Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz may be nearing the end after another rough night … NEW YORK - John Smoltz once won 24 games as a starter for the Atlanta Braves.  He once saved 55 games as a closer.  In his 20-year career, Smoltz has a World Series ring, a Cy Young Award and more than 3,000 strikeouts.

It's time to say goodbye  —  The hammer fell today and it hurts like hell.  —  They're putting the ol' baseball scribe out to pasture and if there are teardrops on your screen, well, that's from me, just an old softie.  —  My run is over - 37 years of bliss, doing a job that wasn't a job.

Mets could deal Wagner before return  —  SAN DIEGO - Billy Wagner could be on a contender in September.  —  As the former closer nears a return to the majors following Tommy John elbow surgery, a Mets insider suggested the organization would be open to dealing Wagner by the Aug. 31 postseason-roster deadline …

Phillies GM: Happ will remain in rotation  —  PHILADELPHIA — Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. could not say Thursday if Pedro Martinez will join the rotation next week.  —  But he could say J.A. Happ will remain in the rotation the remainder of the season.  —  “Happ's not going anywhere,” Amaro said.

Yanks add depth by acquiring Gaudin  —  Possible fifth starter excited about coming to New York  —  NEW YORK — Poll the Yankees, and they'll tell you the most significant difference between now and June, between winning and losing, has been their bullpen.

Mets reacquire Anderson Hernandez from Nats  —  The Mets have reacquired infielder Anderson Hernandez from the Nationals for prospect Greg Veloz.  Here's the announcement:  —  Hernandez, 26, hit .251 (58-231) with 25 runs scored, nine doubles, two triples, one home run and 23 RBI in 77 games with the Washington Nationals.

Scherzer a student of the stats  —  Right-hander uses obscure numbers to analyze science of pitching  —  Not long after Diamondbacks pitcher Yusmeiro Petit nearly threw a no-hitter Tuesday night, Max Scherzer was on his iPhone in the visitor's clubhouse, bringing up a Web site with charts …

You Always Fear What You Don't Understand  —  Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest is a blog dedicated to coverage of the Mets and Yankees.  The tone of the site is similar to sports talk radio.  There is an open and prominent aversion to statistical analysis, except for the occasional pieces by Howard Megdal.

Yankees get pitcher Gaudin from Padres  —  New York Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett wipes his face in the dugout after being pulled during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, in Chicago.  Burnett gave up 10 hits and seven runs in 4 2-3 innings including walking in two runs.

Arizona Diamondbacks place Justin Upton on DL with oblique strain  —  PITTSBURGH — All-Star Justin Upton was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday by the Arizona Diamondbacks with a right oblique strain, cutting at least two weeks out of what has been a breakthrough season for the talented young outfielder.

Champion Jays reunite, catch up  —  World Series winners from 1992-93 to be honored on Friday  —  TORONTO — While current and former Blue Jays players stood and chatted with fellow golfers as a day on the course was about to begin, former closer Tom Henke held up his sparkling 1992 World Series ring …

Braves Sign Minor For $2.42 Million  —  Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor, the seventh overall pick, agreed to terms with the Braves on a $2.42 million bonus yesterday and is expected to officially sign today.  Minor's bonus is the highest in club history and the highest ever for a No. 7 pick.