Hafner gets 4-year, $57M extension  —  FOXSports.com, Updated 8 minutes ago  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  The Indians have signed designated hitter Travis Hafner to a four-year, $57 million contract extension, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Hafner, 30, was eligible for free agency after the 2008 season.

Yanks want to talk deal with A-Rod during season  —  The New York Yankees are willing to bend their own rules to keep Alex Rodriguez in pinstripes beyond this season.  —  The Yankees have changed their traditional stance and are now willing to negotiate during the season with their star third baseman …

Rickey Henderson hired as Mets hitting coach  —  Newsday has learned that Rick Down has been relieved of his duties and that the future Hall of Famer will take over immediately.  —  The Mets will begin the season's second half with a dramatic change in their coaching staff, Newsday has learned.

Longtime NL umpire Shag Crawford dies  —  Longtime major league umpire Shag Crawford, patriarch of a family of prominent sports officials, died Wednesday.  He was 90.  —  Jerry Crawford said his father died at an assisted living facility in suburban Philadelphia.

Yanks, Twins may enter Hillenbrand fray  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  Infielder Shea Hillenbrand, who cleared waivers on Wednesday, is expected to draw interest from the Yankees, Twins and possibly one other club, according to major-league sources.  —  Hillenbrand, who turns 32 on July 27 …

Diamondbacks fire hitting coach Seitzer, promote Schu  —  PHOENIX (TICKER) — The Arizona Diamondbacks announced on Wednesday they have replaced hitting coach Kevin Seitzer with the organization's hitting coordinator, Rick Schu.  —  Schu, 45, is in his 10th season with the Diamondbacks franchise.

Twins, Yankees Like Dan Johnson  —  There's a lot of buzz going around that the A's may become sellers soon, nine games back in their division and eight out in the Wild Card.  Typical impending free agent parts like Mike Piazza and Shannon Stewart are candidates to be moved.

Building case for '09 Yanks  —  News' experts dream up team for new Stadium  —  Across the way, the new Yankee Stadium grows larger every day, and with it so do questions about the team that will play there come 2009.  —  The new Stadium will have new features such as large concourses, luxury suites and a myriad of new concessions.

Balmy Weather May Bench a Baseball Staple  —  RUSSELL, Pa. — Careers at stake with each swing, baseball players leave little to sport when it comes to their bats.  They weigh them.  They count their grains.  They talk to them.  —  But in towns like this one, in the heart of the mountain forests …

Union Gets Approval to Intervene in Steroids Case  —  The Major League Baseball Players Association won approval yesterday to intervene on the side of the United States attorney's office in San Francisco in the effort to prevent the names of current and former major league players …

Ortiz' aching knee may need surgery  —  SAN FRANCISCO - A surgical procedure will "probably" be necessary to correct continued soreness in the right knee of David Ortiz [stats], the Red Sox [team stats]' designated hitter said yesterday.  —  Ortiz is expected to have an MRI performed …

Ramirez named NL Player of the Week  —  Marlins shortstop hits .520 with three homers to cap first half  —  MIAMI — Most players are glad to see the All-Star break come, because it gives them a chance to rest, relax and visit family for a few days.  For Marlins opponents, however …