Vlad captures first Derby crown  —  Angels slugger bests Blue Jays' Rios in final round  —  SAN FRANCISCO — It was State Farm Home Run Derby night at AT&T Park on Monday and Vladimir Guerrero was the finest of Major League Baseball's slugging stars.  —  The Angels right fielder outdueled Alex Rios …

Notes: Chilling by the bay  —  With his legs aching, Big Papi sits back to enjoy Derby  —  SAN FRANCISCO — David Ortiz has come to represent Major League Baseball every bit as much as the Dominican Republic and Red Sox Nation.  And that's why Ortiz refused to let his nagging legs give …

Trade talks fail, so Hillenbrand released  —  The Angels, unable to trade Shea Hillenbrand in the 10-day period after he was designated for assignment June 29, had no choice Monday but to release the former designated hitter, who is now a free agent.  —  In a similar position last season …

Where will A-Rod land?  —  News takes look at which could be next A-team  —  He's pulled off a successful switch to third base, won an MVP and is now taking aim at a hallowed home run record owned by Roger Maris.  But Alex Rodriguez's tenure in the Bronx also is pockmarked with boos, poor Octobers and racy tabloid tales.

Government and Union Are on Same Side of Suit  —  In separate court filings yesterday, the United States attorney's office in the Northern District of California disclosed that it had not provided George J. Mitchell the names of current and former major league players linked to two cases involving performance-enhancing drugs.

Shoulder Surgery for Randolph  —  Mets Manager Willie Randolph had rotator cuff surgery on his right shoulder yesterday, which means he will begin the second half of the season Thursday with one arm in a sling.  —  Randoph had the operation at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

Boras wants defense to be recognized  —  Agent proposes a new stat, 'EP' or 'Exceptional Play,' to be given to players who make sensational plays on defense during a game.  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In a sport packed with statistics, is there room for another?  With a nod to the best defenders in baseball …

Papelbon: Closing thoughts  —  Four months ago, when Jonathan Papelbon [stats] was switched back from starter to closer during the final weeks of spring training, the move was met with applause - and trepidation.  —  The worry, of course, was about his shoulder, and the wear and tear …

Upton, Chamberlain stand out among prospects  —  Top Five Hitters  —  1. Justin Upton, CF, Arizona Diamondbacks: Not even close.  Upton was a man among boys, even though he's just 19 years old.  He's a fast-twitch hitter, like his brother, B.J., who lets the ball travel deep and then just spins …

'Wingman' Okajima takes flight  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Truth be told, he voted for himself.  At home with his wife last week, he went online and clicked next to the name "Hideki Okajima."  Ten times in all.  —  He'd accumulated more than 4.3 million votes when the final results were tabulated …

Cabrera still unsure if he'll play tonight  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Miguel Cabrera's shoulder felt better Monday but maybe not good enough to allow him to play in tonight's All-Star Game at AT&T Park.  —  Cabrera, who jammed his left shoulder diving for a ball Saturday in Los Angeles …

Stars align to praise Reyes  —  NL foes learn thing or two from Met professor  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Jose Reyes attended last year's All-Star festivities in Pittsburgh with seven stitches in his sliced left pinkie.  So the Mets shortstop had to watch from the dugout as Edgar Renteria started at his position.

Bonds Smiles Aboard All-Star Welcome Wagon  —  The host of the 2007 All-Star Game can be charming, thought-provoking and funny.  He can also be aloof, irritable and a little bit mean.  —  Barry Bonds has served Major League Baseball in many capacities over the past two decades — as icon, villain and almost everything in between.

Dan Patrick to Leave ESPN on Aug. 17  —  ESPN television and radio personality, Dan Patrick, finally announced today what many had been speculating for over a week: He is leaving the Worldwide Leader in Sports.  —  At the beginning of the second hour of his radio show, Patrick announced, "I'm going to leave ESPN August 17."

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.