Chipper Jones' Advice Pays Off for Jeff Francoeur

Jeff Francoeur never saw a pitch he didn't like, enabling him to hit .341, with 31 RBI and 10 homers in the first two months of his '05 rookie campaign. But many of the numbers came when he reached out of the strike zone and slammed bad balls for hits, showing a lack of discrimination that one day would tell on him. Francoeur only walked 11 times in 257 at-bats for that season, and has yet to walk even once in nearly 100 at-bats this year. But veteran teammate Chipper Jones advised Francoeur to keep doing what he's doing, keep making contact, keep swinging because it was that type of aggressiveness that made him one of last year's top rookies. With a .216 average this year, Francoeur was beginning to doubt himself, but he went 4-5 with a homer and five RBI Sunday in the Braves 8-5 victory over the Mets, giving the young outfielder hope that with plenty of time left, he still can turn his season around.

Gary Sheffield Leaves Clubhouse Without X-Rays

Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield likely will return to action without missing time after Saturday's collision with Toronto first baseman Shea Hillenbrand. Sheffield, who lay on the field for several moments after the mishap, evidently had merely "lost his wind" and was soon able to walk off the field with the assistance of the trainer and manager Joe Torre. Sheffield sustained a sore and bruised shoulder, wrist and knee, and did not return to the field. Sheffield underwent a cursory examination by team doctor Stuart Hershon but left the clubhouse without bothering with X-Rays and is considered "day-to-day." Sheffield is not expected to miss much time and would be available to pinch hit. Shea Hillenbrand, who also came out of the game, underwent a CT scan for a blow to the back of his head, but the test was strictly precautionary.

Isringhausen Notches Save No.7, But It's Not Pretty

The little letter after Jason Isringhausen's name in the boxscore is an 'S' but that hardly tells the story. Isringhausen got away with another save for the Cardinals Saturday as he walked the bases loaded but was rescued by his defense executing a double play. Isringhausen currently sports a 6.00 ERA with two losses and has given up three homers after surrendering only four all last year. Observers say Isringhausen's fastball has flatened out, but Isringhausen, whose past injuries are long behind him, believes that for some reason he just can't make the ball go where he wants it to go, and it often winds up splitting the plate as though he was throwing batting practice. Manager Tony LaRussa will undoubtedly stick with Isringhausen for awhile yet, but one wonders how soon it will be before necessity dictates that he starts looking at bullpen lefty Randy Flores or set-up man Braden Looper to help out from time to time in the ninth inning.

Miguel Tejada Leaves Game with Roberts, Millar

Results of an MRI examination showed no inflammation or structural damage to Baltimore shortstop Miguel Tejada's knee, but the joint remains tender and sore, so much so that Tejada took himself out of play in the sixth inning of Saturday's game. Tejada, who benched himself after hitting the second of his two singles on the day, was not expected to miss time, but his discomfort clearly raises questions about Tejada's durability over the long season. Also coming out of Saturday's game after being nicked up were Kevin Millar and Brian Roberts. With Javy Lopez sitting out with back spasms, and David Newhan and Luis Matos on the DL, the Orioles wound up with a very peculiar field defense by the end of the game: Jeff Conine at third base, Chris Gomez at short, Melvin Mora at second and Ramon Hernandez at first.

Bucs Mike Gonzalez Chokes in Closers' Role Again

So-called Pirates closer Mike Gonzalez, 27, brought in to shut the door in the ninth inning of Saturday's 3-2 win over the Phillies, faced three batters, walking two, before being pulled in favor of 41-year-old Roberto Hernandez. Hernandez, 11th on the all-time saves list, notched his 326th career save and now owns two of the team's five saves. The team remains committed to Gonzalez as the closer of the future, though at this rate it would seem Gonzalez hardly can be considered the closer of the present, certainly not exclusively.

