ALEX LAUGHS AT PHILLIES TRADE RUMOR  —  July 21, 2006 — TORONTO - Alex Rodriguez laughed when a trade rumor that circulated through Wall Street yesterday was relayed to him.  —  "It doesn't make any difference," Rodriguez said of the rumor that had the Yankees third baseman going to the Phillies …

Gabbard to make major league debut Saturday for Red Sox  —  SEATTLE (AP) — The battered Boston Red Sox will promote left-hander Kason Gabbard from Triple-A Pawtucket to start against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in his major league debut, manager Terry Francona said.

Host of Problems At New-Look RFK  —  If you are one of about 110,000 people who are expected to attend the Nationals' "grand reopening" at RFK Stadium for their three-game series against the Cubs this weekend, try to focus on the new cuisine at the stadium — crab cakes, "riblets," chili …

Martinez checks himself into hospital  —  Right-hander 'not feeling well,' according to team  —  NEW YORK — Mets ace Pedro Martinez checked himself into a hospital on Friday night because the pitcher "wasn't feeling well," according to Mets director of media relations Jay Horwitz.

Padres interested in Mariners' Beltre  —  The Padres, continuing their search for a third baseman, are taking aim at a talented, expensive and perhaps unattainable option — the Mariners' Adrian Beltre.  —  The Mariners likely will entertain offers for Beltre only if they fall out of contention by the July 31 non-waiver deadline.

Gonzalez left out and upset  —  D-Backs veteran sounds off after 'one-day' stint on bench  —  PHOENIX — Luis Gonzalez never likes to see his name out of the lineup, but his omission Thursday in the final game of a four-game series with the Dodgers was particularly upsetting.

These contenders need to act before deadline  —  Contenders, take note: The Braves' acquisition of closer Bob Wickman on Thursday was a classic example of a team filling a need before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.  —  While several clubs remain on the bubble, unsure of whether to be buyers or sellers …

weasel?  we'll show you weasel.  —  Is there no end to the depths of Ozzie Guillen's insanity?  —  Via the Detroit Free Press: … A BUNCH OF LITTLE WEASEL GAMES.  —  Of course then the article goes on to talk about how the win yesterday was helped along by The River Thames bowling …

Analysis of the Wickman Trade  —  Bob Wickman makes sense for the Atlanta Braves.  He's a proven steady closer who somehow gets results.  He's basically a two pitch pitcher with a fastball as his main weapon and a plus slider as his out pitch.  In looking at the chart below …

Quite frankly, Baker bails out  —  Host denies incendiary e-mail came from staff  —  Cubs manager Dusty Baker hasn't had much love for ESPN since the cable network ran a story in 2002 that revealed his long-standing dispute with the Internal Revenue Service.

Shealy's numbers draw more interest  —  Ryan Shealy has never asked for a trade.  He has remained unfailingly loyal to and patient with the Rockies.  But with interest in the first baseman escalating, Shealy made quite an audition tape Wednesday, going 2-for-5 with two doubles.

O's purchase contract of Tatis, outright Clark … The Orioles today announced that they have purchased the contract of third baseman Fernando Tatis from Triple-A Ottawa and have outrighted infielder/outfielder Howie Clark to Ottawa.  —  In another move, Hayden Penn was optioned to Ottawa …

Contenders and pretenders (cont.)  —  Braves  —  GM John Schuerholz was going for it even before they won seven of eight.  Bob Wickman is a nice start to rebuild their nameless bullpen.  As one competing GM said, "Who are all those guys?"  —  Verdict: Contender.  —  Phillies

DAMON IRKED BY INTERNET BABY GEAR-SELLER  —  Last Updated:  —  BOSTON — A Red Sox fan angry that Johnny Damon defected to the New York Yankees has fought off an attempt by his high-powered agent to stop her from selling baby bibs with a very grown-up insult.