Swisher has early AL Final Vote lead  —  Outfielder trying to win last roster spot for All-Star Game  —  OAKLAND — Nick Swisher heard the buzz spilling from his Bleacher Creatures in right field at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, shortly after Major League Baseball announced nearly all of the participants …

POSTGAME NOTES: Sabean has an eye on Brewers, Posey wrist update, notes on Huff, Renteria, Ishikawa, etc.  —  There's a lot of stealth activity at the July 31 trade deadline, and for us beat reporters, that means a whole Chinese province full of tea leaves to read.

Former Alex Rodriguez foe Dallas Braden appalled by Oakland's ‘Get Off My Mound’ T-shirts  —  OAKLAND - Robinson Cano broke out a “Get Off My Mound” T-shirt in the visiting trainer's room before Monday night's game, causing an eruption of laughter inside the Yankees' clubhouse.

Rays erase four-run deficit to put away Red Sox  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Timely hitting and another stellar job by the bullpen.  After a rough June, the Tampa Bay Rays seem to be getting their act together again.  —  “ I like the way we're playing,” manager Joe Maddon …

Cliff Lee Rumors: Monday  —  Yesterday Cliff Lee had another dominant outing and the Dodgers, Yankees, Cardinals and Phillies had scouts in Detroit to watch it.  We'll keep track of all the day's Cliff Lee rumors right here, so check back later in the day to see if we have moved this post back to the top of the page with updates.

Papi would participate in Derby if asked  —  Red Sox slugger would love to hit ‘bombs’ at annual event  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Red Sox slugger David Ortiz said before Monday night's game against the Rays that he will participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby on July 12 at Angel Stadium if he's asked.

Halladay fires five-hitter as Phils gain on Braves  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Nearly an hour after going the distance again, Roy Halladay walked over to reporters with ice on his arm and sweat dripping from his forehead.  —  Maybe it's his postgame workouts that make Halladay such a workhorse on the mound.

Rangers focus on improving rotation  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers are still interested in Mariners pitcher Cliff Lee.  They know they have the Minor League talent to make a trade but also realize that, given their ownership situation, the financial challenges will be tough to overcome.

Dealin' Dan flipped over Rox's future  —  Dealin' Dan has made 106 trades in 11 years.  —  Daniel J. O'Dowd's office at Coors Field should be called Bartertown.  On Jan. 14, 2000, the Rockies' new general manager pulled off his first deal — sending pitchers Lariel Gonzalez and Bobby Jones to the Mets for pitcher Masato Yoshii.

Inbox: Dunn deal coming for club?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nats fans' questions  —  Should the Nationals trade Adam Dunn?  —  I have mixed feelings about Dunn.  Considering the Nationals are having problems on defense, I would say they would have to make a move.

Geoff Jenkins To Retire As A Brewer  —  Geoff Jenkins will officially announce his retirement this Friday, according to a Brewers press release.  Jenkins, who spent a decade of his playing career in Milwaukee, will retire as a Brewer before Friday's game at Miller Park.

FLOYD, QUENTIN LEAD WHITE SOX TO ROUT OF ANGELS  —  The Sports Network  —  Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Gavin Floyd allowed just one run in seven strong innings, and Carlos Quentin blasted two home runs, as the Chicago White Sox routed the Angels, 9-2, in the first of four games at U.S. Cellular Field.

Millwood shelled as Inge, Guillen lead explosive Tigers over Orioles  —  DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have seen both ends of the American League pitching spectrum in their last two games.  —  After being slowed by Seattle All-Star Cliff Lee (FSY), the Tigers became the latest team …