Twins Skipper Ron Gardenhire Afraid to Play Hand

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire is like a nervous poker player with a pair of kings as his hold cards: he's too scared to bump the bet for fear of revealing his hand. Despite a disastrous start, Gardenhire continues to parade a ridiculous combination of players to bat cleanup. . .Ruben Sierra, Tony Batista, Rondell White. . .while not only leaving Torii Hunter in the No. 5 spot, but abandoning struggling first baseman Justin Morneau in No. 6 hole with no one behind him for protection. Gardenhire even tried batting backup catcher Mike Redmond in the No. 3 spot. At the same time, the wheels have come off Brad Radke's, Carlos Silva's and Kyle Lohse's games, yet Gardenhire refuses to move fireballing lefty Francisco Liriano into the rotation though the handwriting is on the wall with Saturday's 18-1 loss to Detroit. Fortunately for Gardenhire, the Twins are too cheap to eat his contract and hire a replacement. If years past are any indication, the Twins game usually doesn't jell until the third and fourth weeks of May. Until then, Gardenhire would do well to follow the advice of an old prospector: "If you find yourself getting nowhere in a deeper and deeper hole, stop digging."

Gary Sheffield, Shea Hillenbrand Collide, Come Out

Yankees slugger Gary Sheffield was helped off the field Saturday by manager Joe Torre after hitting a tw0-RBI single and colliding with Toronto first baseman Shea Hillenbrand. Sheffield ramained motionless on the ground for several moments before rising and being replaced at first base by reserve Bubba Crosby. Hillenbrand did not appear to be as seriously hurt, but also came out of the game and was replaced by regular first baseman Lyle Overbay. No immediate word was received on the condition of Sheffield or Hillenbrand.

Cubs Seek Platoon Player to Back Up Todd Walker

The Cubs are adamantly against overspending on part-time help, but are beginning to relent to pressure for a right-handed hitter to spell lefty batters Todd Walker and John Mabry. Walker and Mabry are designated fill-ins at first base until the return of injured superstar Derrick Lee, and are performing well, Walker with a .330 average. But the team is looking at righties Carlos Pena, 27, something of a bust after kicking around Texas, Oakland and Detroit and his back porch in Santo Domingo, and 39-year-old Jeff Conine, both of whom might be acquired cheaply. Conine currently gets quite a bit of playing time for Baltimore, and Pena plays every day as a minor league property of the Yankees.

Fireballer Juan Cruz Moves Into D-Backs Rotation

Juan Cruz, 27, the fireballing righty whose career has been marked by brilliance interspersed with mediocrity, will replace struggling veteran Russ Ortiz in the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation. Cruz, whose fastball is clocked in the high 90s, will be placed on an 80-pitch limit until his endurance can be increased as he has spent a majority of his career in a relief role. However, Cruz started 13 games for the AAA Sacramento River Rats last year, posting a 2.40 ERA with five wins and a loss. Throughout his career, even when dealing with wildness and other difficulties associated with youngsters who throw hard, Cruz has been dependable for more than a strikeout per inning. This year he has 14 Ks in 12 relief innings, but has doled out 10 free passes. He will move into the No. 2 spot in the Snakes rotation, as manager Bob Melvin wants him sandwiched between the team's best starters, Brandon Webb and Miguel Batista, so that the bullpen will likely be rested on either side of Cruz's starts when Cruz comes out early. Cruz was acquired in a trade with Oakland for lefty Brad Halsey.

B.J. Upton Reprimands Suspended Delmon Young

Tampa Bay super prospect B.J. Upton directed a clubhouse tirade against fellow prospect Delmon Young, who has been suspended indefinitely after throwing a bat in the direction of an umpire Wednesday after the umpire ejected him during an AAA game at Durham, N.C. Upton warned Young that he was not only hurting the team but his prospects for advancement to the majors. Young, 21, is beside himself with exasperation because of the Rays decision to keep him in Durham to prevent starting his service time and advancing his contract arbitration date. Rays front office executives not only want Young to waste away in Durham, they want him to like it. But the more furious Young becomes, the more he is compared to troubled former major leaguer Albert Belle.

