fan who has seen a replay of Carlton Fisk's famous home run in Game Six of the 1975 World Series.  But it's a more subtle …

MLB Transactions  —  Activated outfielder Wily Mo Pena from the 15-day disabled list; recalled pitcher Jermaine Van Buren from Pawtucket of the International League (AAA); optioned pitcher Javier Lopez to Pawtucket; designated infielder Willie Harris for assignment.

O'Neil to play in minor league all-star game  —  KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) - John Jordan "Buck" O'Neil never got a free pass in life.  —  The grandson of a man brought to this continent as a slave, O'Neil moved to Kansas City to avoid racial persecution in the Deep South and played baseball during an era of segregation.

Mid-Season Blockbusters: July (Part One: 1896-1996)  —  We've looked at the biggest trades ever made in April, as well as May, and the long list of June deals.  Now it's time for the first of our two-installment survey of July transactions.  —  July 25, 1896: The New York Giants traded outfielder …