JOBA ON WAY TO SEE DR. ANDREWS  —  INJURED SHOULDER NEEDS SECOND LOOK  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — The road from the Carl Pavano Memorial MRI tube to Dr. James Andrews isn't a path a pitcher wants to travel.  —  Yet, at the Yankees' request, that is the one being taken by Joba Chamberlain …

Mets check in on Garcia  —  The Mets were heavily represented at today's open throwing session in Miami by free agent Freddy Garcia (pictured).  The veteran right-hander, who is attempting a comeback from shoulder surgery, topped out at 87 mph and reportedly was sharp with...

D-Backs sign Haren through 2012  —  The Diamondbacks and right-hander Dan Haren have agreed to a $44.75 million contract extension that runs through 2012 and includes a club option for 2013, a deal that will be announced today at a 3 p.m. news conference at Chase Field.

Bay, Beckett lead Red Sox by Royals 8-2  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Jason Bay narrowly missed out on a home run against Kansas City on Tuesday night.  —  He was fine with a four-hit night and a Boston win, though.  —  Bay drove in two runs and scored twice, and Josh Beckett pitched effectively …

Storm too close for comfort for Astros  —  Some question decision to play with lightning in area  —  CHICAGO — Lance Berkman stood at first base Monday night watching the lightning storm that hovered over Wrigley Field, wondering why he was standing in harm's way for the sake of a baseball game.

Mariners recall OF Wladimir Balentien from Triple-A Tacoma  —  Mariners DH Jose Vidro designated for assignment  —  SEATTLE — Seattle Mariners Vice President & General Manager of Baseball Operations Lee Pelekoudas announced today that the Mariners have designated Jose Vidro for assignment.

Rockies Win Claim On Livan Hernandez  —  By Tim Dierkes [August 5 at 5:42pm CST]  —  According to Ken Rosenthal, the Rockies won their waiver claim on Livan Hernandez.  Apparently the Rox beat out another NL team with a better record.  Apparently no American League team put in a claim.

The most overrated position in sports  —  When Jerome Holtzman, a legendary baseball writer and a good man, died two weeks ago, I hoped some closer would celebrate a save by pumping his fist, falling to his knees, pointing to the sky and shouting, “This one is for you, Jerome!”

Slip 'N Slide With The King  —  How can you have a giant, water-soaked tarp on the field during a rain delay at Wrigley and NOT expect a guy dressed as '70s Elvis to come running out to slide across it?  It's just common sense.  Have a good time filling out the paperwork on this one, security guy (video following the jump).

Under The Knife  —  Dealing with Delays  —  I can't say enough good things about participating in Newberg Night, and I can't say enough bad things about flying on United, so let's start with the positives.  Joe Sheehan and I were lucky enough to be the Opening Act for Jon Daniels' ninety-minute Q …

Fielder sorry for pushing Parra in Brewers' dugout  —  Fielder, Parra Scuffle In Dugout As Brewers Fall To Reds  —  CINCINNATI — Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder apologized Tuesday for pushing a teammate in the dugout during a loss, saying he should have done a better job …

Strained forearm lands Mets closer Wagner on DL  —  NEW YORK — Billy Wagner has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left forearm, leaving the New York Mets without their All-Star closer as they chase a playoff spot.  —  It's a major blow to the Mets, even though Wagner has blown seven of 34 save chances.

Carter hopes to climb back to majors  —  FULLERTON, CALIF. — More than three decades after leaving his hometown to pursue a baseball career that led to the Hall of Fame, Gary Carter has returned to chase another major-league dream.  —  Carter, 54, manages the Orange County Flyers …

Baltimore rookie handles Angels in his debut  —  Waters limits the Angels to one hit in eight innings — a single opening the second by Guerrero — in his first major league game.  —  Chris Waters held the team with baseball's best record to one hit over eight innings in his major league debut …

Schilling reveals past run-in with Manny  —  Curt Schilling today revealed details of a physical confrontation he had with Manny Ramirez in 2005.  —  In an interview on Boston sports radio station WEEI this morning, Schilling described the incident, in which he and Ramirez “had to be broken up” …

Manny lifts spirits, inspires fear  —  Teammates enjoy scaring opposition with new acquisitions  —  ST. LOUIS — Dodgers reliever Brian Falkenborg has never faced Manny Ramirez or Albert Pujols.  But he's been teammates with both.  Having seen what Pujols means to the Cardinals …

Webb earns major league-best 16th victory  —  PHOENIX (AP) — Brandon Webb became the first 16-game winner in the majors, tossing a nine-hitter for his third complete game in the Arizona Diamondbacks' 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night.

Cubs activate closer Wood  —  Club says pitcher will return in middle relief role for now  —  CHICAGO — Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, but Lou Piniella maintained that the right-hander will be used in middle relief rather than immediately resume his role as the closer.