Clutch hits vanish; so does mojo  —  White Sox searching for their confidence  —  BALTIMORE — That confident feeling the White Sox's hitters once possessed seems as distant as their 19-inning victory over Boston on July 9.  That was when Jermaine Dye hit a game-tying home run off closer Jonathan Papelbon …

Nationals Dangle Soriano as Deadline Nears  —  WASHINGTON, July 27 — Alfonso Soriano teased his teammates in two languages, signed bats and baseballs, and packed for the Nationals' nine-game trip Thursday.  This could be Soriano's final trip with the team, but he tried to relax.

Lee likely trade bait after rejecting deal  —  All-Star left fielder Carlos Lee rejected a four-year, $48 million contract offer from the Brewers on Thursday, dramatically increasing the chances that he will be traded before Monday's non-waiver deadline, major-league sources tell FOXSports.com.

Hendry: Baker to stay for rest of season  —  Cubs GM to try and make decision soon after end of campaign  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Thursday that Dusty Baker will remain as the manager for the remainder of the season in an effort to eliminate any speculation that Baker would be replaced before that.

Bobblehead boom appears to be slowing  —  Michael Bass has a serious penchant for collecting, and bobbleheads have found a prominent place in his busy but tidy Vero Beach, Fla. room.  —  Bass, who has been collecting bobbleheads for five years, owns and proudly displays 27, including a 1967 Baltimore Colts bobblehead.

Chacon right on target  —  ARLINGTON - Shawn Chacon didn't really have time to think.  He knew the ball was in his glove and he knew that he should probably throw it somewhere - he just wasn't sure exactly where.  —  First he looked to third.  Then second.

Marlins begin thinking playoffs  —  In spring training, it would have sounded like a bad joke to suggest that the Florida Marlins - with their puny, $15 million payroll and roster full of rookies - could compete for a playoff spot.  —  Even a month ago, after they rebounded from a horrendous April …

Wilpon Joins Steinbrenner's Vow of Silence  —  FRED WILPON, come out, come out, wherever you are.  —  Now New York has two owners of baseball teams who are incommunicado.  We know what George Steinbrenner's reason is.  He's aging and ailing, and his ego is too large to let his public …

Agressive Astros looking to add more 'punch'  —  The defending National League champion Astros plan a major push to add an impact hitter before Monday's non-waiver deadline.  —  How major?  —  The club intends to be "super-aggressive," one major-league official says …

ESPN's silence covers Reynolds rap  —  While responding to inquires concerning his demise at ESPN, Harold Reynolds presented a variety of answers, which only led to more questions.  —  Questions that will follow him for quite awhile.  —  Reynolds told the New York Post he wanted his job back …

Twins extend Redmond for two years  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins agreed to terms with backup catcher Mike Redmond on a two-year extension Thursday, with a club option for 2009.  —  The 35-year-old Redmond has been superb while backing up All-Star Joe Mauer this season.

Lies, Damned Lies  —  Playing Matchmaker  —  How beautiful would it be to acquire Alfonso Soriano?  That depends on just who the beholder is.  There are probably seven teams that are legitimate contenders to acquire Soriano, or one of the two other big bats on the market—Bobby Abreu and Carlos Lee …

Batting around with Nate McLouth  —  Pirates center fielder sits down with MLB.com  —  MLB.com: Who was your favorite player when you were a kid?  —  Nate McLouth: Ken Griffey Jr. I loved his swing.  I think it's still the prettiest one there is.  I loved the way he played center field.

Padres-Rockies Preview  —  Lots of pitchers fare poorly in Coors Field, but few have more trouble there than San Diego Padres starter Woody Williams .  —  Williams looks to end his struggles at the hitter-friendly Colorado ballpark and lead the Padres to their second five-game winning streak …

Bernie deserving of a Hall plaque  —  Career achievements worthy of Cooperstown  —  Williams is No. 1 in 10 postseason offensive categories.  —  Late July is the best part of the baseball season.  —  Most baseball aficionados would disagree and cite the postseason or spring training …