Red Sox ask MLB to sub Youkilis for Ortiz on ballot … The Boston Red Sox have asked Major League Baseball to substitute hot-hitting Kevin Youkilis for David Ortiz as the team's first base entrant on the All-Star ballot distributed to other players, a gesture meant to help Youkilis' chances to help make the American League squad.

Report: Selig close to suspending Yankees' Giambi  —  Bud Selig told Jason Giambi that he better cooperate with former Sen. George Mitchell's investigation of steroid use or else.  The else might be coming.  —  A high-ranking MLB official told USA Today on Wednesday that the commissioner …

Notes: Rangers place McCarthy on DL  —  Blister problem shelves righty; Loe to pitch Thursday  —  PITTSBURGH — Brandon McCarthy's terrific five-inning performance against the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday proved to be an illusion.  —  His blister problem is still just that.

Cubs send Murton down, call Rapada  —  Outfielder needs regular at-bats; lefty should stabilize bullpen  —  CHICAGO — The Cubs called up reinforcements for the bullpen, adding left-hander Clay Rapada on Wednesday and sending outfielder Matt Murton to Triple-A Iowa where he should get some regular playing time.

Cubs end Mariners' five-game win streak  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Sean Marshall's confidence never wavered during his long rehabilitation for an injured left shoulder.  Now that he's healthy, Marshall is making teams pay.  —  Marshall pitched eight strong innings, and the Chicago Cubs beat Seattle 3-2 …

Notes: Stanford to start on Thursday  —  Minor Leaguer to take the mound in series finale vs. Marlins  —  MIAMI — It was a revelation on par with the end of a Scooby Doo episode.  —  Just who is that mystery starter behind the mask?  —  Why, it's Jason Stanford, the man who'll take the hill for Cleveland on Thursday!

Are Dunn's days with Reds numbered?  —  CINCINNATI — First baseman Joey Votto is learning left field at Class AAA Louisville.  Coincidence?  Who believes in coincidence?  —  The annual Adam Dunn trade rumor is circulating baseball this week.  Isn't he a left fielder?  —  "Unofficially?

Indians earn testy 7-3 win over Marlins  —  MIAMI (AP) — Florida manager Fredi Gonzalez wasn't happy when he left for the clubhouse three innings early.  And the Cleveland Indians only made his night worse from there.  —  David Dellucci broke a tie with a three-run homer in a wild sixth inning …

A's GM Beane gets seven-year extension  —  OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Athletics general manager Billy Beane, the architect behind Oakland's four division titles since 2000, was rewarded with a seven-year contract extension Wednesday.  —  Team president Michael Crowley also received …

No help in sight for Seattle bullpen  —  The Mariners apparently will go with what they have Wednesday night in Chicago.  —  One night after using six of the seven members of an already weary bullpen to cover the final seven innings of a 13-inning 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs …

Your Mostly Arbitrary Guide to The AL All-Star Ballot  —  It's that time of year again.  The season is more than a third over, the parks are crowded with sunbathers, the days are long, Roger Clemens is back in his firmament, and the smell of garbage has begun to drown out the smell of urine over on 7th Ave.

Crasnick: Starting 9 of needs for contenders  —  A power hitter.  A starting pitcher.  Bullpen help.  With the July 31 trading deadline slowly approaching, several contending teams need to fill major holes on their rosters.  Jerry Crasnick  —  • Rumor Central: Dunn on the block?

Nats unleash power on road  —  BALTIMORE — A benefit of interleague play for the Washington Nationals is a road series just a short bus ride away every year to provide a temporary respite to the typical travel grind.  —  Another is the opportunity to play three games at cozy Camden Yards.

Sidewinders sold; Reno move likely  —  Tucson owner's pending sale pays him, partners $13.5 million  —  The Tucson Sidewinders are being sold and will likely relocate to Reno, Nev., after the 2008 season.  —  Sidewinders owner Jay Zucker confirmed to the Star a pending sale and told some staff members about it Monday.