The July 2nd Liveblog  —  As I discuss in today's article, I'm not even sure what to expect as far as players that will sign today and what information will be available.  That being said, I already have one confirmed signing, and it's a big one, so I figured it would be worth throwing …

Ex-Yankee Jim Leyritz arrested again  —  Fallen Yankee hero Jim Leyritz was busted early Thursday on charges of beating up his ex-wife.  —  Leyritz went ballistic and dragged Karrie Leyritz out of bed and socked her twice because she'd written a check without his permission, police said.

Club Officials Go Silent Over Chatter Major League Baseball Has Loaned Texas Rangers Money  —  UPDATED, 9:10 a.m. CDT to indicate it is Hicks Sports Group, not Tom Hicks personally, that is struggling with debt issues.  —  ARLINGTON - Amid increased internet chatter Wednesday that Tom Hicks' sports group …

Chicago Cubs deal for Jeff Baker of Colorado Rockies, cut Ryan Freel loose  —  CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have acquired infielder Jeff Baker from the Colorado Rockies for minor league right-handed pitcher Al Alburquerque and designated infielder Ryan Freel for assignment.

Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez making return on Friday against San Diego Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — Manny Ramirez will be back in big leagues on Friday night after a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy.  His return should be nothing short of a spectacle.

MLB teams raid international market … Approximately 40 percent of the players in organized baseball were born outside the United States.  Most of those players sign during the summer when they are 16 years old, a signing bonanza that begins annually on July 2.

Banned!  —  Whew.  —  As those of you who follow me on twitter (@jazayerli) know, the Royals are PISSED OFF at me right now.  Let's just say you won't hear anyone from the front office on my radio show anytime soon.  —  I confess to being surprised that after years of being critical …

All-Star rosters expand to 33 players  —  NL and AL will each carry a 13th pitcher on staffs  —  Major League Baseball moved on Wednesday to alleviate a nagging problem, expanding All-Star rosters for the July 14 game in St. Louis to include one more pitcher, for a total of 33 players on each squad.

Mariano Rivera's a true Yankee, almost mythical in his dominance … There is a Yankee mythology that sustains New York fans and drives everybody else crazy, and it goes something like this: To play for the New York Yankees, you need to have a certain quality — quiet dignity, maybe, that's part of it, or valor or a sense of the moment.

July 2 Signings Update, Recap  —  As you've seen, we have confirmation of several major signings on the first day of the international signing period.  —  However, most signings have either not been officially announced or will wait until after July 2 to commence as the market sorts itself out.

Hanley records RBI in 10th straight game  —  Shortstop's streak the longest in the Majors in 2009  —  MIAMI — Hanley Ramirez's RBI rampage continues.  —  The Marlins shortstop dropped a two-run double in the third inning off Washington's Jordan Zimmermann, extending his club-record string …

Sports Agent's Car Damaged In Bandera Parking Lot  —  Someone caused $2,000 in damage to sports agent Scott Boras's Land Rover while he was parked at Bandera Restaurant on Monday evening, police records state.  —  The agent told police that his car was parked in the lot …

The New York Mets Have A Furry Run-In On Road Trip  —  Those injury-riddled New York Bastard Mets have struggled recently, so this recent road trip could serve as a self-reflective haven for players, coaches, and media.  Unless the Pittsburgh hotel they're staying in is having a furry convention.

Amaro on free agent possibilities  —  Right now, the Phillies' top two options for bettering themselves are through the trade market, and through internal improvement.  But with a number of veteran free agents still unsigned, there is an outside chance the team could go that route in order …

'Twas the night before Manny, and all through the ball park,  —  Not a creature was stirring, not even a McCourt;  —  The helmets were hung by the dugout with care,  —  In hopes that St. Dreadlock soon would be there;  —  Some fans were still parking, 15 bucks is tragic,

Votto leads Reds over D-backs with a single in 10th  —  CINCINNATI (AP) — Joey Votto still has his touch in the clutch.  —  Votto turned a tough pitch into a two-out single with the bases loaded in the 10th inning Thursday, sending Cincinnati to a 3-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks …