Mental toughness?  Hicks should re-think that  —  Straight up: Tom Hicks is not a bad owner.  The Rangers have done worse, anyway.  No matter what else you may think, teeth grinding, Hicks fulfills fundamental necessities: He's got money, and he's willing to spend it.  —  He usually doesn't get in the way much, either.

Yanks send best wishes to Lester  —  KANSAS CITY - It sometimes seems as if the rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox knows no bounds, but there is always a time for perspective.  The Bombers sent a bouquet of flowers to ailing Sox pitcher Jon Lester last week, sending along their best …

Future's Cliff hanger  —  Floyd: Achilles just won't heal  —  Cliff Floyd would have been out of the Mets' lineup for the second consecutive game last night had heavy rains not made their scheduled game a doubleheader against the Braves today.  —  Floyd, who was activated last week …

Nats Win Topsy-Turvy Game Against Cards  —  WASHINGTON — Jose Vidro picked a good time to start getting clutch hits for the Nationals.  —  Vidro ended a game of comebacks, lining a two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning Wednesday to give Washington a 7-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Zambrano OK, but on close watch  —  MRI reveals no major back damage, but next start undetermined  —  CHICAGO — Carlos Zambrano may pitch again this season, depending on how his back feels.  —  The Cubs right-hander underwent an MRI on Tuesday after complaining of stiffness in his back the day before.

Notes: Mulder to undergo surgery  —  Second opinion confirms shoulder and rotator cuff problems  —  WASHINGTON — The second opinion on Mark Mulder's shoulder confirmed the first.  The Cardinals announced on Wednesday that Mulder will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair fraying in his left rotator cuff.

Tigers release Young after latest loss  —  DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers unconditionally released designated hitter Dmitri Young after Wednesday's loss to the Seattle Mariners.  —  Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski said the move was "strictly performance related."

For Bucs, numbers don't lie  —  TRIBUNE-REVIEW  —  CHICAGO - Jason Bay had never heard of the statistical category called "runs created," so he had no way of knowing that his total of 90 paced the Pirates.  —  "That's great ... if it's even a stat people put stock into," …

Delgado a Clemente Award candidate  —  First baseman honors idol with both number and deeds  —  NEW YORK — Behind the expression that could scare a dark alley as well as any pitcher is one of the game's genuinely caring and philanthropic people.  The curve of Carlos Delgado's brow often softens into part of a smile.

Building a contender on the cheap like the Marlins will be tough to duplicate  —  What the Mini Marlins have done this summer has been historical, uplifting, unprecedented and inexplicable.  —  But will it be trend setting?  —  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery …

Top minor leaguers for each MLB team  —  AMERICAN LEAGUE  —  Baltimore: RHP Brandon Erbe: Erbe's win-loss record (5-9) didn't get much help from a weak low-A Delmarva team, but the rest of the 18-year-old's performance was impressive, including 133 strikeouts in 114 2/3 innings.

Jennings aims to salvage finale in SD  —  Colorado (63-75) at San Diego (72-66), 8:05 p.m. MT  —  Jason Jennings will take the mound Wednesday at his home away from home, PETCO Park, in the series finale with San Diego.  —  The right-hander has never lost at PETCO in six career starts, going 4-0 with a 2.95 ERA.