Case History Shows It's Hard to Keep Helton Down

Todd Helton is the kind of player who could be run over by a Coors Beer truck and still be in the Rockies lineup the next day. His entire career shows a history of strength, good health and resistance to injury and illness. Helton, 32, has been on the disabled list only once before, last year with a strained calf when it cost him just 14 games. If anyone can bounce back from Crohn's Disease it would be Helton, but it's still wide open as to just how quickly Helton will be back. Crohn's Disease is primarily an intestinal disorder, but it can strike anywhere in the gastrointestinal system from the anus to the tonsils, each area being given various designations in the world of medical nominclature. In Helton's case, the affliction is known as terminal ileitis, meaning that it is manifested at the end of the intestine. Historically, those afflicted with the malady can return to near normal activity within a few weeks, while some victims are out for much longer, a rare few even requiring surgery to remove sections of intestine. Based on Helton's past, depend on the rugged first baseman to be among the more fortunate individuals, back sooner rather than later.

Howie Kendrick Having Cub of Coffee at Shortstop

Howie Kendrick, hitting .386 with two homers and 13 RBI for AAA Salt Lake, has been called up by the Angels to replace injured shortstop Maicer Izturis. Though Kendrick swings a potent bat, the 22-year-old second baseman remains a work in progress defensively and cannot be expected to push veteran Adam Kennedy out the door for a good while yet. No matter what he does at the plate, depend on Kendrick to be back in Utah in a couple of weeks.

Tony Clark Rumors Are Nothing More Than That

Despite batting .304 with 30 homers for Arizona last year, switchhitting first baseman Tony Clark has been left to languish on the bench in favor of rookie Conor Jackson. But Clark will NOT be traded, at least not to the Cubs. Rumors that Clark will be moved have been prompted by Cubs superstar Derrick Lee's injury, as the Cubs have resorted to primarily playing second baseman Todd Walker at first in Lee's absence. But the Cubs have no intention of trading away players or prospects, and will ride it out until Lee's return. Still, all the stirring has led Clark to tell the Arizona Republic that he would be willing to wave his no-trade clause if a team needs him.

Rookie Casey Janssen Will Replace A.J. Burnett

Rookie Casey Janssen has been called to appear for the Blue Jays against the veteran Kris Benson in today's game against the Orioles. Janssen, 24, was a combined 10-1 with a 1.91 ERA in two A-level minor league stops last year, and was 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 20 innings this year for the AAA Syracuse Chiefs. The Blue Jays drafted the 6-foot-4, 200-pound former UCLA hurler in the fourth round of the '04 draft. Burnett is missing time due to ruptured scar tissue related to Tommy John surgery.

Rich Harden, Esteban Loaiza Suffer Back Spasms

Rich Harden became the second Oakland pitcher in four days to leave a game early due to back spasms, joining rotation mate Estaban Loaiza, whose appearance Sunday was shortened with the same malady. Loaiza is throwing on the side and may be ready to return to action this weekend, but Harden has been dispatched to San Francisco for an MRI with the date of his return indeterminate. Harden, 3-0 with a 3.58 ERA coming into Wednesday's 6-4 win over the Rangers at Arlington, left in the fourth inning when he wrenched his back trying to stop a ball hit off the bat of Texas cleanup hitter Phil Nevin.

David Weathers, Todd Coffey Keep Roles for Now

Cincinnati Reds manager Jerry Narron has a hunch that young Todd Coffey is the best pitcher in his bullpen, but with David Weathers racking up saves, don't expect Narron to fix what ain't broke. Coffey, 1-0, has tallied 10 strikeouts in 12 innings and sports a 0.75 ERA. Weathers, 0-1, has 10 strikeouts too, but also a blown a save and has surrendered a pair of homers that account for his comparatively higher 2.75 ERA. Still, Weathers' six saves in seven chances loom enormously. At 35, Weathers appears to be the stopper, at least for now, at the expense of Coffey, a 25-year-old rookie. Moreover, Coffey has been superb as set-up man, and Narron likes having a dependable arm in the late middle innings no less than he likes one in the ninth.

