Mets' Wright gets contract extension  —  All-Star third baseman signs six-year, $55 million deal  —  NEW YORK — For years, and even when he was a primary part of their present, the Mets have referred to David Wright as part of the future.  And now they have put their money where the mouth is and made it official.

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 …

Rangers rotation spins awry  —  Eaton ejected early in Sunday loss; Wells scratched Monday  —  ANAHEIM — The Rangers starting rotation, beginning to look so good a few days ago, ran into another mess on Sunday at Angel Stadium.  —  Turns out that Adam Eaton getting ejected after throwing 18 pitches …

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.

Computers Are a Good Bet on Figuring Playoff Odds  —  One game a week left.  Ten games in two months.  Ballplayers' theories of what deficits can be overcome in August and September to reach the postseason vary almost as widely as their batting stances.  But they usually boil …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

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.