Nationals-Padres Preview  —  The Washington Nationals have not won a series against the San Diego Padres in their last six attempts.  Livan Hernandez may finally be the player who helps them get over that hurdle.  —  The Nationals right-hander looks to continue his strong play against the Padres …

Mets' Wright gets 6-year extension  —  NEW YORK (SI.com) — Third baseman David Wright has signed a six-year extension with the New York Mets worth $55 million, SI.com's Jon Heyman has learned.  —  The contract also includes an option for 2013, although no further details were immediately available.

When it comes to coming through, Ortiz is the man  —  At this point, it might be time to stop oohing and ahhing when David Ortiz comes through in a close-and-late situation.  —  Instead, if he doesn't come through we should just scratch our heads and wonder if he's hurt or something.

Guerrero's 44-game streak ends  —  Angels outfielder doesn't get a hit but does walk four times  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Vladimir Guerrero's hitting streak against the Rangers is over.  His domination, however, lives on.  —  In Saturday's 10-3 loss to Los Angeles, the Rangers managed to find …

Dog bites hand that feeds him  —  Keeps barking at Bombers on Yankee network  —  On Tuesday, the day after he called Brian Cashman a liar and engaged in a contentious interview with him, WFAN's Chris (Mad Dog) Russo said everything was cool because the Yankees GM could take the heat.

In a dayze  —  Is day baseball responsible for the Cubs' long history of losing?  It's an issue that just won't die.  Infielder Todd Walker became the latest player to revive the debate with his comments last week upon being traded to the San Diego Padres.

Bannister out for consistency in rehab  —  Returning from hamstring injury, starter takes loss  —  BUFFAL0, N.Y. — Growing up the son of a professional baseball player, Brian Bannister knows full well that injuries are a part of the game.  —  But that doesn't make it any easier when it happens to you.

Notes: What about Melhuse?  —  Backup backstop finding playing opportunities rare  —  SEATTLE — Adam Melhuse has the misfortune of playing behind the iron man of big-league catchers, and the A's second-half schedule isn't doing him any favors, either.  —  With every Thursday off through …

Power Rankings: Restoring Yankee pride  —  ESPN.com  —  The New York Yankees are finally beginning to flex their $200 million-dollar muscles.  With newcomers Bobby Abreu, Cory Lidle and Craig Wilson providing immediate dividends, the Yankees manhandled the Blue Jays (outscored them 20-4) in three games at The Stadium.

Let's make a deal, but which one?  —  ST. PETERSBURG - At the July 2005 trading deadline, the Devil Rays were involved in serious talks with the Mets and Red Sox about three-way deal in which they would have given up Danys Baez, Aubrey Huff and Julio Lugo and gotten back a handful of prospects.

Indians suffer another late-inning defeat  —  Carmona's struggles continue as he blows third save in a row  —  DETROIT — Saturday night was far from the high-scoring contest that the Indians and Tigers played on July 25, but just as with that game and Friday's series-opener, Cleveland's outcome rested on its bullpen.

Notes: Kent anxious to return  —  But Dodgers being cautious with injured second baseman  —  MIAMI — Jeff Kent is "champing at the bit" to be activated from the disabled list, according to manager Grady Little, but it won't happen before the Dodgers return home.

Lords of Flushing  —  Despite huge lead, Mets vow to not get complacent  —  Carlos Beltran won't lie to you.  He looks at the National League East standings sometimes and can hardly believe his eyes.  —  "After all those years of the Atlanta Braves being there, it's a great feeling to be in first place …

Howell on tap for second Rays start  —  Boston (65-44) at Tampa Bay (46-65), 1:15 p.m. ET  —  Tampa Bay survived a last-minute push from Boston on Saturday night to tie the three-game series at one apiece, making Sunday's rubber match all that much more important.