Alleged trade secrets are causing quite a stir  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The history of bad blood between the Red Sox and Devil Rays, replete with beanballs, brawls, and suspensions, is not limited to the field.  It has spilled over into the front offices as well, and could have an impact …

Frustrated Giants reach boiling point  —  Game turns ugly after Bonds gets ejected for arguing a called strike, unruly fans cause a delay by throwing debris on field  —  SAN FRANCISCO - The Giants' frustrating season reached a boiling point Friday night after Barry Bonds was ejected during …

Big Mac gives little help  —  McGwire refuses to talk to MLB investigators  —  After telling Congress last year that he wanted to help rid the world of steroids, Mark McGwire is refusing to cooperate with baseball's Mitchell investigation.  —  According to a source familiar with the investigation …

Notes: Club adds another arm to 'pen  —  Crosby designated for assignment; Veras recalled  —  BALTIMORE — Feeling uneasy with only 11 pitchers, the Yankees added Jose Veras to their bullpen before Friday's game, designating Bubba Crosby for assignment in the process.

Notes: Soriano, Lopez set the table  —  Nats' 1-2 hitters have scored 27 runs in last 12 games  —  SAN DIEGO — Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano and shortstop Felipe Lopez have been a force at the top of the lineup recently.  In their last 12 games entering Friday's action, Soriano …

Wagner pans 'chicken' Lidle  —  Mets reliever Billy Wagner threw a fastball high and inside last night.  The heat was not aimed at the Phillies, however - it was delivered at his former Phillie teammate and newest Yankee pitcher Cory Lidle.  Wagner said that Lidle's parting shots at the club were "chicken."

Spare the A-Rod from yer boos  —  Hispanic group sez back him even if he messes up  —  A-Rod.  You love him, you hate him - just don't boo him.  —  Hispanics Across America has become the newest fan club for Alex Rodriguez, launching a campaign yesterday to persuade fans of all stripes not to jeer the Yankee All-Star third baseman.

Girardi: Race will stay tight  —  Manager Joe Girardi said he doesn't foresee the National League's logjam of wild-card contenders, which includes the Marlins, to break apart anytime soon.  Ten teams went into Friday within five games of one another in the wild-card standings.

Rangers' Wilkerson may be done  —  Struggling outfielder mulling season-ending shoulder surgery  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Struggling at the plate and reduced to a part-time player, Rangers outfielder Brad Wilkerson said Friday he probably will decide this weekend whether to have season-ending shoulder surgery.

Tigers agree to terms with Andrew Miller  —  DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers announced today the club has agreed to terms on a four-year contract with lefthanded pitcher Andrew Miller, the club's first-round selection in the 2006 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft from the University of North Carolina.

Tigers star who struck out the Babe dies at 95  —  Elden Auker, the submarine-style pitcher who struck out Babe Ruth, faced Dizzy Dean and helped the Detroit Tigers win their first World Series championship, died Friday.  He was 95.  —  Auker died in Vero Beach, Fla., where he had lived since 1974.

Andruw Jones claimed on waivers; 10-5 rights loom … With Andruw Jones only days away from gaining trade veto power, the All-Star center fielder was claimed on waivers by an unnamed team, leaving the Braves until 1 p.m. ET Saturday to decide whether to take their last opportunity to deal Jones unfettered.