Marlins magic continues, though few take notice  —  The biggest baseball story of the year doesn't concern the Yankees and Red Sox or Barry Bonds and steroids.  —  It's right here in South Florida, the tale of The Little Team That Could — and the market that couldn't care less.

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.

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.

Tigers unconditionally release Young  —  Club lists veteran's on-field performance as basis for decision  —  DETROIT — A three-hour, nine-minute rain delay left seemingly no end to the Tigers' afternoon on Wednesday.  By the time it was over, however, so was Dmitri Young's five-year tenure with the club.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

Hill sets it up, Lee's slam knocks it down  —  Rookie strikes out career-high 11; slugger homers on birthday  —  CHICAGO — Happy birthday, Derrek Lee.  —  Lee celebrated his 31st birthday by belting a grand slam with one out in the eighth inning, and rookie Rich Hill struck …

Great Leap Forward, American League  —  This is part one of a four part series in which we'll look at which players saw their stock rise and fall the post in each organization.  We start today with the American League, and the good.  These are not the best players in the system by any means …

Blyleven is suspended for three more games  —  Twins television analyst Bert Blyleven won't lose his job over his accidental use of on-air profanity Sunday but he has been suspended an additional three games.  —  Blyleven, who was told he would not work Tuesday and Wednesday's telecasts …

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," …