Red Sox win in as benches clear

BOSTON -- Mike Lowell didn't take long to satisfy the fans that were happy to see him back.

With the crowd still on its feet during a standing ovation, Lowell hit a two-run homer on the first pitch he saw after coming off the disabled list to lead the Boston Red Sox to a 3-1 victory against the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday night.

Full Story

(Getty Images)

Price of admission

A teary Mark McGwire confessed Monday to using steroids. Was it enough to sway ESPN's Hall of Fame electorate? Full Story

Good luck finding a better defensive infielder than Roberto Alomar. (Getty Images)

They Belong

It's a ballot of Cooperstown's near-miss greatest hits: Raines, Blyleven, Morris, Dawson. Scott Miller votes for some of the 1980s' best and a second baseman who should be a lock. Full Story

(Getty Images)

Familiar Pitch

The Yankees spent last offseason remaking their starting rotation. Well, they are at it again, acquiring Javier Vazquez from the Braves for Melky Cabrera. Full Story

Holliday wouldn't want this to be his last Cardinals memory. (US Presswire)

Off-Season Daydreamin'

The Pirates ink an exotic import. Matt Holliday remains with the Cardinals. The NL West gets a marriage counselor. As the Stove warms up, Scott Miller's imagination percolates. Full Story

Joe Maddon's Rays will fall short after their W.S. run. (US Presswire)

They'll Be Back

Go ahead, dismiss the Rays as a fluke and relegate them as also-rans. But at least missing the playoffs won't trigger a spending spree because they're armed to compete next season, Danny Knobler says. Full Story

'Stuff happens, and I just have to move on,' Alex Rios says after learning of Monday's move. (Getty Images)

White Sox claim two-time All-Star Rios from Toronto

It's finally official. After days of rumors, the Blue Jays let go of Alex Rios, who is claimed off waivers by the Chicago White Sox. Sorry, Toronto fans, your team won't be winning for some time, Danny Knobler says. Full Story

Santana well suited for New York pressure cooker

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- The standard has been set, and you can bet the comparison will be made.

Full Story

Scrimp 'n' save: A brief on bad roto relief

There are exactly two circumstances under which I'd recommend drafting a closer in the first ten rounds of your Fantasy baseball draft or devoting more than 1/25th of your payroll to a single closer in your auction. First, if your league awards points for road-ragey, eyes-bulging snarls, in which case Boston firebreather Jonathan Papelbon should be the first name off the board. And second, in the event that you're in a league with me, so that I can benefit from your boobery.

Full Story