Hillenbrand lashes out at Jays front office, wants trade  —  TORONTO — Shea Hillenbrand criticized the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and said he expects to be traded.  —  "I love my teammates here, but I'm waiting to be traded," Hillenbrand said during a profanity-filled tirade.

Sox armed for long haul: Beckett's extension sets future  —  Already, in the summer of 2006, roughly half of the pitching staff is set.  And after so many years and so much gray hair, we now celebrate words that so often seemed like a contradiction in terms.  —  Red Sox Youth.

Notes: Schneider remains fixture  —  Despite drop in numbers, catcher to stay as everyday player  —  MIAMI — After reaching career highs in hits and runs scored, Brian Schneider's production has dropped steadily this season.  —  "He's better than this," manager Frank Robinson said.

Sheets strong in outing at Omaha  —  OMAHA, Neb. — Ben Sheets may be ready to return to the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation.  —  He made a strong case Wednesday night, allowing only one run on three hits in 6 1/3 strong innings in helping the Triple-A Nashville Sounds beat the Omaha Royals, 3-1.

Next stop, Cincy: Actor Hanks continues ballpark tour  —  CINCINNATI — Actor Tom Hanks and two show business friends turned a rain delay into an event Wednesday.  —  Hanks, director Ron Howard and comedian Dennis Miller made Great American Ball Park their third stop on their hush-hush ballparks tour.

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.

Pedro makes pitch to hit 10-day target  —  CINCINNATI - Pedro Martinez has moved closer to returning from the disabled list.  The ace had a 60-pitch bullpen session yesterday, with a five-minute rest midway through the workout.  Martinez, whose 45-pitch session Sunday was his first since landing …

Notes: Pads react to Castilla's release  —  Hoffman calls Castilla 'an absolute class guy, the ultimate pro'  —  SAN DIEGO — News of veteran third baseman Vinny Castilla getting released by the Padres hit teammates hard on Wednesday as they were getting ready to face the Phillies at PETCO Park.

Chat Wrap: John Manuel Prospects Chat  —  Q: … A:  —  John Manuel: Thanks to everyone for coming in to the chat, I've had plenty of email on this post already so I thought a chat was the way to go.  Let's dive in with Weezer as my backkup band for the day . . .

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.

Marlins' Tankersley not limited to lefties  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Taylor Tankersley has been regarded as a lefty specialist since ascending to the majors earlier this season, but that's becoming a misnomer.  —  Wednesday marked the second time in as many appearances Tankersley pitched a full inning and was credited with a hold.