Tazawa replaces Smoltz; Woodward claimed on waivers  —  NEW YORK — Junichi Tazawa, the promising righthanded pitcher signed out of Japan's Industrial League in the offseason, was added to the Red Sox' roster tonight, replacing the ineffective John Smoltz, who was designated for assignment.

Twins Acquire Carl Pavano  —  The Twins deepened their rotation today, acquiring Carl Pavano from the Indians for a player to be named later, according to a team press release.  Pavano, 33, has allowed 150 hits in 125.2 innings, posting a respectable 88K/23BB ratio.

A's Release Jason Giambi … OAKLAND, Calif. — Jason Giambi's second stint with the Oakland Athletics didn't pan out as either side had hoped.  —  On Friday, they parted ways — most certainly for good this time.  —  Giambi was released by the A's, cutting short the struggling slugger's return to his first major league club.

Sources: Jays face choices on Rios  —  A waiver claim has been placed on Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Alex Rios, according to MLB sources.  —  At a time when most teams have very little financial flexibility, it could be within the realm of possibility that the Blue Jays will consider a trade of Rios …

Mets willing to waive bye to Billy?  —  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 …

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.

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.

For Bannister, the secret is in the numbers  —  Right-hander finds success with Pitch f/x, sabermetrics  —  KANSAS CITY — Brian Bannister reaches into his locker and pulls out a baseball.  —  This is complicated stuff he's talking about, and he needs a prop.

Angels' offense hitting a high note  —  AL West leaders, usually rich in pitching, currently top the majors in runs scored  —  There is a general concern among major league managers that their teams aren't always ready to play in the days, even weeks, that follow the All-Star break.

Wrapping it up from the Bronx  —  A few assorted things:  —  • Jorge Posada played with a No. 15 decal on his mask in honor of Thurman Munson, whose funeral was 30 years ago today.  “Just something I wanted to do,” he said.  “He means a lot to me.”  —  Posada is reading Marty Appel's new book on Munson.