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 …

Drew leaves game after getting hit by pitch  —  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right fielder J.D. Drew of the Los Angeles Dodgers limped out of Friday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after getting hit flush on the outside of his right knee by a pitch from Jeff Suppan in the first inning.

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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