White House lawyer says AmeriCorps IG removed because he was ‘unduly disruptive’ to operationsWASHINGTON — A White House lawyer says President Barack Obama fired the watchdog for federal AmeriCorps programs because he was “unduly disruptive” and engaged in “trouble and inappropriate conduct.” RHP John Smoltz set to pitch for Red Sox on June 25, adding depth to strong rotationBOSTON — A strong rotation and even better bullpen have led the Red Sox to the top of the AL East. Orlando Magic willing to go over luxury tax to keep starting forward Hedo TurkogluORLANDO, Fla. — Hedo Turkoglu emptied his locker, shook hands with teammates and walked out of the Orlando Magic’s practice facility Tuesday. Youkilis takes slim lead over Teixeira in AL fan votingNEW YORK — Kevin Youkilis has taken a slim lead over Mark Teixeira in a back-and-forth race to be elected the starting American League first baseman for the All-Star game. Panthers undrafted rookie Anthony Scirrotto has baseball backup plan if NFL dream fadesCHARLOTTE, N.C. — One of nearly two dozen undrafted rookies with Carolina, Anthony Scirrotto faces long odds to make the Panthers’ regular-season roster. Sizemore’s elbow feeling better, could be back in Tribe lineup in 10 daysCLEVELAND — Grady Sizemore’s ailing left elbow has improved enough to where the All-Star center fielder could be back in the Cleveland Indians’ lineup in seven to 10 days. Former MLB pitcher Woodeshick, original member of Houston Colt .45s, dead at 76HOUSTON — Hal Woodeshick, who pitched for the expansion Houston Colt .45s during an 11-year career in which he was an All-Star and part of a World Series championship team, has died. He was 76. Rollins homer sparks Phillies in 7th, avoid 3-game sweep with 11-6 win over Red SoxPHILADELPHIA — Jimmy Rollins is starting to feel like his old J-Roll self. Struggling Cubs look to spark offense, fire hitting coach Gerald PerryCHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs fired hitting coach Gerald Perry after 2½ seasons on Sunday in an attempt to spark a sputtering offense that ranks among the National League’s worst. Mets slugger Gary Sheffield to get MRI on sore right kneeNEW YORK — Gary Sheffield is going to get an MRI on his sore right knee, giving the depleted New York Mets another injury concern. Hunter hits 3 home runs, leads Angels over Padres 9-1ANAHEIM, Calif. — Torii Hunter hit three consecutive solo homers, Kendry Morales and Jeff Mathis also went deep, and the Los Angeles Angels routed the San Diego Padres 9-1 Saturday night. Mets 2B Luis Castillo turns in clean day after costly error against YankeesNEW YORK — Luis Castillo was still shaky when he arrived at Yankee Stadium on Saturday. His dropped popup was splashed across the New York tabs, and the Mets second baseman had spent a restless night waiting for his next game. Albert Pujols hits 2 homers to help Brad Thompson and Cardinals defeat Indians 3-1CLEVELAND — Albert Pujols hit two home runs and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Saturday. Cardinals’ Pujols hits two homers; St. Louis defeats Cleveland Indians 3-1CLEVELAND — Albert Pujols hit two home runs and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cleveland Indians 3-1 on Saturday. Kobe Bryant says he can’t imagine playing for anyone but Lakers next yearORLANDO, Fla. — With LeBron James possibly headlining a stellar class, the 2010 free agency season has already been nicknamed the “Summer of LeBron.” Twins OF Cuddyer sits with inflamed right index fingerCHICAGO — Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer sat out Saturday’s game against the Chicago Cubs because of an inflamed right index finger. Driven to excel, bonded by respect, Lakers’ Bryant, Jackson on verge of coveted NBA titleORLANDO, Fla. — Like any couple, they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs. They’ve feuded publicly and fought privately. They separated for a year and reunited with an understanding that it was best for both of their careers. They’ve grown older together. California Dreaming: Howard still believes Magic can rally over Lakers in finalsORLANDO, Fla. — Dwight Howard has his bags packed. Obama removes AmeriCorps inspector general after probe of Obama’s supporterWASHINGTON — President Barack Obama says he has lost confidence in the inspector general who investigates AmeriCorps and other national service programs and has told Congress he is removing him from the position. Could winger Marian Hossa get caught in right place with wrong team for second year in a row?Apparently, the hockey gods exist and do they ever have a wicked sense of humor. Magic have ‘Skip’ in step in first finals win with Rafer Alston’s 20 points in Game 3 victoryORLANDO, Fla. — The Orlando Magic skipped past their point guard controversy in style Tuesday night. Nice catch: New Jersey high school OF Mike Trout celebrates pick with family at draftSECAUCUS, N.J. — Mike Trout and his family drove more than two hours to attend baseball’s amateur draft. First basemen separated by 1,200 votes in latest AL All-Star votingNEW YORK — The Yankees and Red Sox were already going head-to-head before their much-anticipated third series of the season Tuesday night. Rangers’ Hamilton undergoes abdominal surgery in Philadelphia, expected back in 4-6 weeksARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton has had surgery in Philadelphia to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle. Howe on his wife’s death: ‘If something like that happens, it makes you as weak as a kitten.’PITTSBURGH — Mr. Hockey is hurting. Rangers exercise 2010 club option, keep Washington for another yearARLINGTON, Texas — The Texas Rangers are sticking with manager Ron Washington, at least through 2010. Manny Ramirez remains 5th among NL outfielders in All-Star fan votingNEW YORK — Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez remained fifth among NL outfielders in the latest fan voting for starting spots in the All-Star game. Phillies hit 3 homers, beat Dodgers 7-2 to split 4-game series between division leadersLOS ANGELES — Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz and Shane Victorino homered, and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-2 Sunday to split a four-game series between teams with the top two records in baseball. Atlanta Dream hope revamped roster, winning season will boost sagging season-ticket salesATLANTA — No one can blame Atlanta Dream fans for being skeptical about renewing their season tickets — not during a national recession and not after just four wins in the team’s first WNBA season. Tampa Bay Rays beat Mariano Rivera in 9th inning again, top New York Yankees 9-7NEW YORK — Joe Dillon hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays touched up Mariano Rivera for the second time this season, defeating the New York Yankees 9-7 on Saturday. Andre Ethier’s two-run double gives Dodgers 4-3 win over PhilliesLOS ANGELES — Over their last five games, the Los Angeles Dodgers have scored just four runs in 35 innings against opponents’ starting pitchers. Amazingly, they’ve won three of them — each by one-run. Nelson’s return from shoulder injury puts Magic’s Alston in tricky spotLOS ANGELES — Rafer Alston helped guide the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals, then helped them take a lead after the first quarter of Game 1. All-Star race prompts NASCAR to move to double-file restarts for Cup racingLONG POND, Pa. — The excitement caused by the double-file restarts at the All-Star race is one reason why NASCAR has implemented the new procedure for the rest of the Sprint Cup season. Randy Smith, ex-Buffalo Braves star who set consecutive games mark, dies at 60HARTFORD, Conn. — Randy Smith, a blindingly fast All-Star with the Buffalo Braves in the 1970s who once held the NBA record for consecutive games, died while working out on a treadmill. He was 60. Former NBA player Randy Smith, known for setting consecutive games mark, dies at 60NORWICH, Conn. — Randy Smith, an All-Star with the Buffalo Braves in the 1970s who once held the NBA record for consecutive games, died Thursday at a Connecticut hospital. He was 60. |