World Games Cited as Cause for Pitchers' Woes

Buck Martinez, manager of the U.S. team in the World Classic Games in March, has conceded that slow starts or unusual difficulties experienced by pitchers Jake Peavy of the Padres, Carlos Silva of the Twins, Brad Lidge of the Astros and others may be attributable to improper conditioning caused by their participation in the international games instead of spring training. Martinez made the observation Wednesday on the XM Radio morning baseball program.

Shawn Green Approaching the End of the Line

With two years left on his $17.5 million contract, Arizona's Shawn Green is virtually guaranteed playing time and will be given every chance to prove that he has something left. But at 33, Green's best days are long behind him and scouts say he looks as though he's finished. Always a slow starter, Green is barely batting .200 with only one homer. In the early games in years past Green would start slow, yes, but he could be expected to hit at least .260-.270 with a half dozen longballs before his bat came to life around June 1. More and more, however, Green has a proclivity for swinging long, slow and late, as evidenced by a preponderance of little hoppers he hits down the left field line, most of which impotently dribble foul. Hard to believe that just a few short years ago this was the player who hit 49 homers playing in pitcher friendly Dodger Stadium. It would seem Green would at least be worth a minimum .260 average and 20 homers by the end of the year, but some observers predict he'll never make it.

Todd Helton Being Treated for Crohn's Disease

A two-day battery of tests and subsequent laboratory analysis at Rose Medical Center in Denver has confirmed that Rockies first baseman Todd Helton suffers from exacerbations of Crohn's Disease. Crohn's Disease causes Todd Helton to suffer from an inflammation of the gastrointestinal system that can lead to various ramifications, including abdominal discomfort and fever due to infected ulceration. Todd Helton, 32, who was put on the 15-day disabled list after suffering painful stomach cramps and a high temperature last Friday, is resting comfortably at home after being treated with anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics. Helton's diet is being modified and he has been placed on a regimen of light excercise. There is no timetable for Helton's return. Crohn's Disease is treatable but virtually incurable and in rare cases can lead to fatal complications. In Helton's case the manifestation is concentrated at the end of the lower intestine, being diagnosed as terminal ileitis, one of many variations of Crohn's Disease. Tennessee Volunteers quarterback A.J. Suggs also suffers from Crohn's Disease. Helton is also a former Volunteers quarterback.

Brad Eldred Will Miss Time After Thumb Surgery

Pittsburgh prospect Brad Eldred, the Pirates' minor league backup to acting first baseman Craig Wilson until starter Sean Casey returns from disabled status, broke his thumb playing for AAA Indianapolis and will be out indefinitely. The 25-year-old Eldred will require several weeks to recover from surgery to repair a fracture and dislocation. Eldred had been part of wide speculation in Chicago that he would be called up to Pittsburgh if the Cubs traded to acquire Wilson as a replacement for injured superstar Derrick Lee. But the point is moot as the Cubs have made it clear no trade is forthcoming.

Keith Hernandez Reprimand Stands as Punishment

Baseball color commentator Keith Hernandez has always stood by women in the pro sports arena whenever they were wrestling for equality. . . as long as it was mud wrestling maybe. The Mets broadcast network is resisting grumblings that the former All-Star first baseman should be suspended for making "inappropriate" remarks about women. Hernandez will bear no more than a reprimand after his on-air remarks in which he stated: "I won't say that women belong in the kitchen, but they don't belong in the dugout." Hernandez had complained that "it's a man's game" and incorrectly asserted that women are supposed to be fobidden in the dugout. Hernandez had spotted the Padres female massage therapist "high-fiveing" catcher Mike Piazza during a PetCo Field game with the Mets last week, and compared her to "Kissing Bandit" Morganna. The buxom Morganna used to dash out onto the field and plant kisses on the cheeks of such players as now Hall-of-Famer George Brett (that's Morganna and George in the photo) in the days when Hernandez was a player.

