Rangers Josh Hamilton transcript  —  Here are a few of the things that Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton had to say Friday about the tragic accident Thursday at Rangers Ballpark.  —  “I understand there's nothing you can do to change it now.”  —  “Behind me I heard someone say ‘Hey Hamilton’ how about the next one.

Bothered by Dodgers' mess, Ethier may be thinking of Red Sox … Dodgers players generally deny that the team's ongoing financial troubles (a.k.a. the McCourt mess) are affecting them.  But at least star right fielder Andre Ethier is said by several sources around the team to be unhappy with what's going on with the last-place team.

Alex Rodriguez Out of All-Star Game  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Alex Rodriguez has pulled out of the All-Star game, joining his New York Yankees' teammates Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera in missing the midsummer classic.  —  Rodriguez was elected by the fans to his 14th All-Star appearance.

Angels promote Mike Trout from Double-A  —  In the manager's office after Thursday's game, Angels manager Mike Scioscia and GM Tony Reagins discussed their options for nearly 30 minutes after center fielder Peter Bourjos injured his hamstring in the eighth inning.

Josh Beckett exits with hyperextended left knee  —  9:20 p.m. EDT: Beckett was removed with the Red Sox are calling a mildly hyperextended left knee.  The team said it was a precaution and that he's listed as day-to-day.  —  Common sense would dictate that he'll be scratched from the All-Star Game …

All-Star perks: Renown, respect, revenue  —  At this time last year, each Jose Bautista home run was met with a shrug, headshake or outright skepticism.  Who was this guy?  Not long before, he had been a reserve infielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  But there he was, leading the majors with 24 homers at the All-Star break.

Braves remain hopeful Jurrjens starts ASG  —  PHILADELPHIA — Giants manager Bruce Bochy seems to still be contemplating whether to use Phillies ace Roy Halladay or Braves starter Jair Jurrjens to serve as the National League's starting pitcher in Tuesday night's All-Star Game.

Joe Buck would ‘happily step aside’ for Vin Scully in World Series  —  A few weeks back, we gave the initial nudge to the online petition requesting that legendary announcer Vin Scully replace Joe Buck in the broadcast booth during this fall's World Series.  —  Not that the movement first founded by The Daily 'Stache needed much help.

Tragedy taught Palermo life lessons  —  ATLANTA, GA.  —  Twenty years later, Steve Palermo — then the No. 1 rated umpire in baseball — hasn't forgotten the slightest detail of those early morning hours, laying on the street outside a Dallas restaurant, shot by a mugger, uncertain he would see another tomorrow.

Mets' K-Rod in Talks With Agent Scott Boras … LOS ANGELES — Scott Boras is courting another high-profile Mets player.  And this time, the interest appears to be mutual.  —  Closer Francisco Rodriguez, who could become a free agent this winter if his contract option for 2012 does not vest …

Braves need some creative financing  —  The Braves, like most clubs, are near their payroll limit.  But the team was in a similar position last season, and general manager Frank Wren still made two trades.  —  In both deals — the first for Royals reliever Kyle Farnsworth and outfielder Rick Ankiel …