Melky Cabrera suspended 50 games  —  San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera has been suspended 50 games after violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.  —  Cabrera, the MVP of the 2012 All-Star Game, tested positive for testosterone.

In the latest Sox soap opera, blame is widespread  —  Bobby Valentine has made plenty of mistakes this season.  —  He is too honest for his own good when it comes to discussing the players with the media, telling the truth about them complaining about playing time (Kelly Shoppach) or their minor injuries (Carl Crawford).

Padres select LHP Tom Layne from Double-A San Antonio and designate LHP Alex Hinshaw for assignment  —  SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Padres today announced they have selected left-handed pitcher Tom Layne from Double-A San Antonio and designated left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw for assignment.

Tucson Padres: Frustrations surface on the field  —  Tucson Padres manager Terry Kennedy is embarrassed.  He's also angry, frustrated and annoyed.  —  For most of the 2012 season, the skipper, his staff and the players have been able to keep any frustration and anger inside the clubhouse.

Dempster, Lowe, Pesky  —  First, your new playoff standings:  —  AL: Yankees (1) vs. Tampa Bay (WC1) and Baltimore (WC2), Texas (2) vs. White Sox (3)  —  NL: Washington (1) vs. winner of Atlanta (WC1) and Pittsburgh (WC2), Cincinnati (2) vs. Dodgers (3a) or San Francisco (3b)

Payroll Picture Is Still Blurry  —  Mets in Better Shape, but Alderson Unsure How Much He Can Spend Next Season  —  CINCINNATI—The specter of Bernard Madoff no longer hangs over the Mets.  And the threat of a crippling lawsuit has passed.  But as they slog through another summer of disappointment …

Thames' 2-out hit in 9th lifts Mariners over Rays  —  SEATTLE — Eric Thames' two-out single in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Seattle Mariners a 3-2 victory on Tuesday night and snapped the Tampa Bay Rays' seven-game winning streak.  —  Kyle Seager started the winning rally …

The value of pre-arbitration players  —  I've written a ton about Wins Above Replacement (WAR), salary and when the two are used together how we can get a better picture of overall value.  One of my posts looked at the percentage value (WAR percentage minus salary percentage) …

Cubs dismiss player personnel head Fleita  —  CHICAGO — Oneri Fleita, who has overseen the Cubs' Minor League organization and international scouting operations for 12 seasons, was dismissed on Wednesday.  —  “I'm very grateful for the opportunity for my years with the Cubs,” Fleita said.

Final Score: Reds 3 Mets 0  —  The New York Mets (55-61) lost to the Cincinnati Reds (70-46) tonight by a score of 3-0.  —  The Least You Should Know: … The Mets have now been shut out seven times this season.  —  For a full recap and box score, check out SNY's In-Game Live.