The 2-4 start to this critical nine-game homestand has left the Reds in a big hole in the NL Central as they start the week 12.5 games back of the Chicago Cubs at 33-38. While there is a great, young nucleus in place, veterans could be shopped and soon. 

Adam Dunn's no-trade protection has gone from all teams to ten teams. Dunn told FOXSports.com's Ken Rosenthal he'd like a resolution soon rather than another round of rumors. He'd be open to an extension with the Reds, but the team has not made contact.

Peter Gammons reported on ESPN.com that the Red Sox are scared off by Dunn's strikeouts, and likely would not be interested even if David Ortiz does has to have surgery.  

There were reports last week that Ken Griffey Jr. had told friends that he welcome a trade to the Tampa Rays. It would put Junior really close to his family and his home in Orlando and allow him an opportunity to DH if needed to finish out his career. However, his agent -- Brian Goldberg -- told SI.com Sunday that is not sure where this story is coming from. "Nobody has mentioned anything to Junior or I," Goldberg said. "It's got to be a media member thinking out loud." Goldberg added that no trade proposals have been brought to Griffey, who has a no-trade clause in his contract since he has at least 10 years of MLB service.

There's no doubt that Reds' GM Walt Jocketty is a busy man right now. He has told counterparts he wants to clean house, notably of free-agent-to-be outfielders Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn, plus Ryan Freel and - in the right deal - starter Bronson Arroyo, according to the NY Post.

From the NY Times...

The Yankees’ season changed irreversibly on Sunday. Chien-Ming Wang’s season is in jeopardy with a serious injury to his right foot, and C. C. Sabathia instantly became a very important name in the Yankees’ universe.

Wang staggered to the plate in the sixth inning with the fifth run of a 13-0 rout of the Houston Astros . He did not speak to reporters, but he told others that he felt a pop in his foot while rounding third base, a strong sign of ligament damage that could sideline him for months, if not the rest of the season.

“That’s a manager’s worst nightmare,” Joe Girardi said. “Pitchers on the basepaths.

Phil Jackson, matter-of-factly, said it wasn't over. Kobe Bryant, with a touch more defiance, said it wasn't over. And as of Monday morning, both men are correct, if not by much.

Whether it was the first step of a resurrection or just a stay of execution - and with Games 6 and maybe 7 in Boston, bet on the latter - remains to be seen. But after Sunday night's Game 5, the Los Angeles Lakers are still playing. Following a nervy 103-98 victory over the Boston Celtics at the Staples Center, L.A. still trails 3-2 in the series, but has another chance to extend this NBA season.

That being said, they nearly blew it. Then, they nearly blew it. After that, they nearly blew it.

Bryant scored 25 points and made a key steal and decisive dunk in the final minute to beat Boston 103-98 and deny the Celtics their 17th NBA title -- at least for now.

Lamar Odom added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Pau Gasol chipped in 19 points and 13 boards. The Celtics lead the series 3-2. The Lakers are trying to become the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals to win a title.

Paul Pierce was huge for Boston with 38 points, 8 assists and 6 rebounds.

The Lakers, who blew a 24-point lead in losing last Thursday night, nearly squandered a 19-point lead in this game. But the Lakers regrouped to extend their season.

The Lakers have to win on the Celtics' floor Tuesday night to force a winner-take-all Game 7. Boston is 12-and-1 at home this postseason.