Cashman went on to wonder why Mets third baseman David Wright gets positive publicity while lately A-Rod's seems all negative, despite the two having similar years. "He's having the same season as David Wright," Cashman said. "He's not getting the same love because of the money he makes. Bottom line.''

A-Rod (.282, 20 HRs, 68 RBIs) makes $25.2 million compared with Wright (.317, 21, 77), who is making $374,000. For those without a calculator, that's 1/67th of what A-Rod makes.

Cashman continued, "This guy doesn't get put in jail. He does good work with charity. He doesn't stay up late carousing. He doesn't inflame anything politically. He's a good citizen. So what's the difference? It's the money.''

A-Rod, who lives a block from the park, joked, "It was a modeling shoot.... No, it's my backyard. I was just lounging with my daughter and my wife.''

Around the majors

	The Mets could use Devil Rays shortstop Julio Lugo to play second base, but trade talks have stalled. Doug Benc/Getty Images
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• The Mets and the Devil Rays are growing frustrated with each other's offers in talks regarding shortstop Julio Lugo, whom the Mets would use as a second baseman. At this point the D-Rays, who have sought pitcher Aaron Heilman, believe they'd be better off accepting the draft choices for losing the free-agent-to-be than taking the "fringe'' prospects the Mets are dangling. Jose Valentin is doing a fine job at second for the Mets, so perhaps they're just trying to get back for Victor Zambrano.

• Astros executives had been growing concerned about Morgan Ensberg well before he went on the disabled list with shoulder trouble. In his last 30 games Ensberg hit .157 and slugged .270.

• Remember how Danny Almonte's age got him in trouble in Little League? Well, it was his wife's age that cost him a chance to be drafted (she's in her 30s). "Baggage'' is the one-word response as to why the Yankees didn't take a chance on the Bronx's Monroe High product.

• The Angels have better-known prospects than catcher Mike Napoli. But one scout said, "He's got presence and he's got power.'' The scout liked him even better than Dodgers rookie catcher Russell Martin.

• Adam Kennedy has been rumored to be going to the Blue Jays for so long that by now he must feel like a Canadian citizen.

• Wishful thinking or inside info? Yankees center fielder Johnny Damon, who knew Barry Zito from the A's and has the same agent (Scott Boras), said, "I think he's coming [to New York].'' 

• I heard Jose Canseco's name come up on Tuesday. But help me -- did they say knuckleball or knucklehead?

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