Delgado slump is long gone  —  Before the Mets started getting sloppy yesterday, Carlos Delgado got the day off to a rousing start, offering further proof he finally is in the midst of a trademark power surge.  Delgado homered for the third time in four games, a three-run blast in the first inning.

Paul's rule of thumb: play hurt  —  While Paul Lo Duca thinks he may have a broken bone or an injured ligament in the hand he slips into his catcher's mitt, he has no intention of finding out exactly what the problem is anytime soon.  —  "It doesn't matter," Lo Duca said.

BOMBERS' ABREU BID REJECTED  —  July 24, 2006 — TORONTO - The Yankees have made an offer to the Phillies for outfielder Bobby Abreu that was immediately turned down because it didn't include major league-ready talent or top prospect Phil Hughes.  —  Like other teams, the Yankees believe …

Future Shock  —  2B Alberto Callaspo, Triple-A Tucson (Diamondbacks)  —  Callaspo is on another roll, with Sunday's five-hit performance as part of Tucson's 28-5 drubbing of Salt Lake representing his fifth consecutive multi-hit game.  It's a streak in which he's gone 15-for-27 with a pair of doubles …

Erratic Outing by Ponson Is Sorry Reminder for Yanks  —  TORONTO, July 23 — Carl Pavano travels with the Yankees now, reminding them of what they are missing.  He throws in the bullpen (fastballs only) and works in the weight room.  He munches on candy bars in the clubhouse and makes regular visits to the massage table.

Padres-Dodgers Preview  —  The San Diego Padres are in first place in the NL West, but they have been struggling since the All-Star break.  They will face the worst team since the break Monday when they open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium.

Marlins unlikely to make major moves  —  Florida's GM and manager say team likely to stay the course  —  MIAMI — Barring something overwhelming that would pique their interest, the Marlins are unlikely to make any major moves before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Nats Win, Soriano Watch Escalates  —  Kasten Weighs In On Slugger's Status : Nationals 7, Cubs 1  —  He draws the loudest cheers, hits the longest home runs, smiles the brightest smile.  When Alfonso Soriano launched a ball deep toward left field yesterday at RFK Stadium …

Sox can't get handle on Seattle  —  SEATTLE — Manny Ramírez may have done the smartest thing any Red Sox outfielder did yesterday afternoon when he took advantage of a break in the action in the sixth inning — reliever Craig Hansen was trotting in to pitch — to grab a seat in the Sox bullpen.

Just win, baby  —  Like Valenzuela, Weaver wins first seven starts  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Even without his best stuff, Jered Weaver won again.  —  Struggling early with his breaking ball, the 6-foot-7 right-hander still became the first rookie in 25 years to win his first seven starts Sunday …

Showalter hospitalized for dehydration  —  Rangers manager misses Sunday's loss to White Sox  —  CHICAGO - Rangers manager Buck Showalter missed Sunday's game while being treated at a Chicago hospital for dehydration symptoms.  —  Showalter, 50, said he felt a fluttery heart Sunday morning …

Twins could use Lee's power  —  CLEVELAND - Several major league scouts sat in the Jacobs Field press lounge before Sunday's Twins game, sipping coffee and talking smart.  —  CLEVELAND - Several major league scouts sat in the Jacobs Field press lounge before Sunday's Twins game, sipping coffee and talking smart.

Don't count out A-Rod in blue stripes  —  Remember Hendry's 2004 surprise  —  Jim Hendry has pulled a rabbit out of his hat before at the trade deadline.  But can the Cubs general manager top the Nomar Garciaparra deal of 2004 this time around?  —  It's not impossible.