Fredi Gonzalez most likely to succeed Bobby Cox in Atlanta

Fredi Gonzalez, high on the Cubs’ list of managerial candidates, remains the front-runner to replace Bobby Cox in Atlanta. … Hiroki Kuroda, a free agent at the end of the year, is rumored to be heading back to Japan but says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. The Cubs had been close to signing him in 2007, but he decided to stay in Japan, signing with the Dodgers after that season. … Tony La Russa and Colby Rasmus have a strained relationship, but it’s hard to see the Cardinals trading Rasmus if they re-sign La Russa for 2011. The interest in him would be huge if he did get on the market. … Don’t look for the Rays to pass the Yankees. The Yankees have been in first place after Labor Day in 41 seasons and failed to hang on to first only twice, in 1906 and 1944. … There’s a great pitching matchup Sunday in San Diego: Tim Lincecum vs. Mat Latos, who is pitching like a guy who’s going to win a Cy Young or two. … The A’s can’t win at the big league level anymore but have it figured out in triple A. They’ve amassed enough 4-A players and lifers to win Pacific Coast League titles four times in their 11 years in Sacramento, making the playoffs nine times. This year they were 121/2 games behind Fresno on June 12 but rallied to win their division. … Joe Maddon loves his pinch hitters. He used six in an inning last Monday in Boston, and once used five in consecutive at-bats in an interleague game. … Nick Swisher’s work with Yankees hitting coach Kevin Long has paid off with a run at hitting .300. The White Sox could have been a little more patient with him. … The Brewers hope they have caught lightning in a bottle in right-handed reliever Brandon Kintzler, who pitched great this year in the high minors after being signed out of the independent leagues a year ago. … The Angels are sending Mark Trumbo to Venezuela to work on his outfield play. The 22-year-old prospect led the PCL with 36 homers and 122 RBIs but is blocked by Kendry Morales at first base.… Royals third base prospect Mike Moustakas, formerly of Chatsworth High and named the Sporting News’ Minor League Hitter of the Year, leads the team the U.S. will send to Puerto Rico for the Pan American Games in October. … Justin Morneau remains hopeful he’ll get back with the Twins before the year is over.

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