MRI May Shed Light on Chris Young's Numb Thumb

San Diego SP Chris Young had allowed only one run over his last 13 innings, but after his thumb went numb he was hammered in an 8-1 loss to the Mets. Young has been battling lost sensation and coldness in the thmb of his throwing hand all season, and it has affected his ability to feel the seams of the ball. An MRI may shed light on the problem as soon as today. The MRI will include the head, neck and spine, but the initial focus will attempt to determine whether blood vessels in the wrist are inflamed or swollen due to the repetative trauma of Chris Young's pitching regimen, or if the malady may be related to some type of blow. The team has no plans for Young to miss time, but doctors yet may prescribe rest as part of the treatment.

Todd Helton Awaits Lab Results After Colonoscopy

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was in the process of returning to his Colorado home from Rose Medical Center to await results of a colonoscopy, a procedure in which a tiny camera is inserted into the gastrointestinal system to inspect and collect tissue samples for a biopsy. Biopsy results must await laboratory analysis that cannot be completed for another 18-36 hours, and could confirm whether the 32-year-old slugger has contracted Crohn's disease. The chronic affliction in rare cases can lead to fatal complications such as cancer, so the team is withholding information out of respect for Helton's family. Associated with abdominal pain and bowel irregularities, in the most severe manifestations the malady is associated with fever and headaches such as Helton experienced Thursday and Friday before his hospitalization and subsequent placement on the 15-day disabled list. The disease most often strikes individuals between the ages of 15-35, of Caucasion heritage, in industrialized nations in northern climates. Somewhat mysterious, it can be managed with common medications and diet modification, and commonly is not debilitating for extended periods. However, when associated with high fever, recovery can be prolonged. Frequently the disease is confused with ulcerative colitus, a less serious ailment that presumably would not cause Helton to miss extensive time.

Taylor Buckholz Good, Maybe Too Good to be True

It's hard to argue with success when a pitcher comes within an eyelash of a complete game, one-hit shutout and sports a 1.80 ERA, but promising Astros hurler Taylor Buckholz's downside must not be disregarded. Though Buckholz, 27, was perfect through six, he must be characterized as "effectively wild" though his first three innings. Like all rookies, Buckholz tends to struggle with control, evident as he found just enough accuracy on his 95-mph fastball to shut down the first nine batters. After that Buckholz was in a zone, pitching the greatest game of his career. But it remains confusing as to where Buckholz fits in Houston's complicated rotation picture. For one thing, Brandon Backe could return from the DL in as little as six weeks, though he may be out for much longer. Another problem is that Roger Clemens may sign after May 1, and youngster Wandy Rodriguez, with a 3-0 record and 2.52 ERA, has also impressed. The Astros No. 4 and No. 5 rotation spots remain a puzzle at best.

Todd Helton's Ailment Puzzles His Doctors

Rockies first baseman Todd Helton was suddenly placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday as doctors tried to determine why he is suffering from "stomach discomfort." No further explanation was given because no explanation is known. Todd Helton has been associated with various medical problems, most notably a strained calf muscle, which kept him out of action for 14 games last year, and an ongoing difficulty with one or more compressed vertebrea in his neck. Presumably, Helton's stomach issue differs from his chronic ailments of the past, and is unrelated to a clubhouse flu bug that also has sidelined Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkens. Helton, 32, has only one homer on the year, but his batting average has flirted with the .400 mark off and on this season.

