Marlins announce Ramirez deal at site of new park  —  MIAMI — A brand new ballpark.  A star player with a long-term contract.  —  Times are changing for the Florida Marlins.  —  The Marlins formally announced the $70 million, six-year contract extension of shortstop Hanley Ramirez …

Jason Giambi and his magic gold thong  —  The key to turning the Yankees season around could be under Jason Giambi's pinstriped pants.  —  The Yankee slugger revealed Friday he slips on a gold lamé thong with a flame-line waistband when he's trying to get out of a hitting slump - and he's shared it with his teammates.

Van Halen is back, and so is Byrnes' bat  —  Homer and single accompany change of tune  —  Now catching, the Music Man . . .  Diamondbacks catcher Chris Snyder made a command decision before Friday night's game that the best way for Eric Byrnes to break out of a hitting slump was to change …

Bullpen solutions to be found in-house  —  Cardinals to utilize system depth while Isringhausen sidelined  —  ST. LOUIS — The first bullpen option is the internal option.  —  With the status of longtime closer Jason Isringhausen in limbo now that he has been placed on the disabled list …

Soria to ink 3-year deal … MIAMI (AP) — Joakim Soria and the Kansas City Royals agreed to a three-year contract extension on Saturday, which includes club options for three more years that could keep the closer with the club through 2014.  —  Soria allowed a run for the first time this season …

Game 43: Mets at Yankees  —  YANKEES  —  METS  —  Andy Pettitte (3-4, 4.40) against the Mets hitters.  —  Johan Santana (4-2, 3.10) against the Yankees hitters.  —  Back later with updates.  —  * * * * * * * * * * A-ROD REHAB UPDATE * * * * * * * * * *

Torre has no problem being left off All-Star staff  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Joe Torre doesn't mind that he was left off the coaching staff for the All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.  He might not have accepted an invitation anyway.  —  “I'm with a new team now,” Torre said Friday night …

A-Rod rehab update  —  Just got the word from Yanks' PR on Alex Rodriguez from today's extended spring training game.  —  Rodriguez, who is coming back from a strained right quad, was 1-for-4 with a home run off Tampa Bay left-hander David Price, last year's No. 1 draft pick.  —  Want more details?

Okajima injury adds to Red Sox' pitching woes  —  BOSTON — Not only do the Red Sox need a starter for Tuesday's game against the Royals since Clay Buchholz is on the disabled list, the club's bullpen took a big hit yesterday, too.  —  The Red Sox have decided to shut down reliever Hideki Okajima …

Soriano hits 2 more HRs, but Cubs lose  —  CHICAGO (AP)—Alfonso Soriano went deep again.  And again.  Nate McLouth's homer was the decisive one, though.  —  He hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer off Carlos Marmol in the ninth to help the Pittsburgh Pirates overcome Soriano's shots for a 7-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday.

John's 2008 Draft Board (As of 12 Noon, May 17)  —  Here is a look at my current draft board.  THIS IS NOT A PREDICTION OR PROJECTION OF THE FIRST ROUND.  This is my current personal opinion of these players.  This will continue to change as we approach draft day and some players …