Blue Jays cut ties with Hillenbrand  —  Veteran had been vocal about being frustrated with his role  —  TORONTO — After voicing his displeasure with his role on the Blue Jays and other issues, veteran infielder Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment following Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Red Sox sign righty Beckett to three-year extension  —  BOSTON — It didn't take Josh Beckett long to start paying dividends on his new contract extension.  —  "Way to make us look good," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Wednesday, grabbing a seat next to the team's next ace …

Padres release Castilla, continue search for 3B  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Third baseman Vinny Castilla was released by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, an unpopular move in the clubhouse and one that likely will hasten the NL West leaders' search for a replacement before the trading deadline.

RANGERS NOTES  —  Wilkerson eager to face left-handers  —  TORONTO - Brad Wilkerson was back in the starting lineup Tuesday after sitting out the previous game with a left-hander pitching.  —  Wilkerson would prefer to play against lefties, because he began the year with a higher career batting average …

Clemens wins 343rd over Cubs, Maddux  —  Roger Clemens outpitched Greg Maddux in a rare matchup of 300-game winners and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Wednesday night.  —  Clemens (2-3) threw six shutout innings to earn his 343rd career victory and move into sole possession of eighth place on the career list.

Future Shock  —  Sunshine State Scouting Notebook  —  While things are hot all over the country lately, it's always warm in Florida, and the Florida State League has been a hotbed for talent this year.  Even though the bevy of top pitchers like Homer Bailey (Reds), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers) …

Sosa says he'd return to MLB for right offer … MIAMI — Sammy Sosa is not retired and could hit some more home runs in the major leagues.  —  At least, that is what he said Wednesday.  —  "I'm not retired.  I'm young and happy," said the Dominican to a radio station in Santo Domingo.

Picturing the scene if Bonds is indicted  —  Barry Bonds' fate is in the hands of 23 anonymous Bay Area grand jurors who for the past year have reviewed evidence against the Giants slugger.  —  Thursday, they are expected to meet at the Phillip Burton Federal Courthouse in San Francisco …

Notes: Casey likely for trade  —  First baseman disheartened at possibly leaving hometown  —  PITTSBURGH — Sean Casey was elated to be traded to his hometown Pirates in the offseason.  Much less thrilling is the likelihood that his homecoming will be cut short as a trade deadline casualty.

CUBS MIGHT PROVIDE BULLPEN HELP  —  July 19, 2006 — While there are very few stones making ripples in the trading pool, that hasn't stopped teams from doing their due diligence.  With the Yankees interested in upgrading their bullpen if the price is right, the Cubs, who have relievers to deal …

Under The Knife  —  Multipliers  —  Powered by Zooomr, let's get right to the injuries:  — The NL West is so tight that it will be decided by luck, a bold move, or health.  The Dodgers placed Jeff Kent on the DL, a costly injury for them and one that will shuffle their already confusing infield situation.

Mid-Term Report Card: New York Mets  —  We're just past the All-Star break, and it's a good time to see how things have gone so far.  Now I've done some teaching in my professional career, and it's always much more pleasurable to hand out grades to the top students than to the ones who aren't doing well.