Hinske trade struck  —  Blue Jays unload lefthanded bat  —  Not one to complain, David Ortiz yesterday afternoon put words to a sentiment widely held in the Red Sox clubhouse.  —  ``We need help," he said.  ``It's getting late."  —  Perhaps Ortiz already had an inkling of what was coming …

Notes: Waivers surprise Soriano  —  Left fielder thought speculation was done after July 31 deadline  —  WASHINGTON — Left fielder Alfonso Soriano was surprised to learn that he was placed on waivers on Tuesday.  He figured that since he wasn't traded before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline …

Strong-arm tactics  —  Wells gets win with help from Hansen, Papelbon  —  There are easier ways to grow up than in a pennant race, although Craig Hansen will never know it.  —  The kid who went to school on Utopia Parkway, then did not pass ``Go" on his way from St. John's University to the big leagues …

Pedro-to-DL is no strain on Willie  —  PHILADELPHIA - The Mets began play last night with a 13-game cushion in the National League East.  That figure certainly made it more palatable for them to be without ace hurler Pedro Martinez for at least the next 13 days.

Hunter's foot is hurting, but improving each day  —  Twins center fielder Torii Hunter is unable to run on his toes because of his sore left foot, and running flat-footed isn't the best way to chase down fly balls.  —  "I can relate to that," said Twins first base coach Jerry White, who works with the outfielders.

Former NU star Peña is added to the mix  —  First baseman left Yankees' system  —  The Red Sox, who have been casting about for a lefthanded hitter for some time, last night came to terms on a deal with Carlos Peña, the Haverhill native and former Northeastern star who has spent the summer in the minor leagues.

Pirates Notebook: Inning count could cost Gorzelanny  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  The Pirates' management is discussing a plan to curtail the innings pitched by its four young starters the rest of the season.  —  And that could spell an early end, specifically, for Tom Gorzelanny.

Stick a shovel in House that Ruth Built  —  The shadow of the Bambino loomed large yesterday as the Bronx Bombers broke ground on a new Yankee Stadium to replace the House That Ruth Built.  —  "I think the Babe must be looking down, saying, 'You go, guys,'" Mayor Bloomberg said after digging …

Edmonds diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome  —  ST. LOUIS (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds was diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome Wednesday, one day after leaving a game because of dizziness and blurred vision.  —  Edmonds underwent an MRI on Tuesday night …

Sheffield Swings Bat and Makes a Splash  —  The Yankees finally heard encouraging news about one of their injured star outfielders yesterday.  Gary Sheffield saw his hand specialist and was cleared to swing a bat — underwater.  —  It is a start, at least.

Peavy, Friars try to salvage finale  —  San Francisco (57-63) at San Diego (60-60), 12:35 p.m. PT  —  While physically having little time between games can be taxing, Thursday's matinee will likely be a good thing for the Padres' psyche.  —  After a 13-inning loss on Wednesday night …

Dishing From Behind the Dish: Phillies' Coste Continues a Journey  —  The Phillies' Chris Coste self-published 2,000 copies of a 228-page book about his life in the minors.  He was called up from Scranton on May 21.  —  Chris Coste's second book was done.

Towers: 'We're all in this thing together'  —  Padres CEO Sandy Alderson spoke with players, and General Manager Kevin Towers yesterday called for unity in apparent response to unidentified players questioning the front office in a Union-Tribune column.  —  "We all need to look into the mirror," Towers said.