Pirates Notebook: Rockies' Shealy in trade sights  —  The Pirates are one of five teams pursuing Colorado Rockies first baseman Ryan Shealy through a trade.  —  Shealy, 26, spent the entire season with Class AAA Colorado Springs before being recalled Monday to participate in the current series.

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.

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.

Angels extend win streak to eight  —  Rookie Saunders solid as Los Angeles tops Cleveland  —  ANAHEIM — Another rookie pitcher, another milestone victory.  —  Joe Saunders joined Dustin Moseley, who won his debut Monday, and Jered Weaver, who has opened the year 6-0 …

Girardi expects Ramirez to build on power  —  MIAMI GARDENS - Rookie shortstop Hanley Ramirez is blossoming into one of baseball's rare commodities - a leadoff hitter with power.  —  Ramirez homered Tuesday for the third time in as many games, which gives him nine this season.

Red Sox Notebook: Source of Wakefield's discomfort a mystery  —  BOSTON — Pitcher Tim Wakefield underwent a series of tests yesterday by the Red Sox medical staff, but there was no word before game time last night on the findings.  —  Wakefield underwent a CAT-scan and a bone scan on his ailing upper back …

Jose, Mets still in stitches  —  CINCINNATI - Jose Reyes, who missed six straight starts with a cut left pinkie, quickly got tested with a pair of sharp double-play grounders in his return to the lineup last night.  Reyes, mostly affected when catching balls, said Scott Hatteberg's second-inning shot stung …

At age 94, O'Neil becomes oldest-ever pro baseball player  —  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 a slave, O'Neil moved to Kansas City to avoid racial persecution in the Deep South.

Youngsters Deliver (Tiffee Not Included)  —  Francisco Liriano was only a few outs away from his first career complete game, shutout, and a masterful performance that won't be soon forgotten before subbed-in first baseman Terry Tiffee managed to flat-out drop a routine throw from Jason Bartlett.

Giants could be looking to deal  —  The Giants are interested in trading for Nationals second baseman Jose Vidro, according to two major-league sources.  —  The disclaimer:  —  A third source with knowledge of the Giants' intentions says Vidro hasn't been discussed.

O's, Phils discuss swap … Hoping to bolster their offense at the non-waiver trade deadline for both the present and the near future, the Orioles have discussed sending starter Rodrigo Lopez to the Philadelphia Phillies for one of their two expensive outfielders, Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell.

Despite All, Nats Manage A Win  —  Escobar's Hit, Cordero's Save Offset Missteps: Nationals 7, Marlins 6  —  MIAMI, July 18 — By now, 95 games into the season, it would seem the Washington Nationals would know when to throw a ball and when to hang on to it.

Blown call, rain delay prolong Mariners' misery  —  Yankees win, get new life on disputed play  —  NEW YORK — The Mariners have had more than their share of extra-inning games lately — three times in five games since last week's All-Star Game.  —  Seattle has lost all three …

Cardinal notebook: Gall bound for Korea  —  Gall bound for Korea  —  Twice the organization's minor league player of the year, outfielder John Gall was released by the Cardinals on Monday so that he could sign with a professional team in Korea.  Gall, 28, was in his fourth season with Class AAA Memphis …

Motown muscle  —  2 Konerko HRs back Garland in Sox romp  —  DETROIT — No wakeup call was necessary Tuesday night, unless you count the bump behind the back of Scott Podsednik's head.  —  That was courtesy of a throw from teammate Juan Uribe before batting practice that accidentally hit him.