The Associated Press

NEW YORK - Major League Baseball announced a five-year apparel and headwear global licensing deal Monday that will generate more than $500 million in revenue for the 30 clubs.

Seven companies share in the deal, each an extension of an existing contract.

"The business of major league baseball was never stronger," commissioner Bud Selig said. "The companies have all demonstrated a strong commitment to the continued growth of major league baseball."

The money, about $3 million per team per year, goes directly to the clubs.

GIANTS: Shortstop Rich Aurilia will be out for at least three weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy on Monday.

Aurilia, hitting .269 with nine homers and 42 RBI, began feeling discomfort on San Francisco's charter flight back from a six-game road trip on Sunday. Team physician Laurence Yee removed Aurilia's appendix at a local hospital.

Neifi Perez could get playing time in Aurilia's place. Second baseman Ray Durham also has missed the Giants' last two games with a strained hamstring.

San Francisco has a 12-game lead atop the NL West.

CUBS: Mark Prior was activated from the disabled list Monday and he will start tonight in his hometown of San Diego against the Padres.

Prior has been out since July 11 when he hurt his right shoulder in a collision with Atlanta second baseman Marcus Giles.

Prior is 8-5 with a 3.01 ERA this season.

PAWTUCKET: Kevin Youkilis, a Sycamore High and University of Cincinnati product, hit an RBI single in the first inning Sunday to extend his streak to 70 consecutive games reaching base.

The minor league record for consecutive games reaching base is 71.