Notes: Francoeur has been on tear  —  Braves right fielder hit 10th homer Saturday on anniversary  —  SAN DIEGO — Jeff Francoeur celebrated the second anniversary of his Major League debut Saturday by hitting his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot off the Padres' David Wells.

NL's Peavy to oppose AL's Haren in All-Star Game  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Dan Haren will start the All-Star Game for the American League just across the bay from his home ballpark in Oakland.  —  The Athletics' ace was picked by AL manager Jim Leyland on Monday to oppose San Diego's Jake Peavy …

Don't Bet Farm on a Yanks Fire Sale  —  Like many people, I have too much clutter in my office, and, from time to time, I think it would be a good idea to get rid of it.  The problem, of course, is that no one would want it, for the same reason I don't want it.

Milledge could start in left after break  —  HOUSTON — Lastings Milledge could be the Mets' leftfielder when the team returns from the All-Star break Thursday.  —  Milledge went 3-for-5 yesterday after going 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs Saturday night for Double-A Binghamton …

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.

Willis remains prime trade bait for Marlins  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  If ever the Marlins were to move left-hander Dontrelle Willis, the time is now.  —  The White Sox's signing of left-hander Mark Buehrle to a four-year, $56 million contract extension further depressed the trade market …

Hot start spurs worries for future status  —  As last season ended, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd determined that he wanted Kazuo Matsui back to inject speed into the top of the lineup.  An aggressive pursuit and mutual interest led Matsui to sign a one-year, $1.5 million deal with $940,000 …

Native American Prospect Has Red Sox Fans Buzzing  —  Jacoby Ellsbury went back to the minors Friday, but not before he gave the Red Sox a glimpse of the future.  He can hit, he has Gold Glove potential and he can really run.  Widely acclaimed as the best prospect developed …

Making an already fantastic event even better … SAN FRANCISCO — Let's get this straight right from the first sentence: There's nothing "wrong" with the Home Run Derby.  —  Heck, we love the Home Run Derby.  We're not the only ones, either.  The whole country loves the Home Run Derby.

CUBS IN BRIEF: Piniella, Hendry seek righty bat  —  PITTSBURGH — Another rough day scoring runs, in particular against a left-hander, has the Cubs looking even a little harder at trying to add a right-handed hitter to the roster before they resume play Friday.

Prospect waits for his turn  —  Maybin misses Futures game with injury, but has bright future  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Cameron Maybin ranks among the top prospects at the Futures Game.  For this year's game, however, he was just a visitor.  —  Under normal circumstances …