Dodgers prospect named Futures MVP  —  Shortstop in LA's system shines on World Team at AT&T Park  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The 2007 Futures Game turned out to be quite a growth experience for Chin-Lung Hu.  —  The Dodgers' little shortstop prospect from Taiwan became a bigger prospect …

White Sox keep ace Buehrle with four-year deal  —  Mark Buehrle won't be the biggest ticket available at the trading deadline.  —  The White Sox ace agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract with Chicago on Sunday, taking the most attractive pitcher on the rumor mill off the market.

Yankees Pin Their Hopes on Pitching and Patience  —  Tony Franklin has wandered the minor leagues for 38 years, watching teammates advance to the majors and teaching prospects to do the same.  He is a wise 57 years old, and these days, he carries himself with a carefree air not often seen in a manager.

Tigers hit 3 HRs off Dice-K, sweep BoSox  —  DETROIT (AP) — Gary Sheffield and the Detroit Tigers made Daisuke Matsuzaka pay for his lackluster location.  —  Sheffield hit one of Detroit's three homers off the Japanese star, Curtis Granderson took a home run away from Boston and the Tigers beat …

Rangers hit break with a blast  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - They have lost half their starting infield to injuries in the last month.  Their lone All-Star hasn't had an extra-base hit in more than three weeks.  They've scored four or fewer runs, usually a sure omen of defeat, nine times in the last two weeks.

Stroke of genius  —  23 years after his death, Lau's swing lives on  —  The swing has a signature.  —  It's head down all the way through contact, because you can't hit what you can't see, he would say.  It's a weight shift from the back leg to the front, because you need to get leverage.

Notes: Teixeira ready to return  —  First baseman will start Friday in Anaheim against Angels  —  ARLINGTON — First baseman Mark Teixeira went through a strenuous running test before Sunday's game with the Baltimore and said he is "100 percent."  —  Teixeira, on the disabled list …

Notes: Bailey optioned to Triple-A  —  Rookie sent down to continue pitching during break  —  CINCINNATI — Hours after Homer Bailey gave up one earned run on only two hits in five innings against the D-backs on Saturday night, the Reds optioned the rookie right-hander to Triple-A Louisville on Sunday morning.

Astros top Mets 8-3 behind Oswalt, Burke  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Chris Burke has been waiting all year to get into an offensive groove.  —  Now that he finally has, capping a big weekend with a two-run homer in Houston's 8-3 win over the New York Mets on Sunday, he's not happy about waiting until …

D-backs drop another heartbreaker  —  Club makes comeback to force extras, but unable to end skid  —  CINCINNATI — When Arizona loaded the bases with one out in the first inning on Sunday at Great American Ball Park, one press box wag observed, "The Reds have the Diamondbacks right where they want them."

Rios final AL participant in HR Derby  —  Blue Jays right fielder named before Indians game Sunday  —  TORONTO — Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios has agreed to be the final American League participant for the 2007 State Farm Home Run Derby in San Francisco.

Fight Saves a Run?  —  A very weird play just happened in Oakland.  With the Mariners trailing 3-2 in the top of the seventh, Seattle loads the bases against Joe Blanton.  Ibanez then hits a double to left field.  The throw comes in to Crosby, who throws home trying to get Lopez.

Embracing the Momentum  —  Nationals' Young Turns Personal Turmoil Into Triumph  —  During the past year, Dmitri Young was arrested, finalized a divorce, was treated for alcoholism, lost his job, trimmed shrubbery, endured a four-day hospital stay, thought he was going to die …

Hurdle bullish on bullpen  —  Nestled into a big leather couch, Clint Hurdle oozed optimism about the Rockies' relievers, predicting good things for the second half of the season.  —  "I'm very optimistic about the bullpen," the manager said before Saturday night's game against the Phillies.