What to make of latest Smoltz story?  —  Philadelphia — Things to ponder while marveling at how quickly a story hinting at a possible new address for John Smoltz will inevitably mushroom in the internet era, and wondering if some folks will stop the “AL is superior” mantra if Philly becomes …

Youkilis, Cubs' Ramirez win Hank Aaron award  —  Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox and Aramis Ramirez of the Chicago Cubs won the Hank Aaron Award in fan voting for the best offensive players in their leagues.  —  Ramirez hit .289 with 44 doubles, 27 home runs and 111 RBIs for the NL Central champions.

Royals exploring deal to send Teahen to Indians for outfielder  —  The Royals are discussing a possible trade with the Cleveland Indians in which they would acquire an outfielder in exchange for Mark Teahen, according to sources with both teams.  —  Talks are believed to center …

Hinske active, Floyd out, Zobrist starting  —  The Rays activated INF/OF Eric Hinske on Sunday to replace Cliff Floyd, who has an injured right shoulder.  —  “It's kind of bittersweet because you never want to see anybody get hurt,” Hinske said.  “But I'm excited to be active and have a chance to help anyway I can. ...

Force play  —  After his grating escape to Los Angeles, Ramirez will strike it rich again  —  Their last drop of goodwill wrung dry, the Red Sox and their brooding star parted ways.  It was July 31, 2004, and the newly traded Nomar Garciaparra was headed out the door when Manny Ramírez embraced …

Sources say ESPN set to break up Morgan-Miller team  —  Could the 19-year “Sunday Night Baseball” broadcasting partnership of ESPN's Jon Miller and Joe Morgan be coming to an end?  And will their ESPN Radio call of the Rays-Phillies World Series be the final chapter?

Every Given Sunday  —  Wish Lists and Intentions  —  The Red Sox looked like a beaten-down and broken-down team as they walked through the tunnel way of Tropicana Field to the team bus last Sunday night.  The Red Sox had lost Game Seven of the ALCS about an hour earlier to the Rays …

BeachBoys' Limonta busts out  —  Mariners prospect ends slump with two hits, two RBIs  —  Mariners prospect Johan Limonta ended a two-week drought with two hits, including a two-run homer, and Todd Frazier went 3-for-5 with three RBIs on Friday as the Waikiki BeachBoys cruised to a 10-3 triumph over the North Shore Honu.

Flowers continues power surge  —  Braves prospect homers for fourth time in three games  —  Tyler Flowers didn't let a hitless night in the Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars Showcase get in the way of his recent power surge.  —  The Braves prospect homered for the third straight game Saturday …