Pittsburgh Pirates win by losing, financial documents show  —  PITTSBURGH — Don't feel too sorry for the cellar-dwelling Pittsburgh Pirates.  Losing has been profitable.  —  The Pirates made nearly $29.4 million in 2007 and 2008, according to team financial documents …

Mets waive goodbye to Rod Barajas as Josh Thole becomes primary catcher  —  PITTSBURGH - It was spring at Citi Field, the Mets were storming to the front of the standings, and Rod Barajas was crushing home runs.  —  “Things started out great,” Barajas said.  “It was an exciting time for us.”

Does Good Pitching “Always” Beat Good Hitting?  —  I've attempted to prove or disprove a lot of theories on UFR over the last (almost) two years.  “Good pitching always beats good hitting” is one that is espoused as though it were the synonymous with “Cows eat grass.”  But, is it the truth?

Lowell still likely to retire after 2010  —  After the Red Sox' 5-0 win on Sunday, Mike Lowell was asked about whether anything had changed about his expectation that the 2010 season will be his last (a prospect that he first suggested in April).  Lowell suggested that he still anticipated this season as his final one.

Johan Santana is like 1977′s Jerry Koosman  —  Yesterday, Johan Santana pitched eight innings, letting up two solo home runs, while striking out nine, in a 2-1 loss to the Pirates.  —  Santana is the first Mets pitcher since Jerry Koosman in 1977 to throw back-to-back complete games and lose both outings.

Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 0  —  Clay Buchholz lowers AL-best ERA to 2.26 in 5-0 win  —  BOSTON - Clay Buchholz has grown from a frustrated pitcher into one of baseball's best in just two years.  —  The Red Sox [team stats] right-hander pitched six innings of five-hit ball to lower his AL-best ERA …

Bisons Drop Two to PawSox  —  Turner, Martinez injured in doubleheader loss  —  The potent Bisons lineup took a hit shortly before and also shortly after first pitch on Sunday afternoon.  And the day didn't get much better after that.  —  Jesus Feliciano was recalled by the Mets just prior …

Even if he's traded, Johnny Damon wants to return to Tigers  —  Detroit — Johnny Damon said he wants to play for the Tigers next season, even if he is traded to a contender before the season ends.  —  He has read reports he has been placed on waivers by the Tigers along with third baseman Brandon Inge.

Baker's seven shutout innings leads Twins over LA  —  MINNEAPOLIS—Scott Baker pitched seven shutout innings, Michael Cuddyer had a bases-loaded double, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-0 Sunday night.  —  Danny Valencia homered for the Twins, who took two of three from Los Angeles.

Sports of The Times: An Old Baseball Town, Cincinnati Is Coming Back to Life  —  Sometimes, Joey Votto stops for a bite to eat in downtown Cincinnati, a few blocks from the ballpark by the river.  He feels the hunger in a baseball town with long memories.  —  Votto, going on 27 …

Piniella to step down after Sunday's game  —  CHICAGO — Family comes first, and Lou Piniella is headed home to take care of his mother.  —  When Piniella announced on July 20 that he was retiring at the end of this season, he fully intended to finish the year with the Cubs.