Was This Why Harold Got The Axe?  —  We can't say for sure why Harold Reynolds was fired from ESPN yesterday, because ESPN hasn't put out a statement or anything (and they don't have to), but we can tell you what the chatter in Bristol is: Everyone is hearing sexual harassment.

MET STAFF HAS SIX IN MIX  —  It's seven days till the trade deadline, and as the Mets hunt for pitching they're also trying to determine how Pedro Martinez' return affects their pitching staff.  —  What could happen is that someone in the back end of the rotation heads to the bullpen.

Royals get De La Rosa for Graffanino  —  Club obtains southpaw from Brewers in exchange for infielder  —  KANSAS CITY — The Royals' trading blitz continued just before Tuesday night's game.  —  They obtained left-handed pitcher Jorge De La Rosa from the Brewers in exchange for infielder Tony Graffanino.

Van Slyke on Ozzie: 'Latinos are hot-headed'  —  Ex-player says if he were Garland, he would have punched manager  —  CHICAGO - Detroit Tigers first base coach Andy Van Slyke made generalizations about Latinos on Tuesday in questioning the managerial approach of Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox.

Tejada worth any prospect Orioles want  —  Miguel Tejada?  Would that do it for you?  How about Alex Rodriguez?  Or Alfonso Soriano?  —  Pick a name, Tim Purpura.  Time's up.  Do something.  Show us you can.  Show us you're willing to take a chance.  —  General managers make their reputations at times like this.

Nats' Bowden refutes Soriano rumors  —  Reports said outfielder heading to White Sox in trade  —  WASHINGTON — According to a published report, the Nationals are close to sending Alfonso Soriano to the White Sox.  The only thing general manager Jim Bowden would say about the report is that a deal is not in place.

Dodgers send Perez to KC for Dessens  —  Pair of prospects also dealt as veteran returns to Los Angeles  —  LOS ANGELES — Last summer, Elmer Dessens was put in the Dodgers' bullpen as Odalis Perez returned from the disabled list.  This year, another Perez move has landed Dessens back in the Dodgers bullpen.

Chorizo is the new Racing Sausage  —  Chorizo, a tasty Mexican sausage, will join fellow meaty friends Hot Dog, Bratwurst, Polish and Italian as the newest member of the Klement's Famous Racing Sausages team at Miller Park.  —  Chorizo, who will be adorned with a sombrero and decked out in red …

Park pitching in Dodger Stadium  —  San Diego (52-47) at Los Angeles (47-53), 7:10 p.m. PT  —  Chan Ho Park may be the visiting starter on Tuesday night, but the right-hander will be in familiar surroundings on the mound at Dodger Stadium.  —  Park got his start in Major League Baseball …

With rotation rolling, "O" must step up  —  The Rockies' hitting issues can be summarized thusly: they need to be less Ozzie and Harriet and more Ozzy Osbourne.  —  If the Rockies can become more offensive, the season's possibilities are limitless, agreed several players.

Mailbag: Is A-Rod going to be traded?  —  Beat writer Mark Feinsand answers Yankees fans' questions  —  The mailbag returns after a three-week hiatus, as the All-Star Game pushed us back a week longer than normal.  —  What did that mean?  A whole extra week of mail bashing everyone's …

Sanchez sets rookie record  —  ATLANTA - Never mind that sluggers Andruw Jones and Chipper Jones weren't in the starting lineup because of injuries.  —  The Braves have been the most offensively potent team in the major leagues in July, averaging nearly eight runs a game this month.

Vesting option for Conine OK … KANSAS CITY, MO. // The Orioles could have a tough decision on their hands in the coming weeks in regards to the future of Jeff Conine, who signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal last December with an option for a second season.

Statistics on the Spot for Yankees' Broadcasts  —  Fans who watch the Yankees locally on the YES Network on DirecTV can now push buttons on their remotes to call to their screens the in-game box score, scores of other games (with Boston's always first), player statistics, standings …

Big first inning not Tigers' this time  —  Rogers stumbles, Detroit falls in middle game to Cleveland  —  CLEVELAND — The Tigers had another big first inning Tuesday.  Only this time, it was about the runs they gave up.  —  A day after becoming the first Major League team in 115 years …

Prior's troubles challenge Baker  —  Manager cites 'mechanical' not mental barriers  —  NEW YORK — Mark Prior has struggled in his comeback from shoulder problems, and he'll go for his first victory in his sixth start Wednesday against the Mets at Shea Stadium.  —  Prior is 0-4 with an 8.14 ERA.