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.

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 …

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.

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.

Madden: Ace stuff not there for Pelfrey  —  For the Mets, it's been kind of a season of mini-seasons, beginning with that 4-8 start that didn't include Ike Davis and certainly didn't bode well for the summer of opportunity it's become.  —  After that, there was the 9-1 first long home stand …

Ex-Cardinal Dmitri Young jailed in Bloomington  —  BLOOMINGTON — Former major league baseball player Dmitri Young was arrested by McLean County Sheriff's Department police early Monday on preliminary charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Post Game: Reds 8, Mets 6  —  The Mets lost to the Reds by the score of 8-6 tonight at Citi Field.  —  For a full recap and box score, check out SNY.tv here.  —  The Least You Should Know:  — Mike Pelfrey started for the Mets, and for the second consecutive start …