Kevin Garnett Brings The Heat

The Celtics landing Kevin Garnett was great and all, but I know that ever since the deal was announced, many of you have secretly longed to see Garnett in a Red Sox uniform. And so you shall. Don't get too exited, greater Boston area ... Garnett was at hand at Fenway on Wednesday just to throw out the first pitch; the Sox went on to beat the Orioles 5-4. David Ortiz had a run-scoring double and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh, receiving a standing O from Garnett in the stands. Ortiz and Garnett both began their pro careers in Minnesota. The win allowed Boston to keep its seven-game lead over the Yankees, who beat the White Sox 8-1 (no A-Rod home run).

• Cubs In First!. The very red-haired Matt Murton, who was in the minors less than a week ago, scored on Brett Myers' bases-loaded wild pitch in the ninth as Chicago beat Philadelphia 5-4 on Wednesday. Combined with Milwaukee's 8-5 loss to the Mets, that vaults the Cubs into first place in the NL Central, one percentage point ahead of the Brewers. Time to mambo!

• One Is The Lonliest Number. Barry Bonds was 0-for-3 with an intentional walk as the Dodgers came back late for a 6-4 win over the Giants. And might I add that I have never seen so many swinging bunts for base hits in one contest, ever.

• OK Braves, Here's Your Division Title. Mark Teixeira wasted no time impressing his new employers, as his three-run homer led the Braves to a 12-3 win over the Astros. Teixeira was acquired from Texas on Tuesday in a seven-player trade.

• For Whom The Bell Tolls. Buddy Bell announced that he will quit as manager of the last-place Royals at the end of the season; KC then charged out and beat the Twins 5-3 in 10 innings at the Metrodome. Bell will join the Royals' front office braintrust.