Reinforcements arrive  —  I'm sure a lot of you are interested in the weather, so we'll start with that.  —  Right now it's misting at Fenway and we're still set for a 4:05 p.m. start.  Since this is Toronto's last trip to Boston this season, the playing of the game is at the discretion of the umpires and not the Red Sox.

Howard and Pujols hit 3 homers apiece  —  Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols had their home-run strokes down Sunday.  —  Howard homered in his first three at-bats for Philadelphia in an 8-7 victory over Atlanta in a doubleheader opener, and Pujols connected in his first three at-bats as St. Louis beat Pittsburgh 6-3.

Gordon activated; Mathieson on DL  —  RHPs Sanches, Condrey recalled from Triple-A  —  Right-handed pitcher Tom Gordon was reinstated from the 15-day DL, while right-handed pitcher Scott Mathieson was placed on the 15-day DL with a sprained right elbow which occurred during his start last night …

Padres get the Reds out  —  SAN DIEGO - Jake Peavy threw a two-hitter, matching his career-best, and struck out 14 for the San Diego Padres, who beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-1 on Saturday night to keep the lead in the NL wild-card race.  —  Rookie Josh Barfield hit a two-run homer …

Kouzmanoff set to join Indians  —  Prospect to serve as extra bat with injury to Hafner  —  ARLINGTON — The Indians didn't plan on making any September callups until after Triple-A Buffalo's season ends on Tuesday.  —  A minor injury to Travis Hafner, however, has forced the need …

Everybody Loves Sal  —  Derek Jeter has four championship rings and his own cologne.  Alex Rodriguez, the reigning American League most valuable player, has the richest contract in baseball.  —  But despite their fame and fortune, neither Jeter nor Rodriguez can boast a fan club based …

Angels Finally Make Up Ground  —  They beat Detroit, 7-2, in 10 innings and are 71/2 games behind Oakland, but some believe the team would be better off not reaching playoffs.  —  DETROIT — There is a growing sentiment among the more rational and realistic followers of the Angels — yes …

Thomas proving his greatness at the plate  —  This past winter, Frank Thomas didn't have too many suitors.  —  He parted ways with the White Sox, the team with which he'd spent his entire career, under a pall of acrimony, and the rest of the league wasn't exactly clamoring for his services …

Philadelphia Phillies  —  I've changed my mind, and so should everyone else.  —  Just weeks ago, Ryan Howard was a distant third on the MVP depth chart.  It didn't matter that he led in home runs and had emerged as a prototypical slugger.  Cardinals stud Albert Pujols and Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran …

Harsh truths about Rockies … Los Angeles - Sometimes the truth is simple.  The Rockies wake up today buried in the National League West because they aren't good enough.  —  They haven't been devastated by injuries, like last season when they were better versed in HMOs than RBIs.

Arias ready to make a major leap  —  ARLINGTON - Top shortstop prospect Joaquin Arias will be joining the Rangers in the next few days.  His playing time will be limited, but the Rangers are more interested in the experience he can gain by being on the major league club.

Nook-Yoo-Ler.  It's pronounced Nook-Yoo-Ler.  —  Jim Bowden executed an eighteen-hour transactional orgy from late Thursday until Friday afternoon, trading guys, recalling guys, outrighting guys, and trading for guys.  At the conclusion of the administrative whirlwind, Bowden had accomplished the following:

Rays turn triple play against Mariners  —  Club performs unique feat for second time in team history  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Tampa Bay starter J.P. Howell said it looked like a snowball fight.  Shortstop Ben Zobrist called it awesome.  Catcher Dioner Navarro was just looking forward to seeing himself on ESPN's highlights.

Baker helps Twins blow past Yankees  —  Starter allows one run in five innings; Hunter, Morneau go deep  —  NEW YORK — If there was a spot for a designated pitcher against the Yankees, Scott Baker certainly would be the Twins' choice.  —  Making his second start against New York this season …