A.J. Burnett Returns to 15-Day DL

Toronto starting pitcher A.J. Burnett has been returned to the 15-day DL after coming out of Friday's game in the fourth inning due to reinjuring the elbow in his throwing arm, which doctors say pains him because of broken scar tissue from Tommy John surgery.

Derrick Lee's Injury Not So Bad as to Require Trade

The Cubs are unable to find a replacement for injured first baseman Derrick Lee because trades are too difficult in April, or so the team would have the public believe. But the fact is that no immediate need is seen to replace Lee. After studying X-Ray and MRI results, the front office has decided to avoid trading away Cubs players, prospects and resources to acquire someone when Lee could be verging close to recovery as soon as six weeks. Examinations prove that the two broken bones near Lee's right wrist are still perfectly aligned, meaning that they are no more than cracks and will heal themselves with no need for surgery. The tendons, ligaments and cartilage remain intact, with full articulation at the joints. The breaks, strickly limited to the bone shafts, have already been immobilized with a firm cast from Lee's fingertips nearly to his shoulder. But that cast will be replaced with a shorter variation within three weeks, and Lee will be 80-90 percent healed within a month. In as soon as six weeks Lee could be cleared for rehabilitation, then restore himself to playing strength through excercise over the course of another 12 to 16 days. Until then the Cubs will rely primarily upon second baseman Todd Walker and bench reserve John Mabry, both of whom at least have limited first base experience.

Michael Restovich Takes Derrick Lee's Roster Spot

Outfielder Michael Restovich, 28, a once highly regarded Pittsburgh prospect whom since has lost his luster, was called up to the Cubs from AAA Iowa City Friday to take the roster spot of injured first baseman Derrick Lee. Restovich played some first base during spring camp, but likely will get little time at the position behind second baseman Todd Walker, who will move over, and John Mabry, a bench reserve. Both Walker and Mabry have experience at first. The choice of Restovich makes it clear the club has little confidence in prospective slugger Brandon Sing, 25, a lumbering first baseman who hit .280 with 26 homers in 411 AB at the AA level last year.

Rafael Furcal Has Trouble Gripping Bat

Los Angeles shortstop Rafael Furcal's batting average had dropped to .219 before he doubled in an insurance run in the seventh inning of Friday's 5-3 victory over Arizona, and later scored. Furcal has been hampered at the plate after he strained the middle finger of his left hand on opening day. The finger has been sore and swollen since, making it difficult for him to grip his bat. His discomfort is not related to Thursday's collision with Cubs first baseman Derrick Lee, who has been sidelined for perhaps two months or more as a result of the contact.

Jeremy Bonderman Still Experiencing Soreness

Detroit starting pitcher Jeremy Bonderman, 1-2 with a 5.55 ERA with 21 strikeouts in 19 innings, was still experiencing soreness after being struck in the lower back Thursday by a liner off the bat of Oakland's Dan Johnson. Bonderman came out of the game after being struck, but not necessarily because of the pain. His pitch count had already reached 99. Bonderman's ability to throw remains unaffected. He will make his next start Tuesday.

Wandy Rodriguez Experiences Groin Discomfort

Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez, 3-0 with a 2.52 ERA over three starts after notching Friday's 3-2 victory, continues to feel discomfort due to an intermittent groin twinge that prompted him to come out of the game after five innings. Though the injury is not considered serious yet, trainer Dave LaBossiere will monitor the condition until it is determined that Rodriguez is well. The team is worried not only because of the potential for Rodriguez to miss time. If the 27-year-old lefty cannot be depended upon to sustain higher pitch counts, a highly vulnerable bullpen with a total ERA exceeding 6.00 may be unable to hold leads until the ninth inning for closer Brad Lidge. Moreover, setup men will be more likely to wear down from overuse, further perpetuating the bullpen's over taxation.

Nomar Garciaparra Poised for Return to Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Nomar Garciaparra went 2-5 with a double, run scored and a RBI in a rehabilitation start for AAA Fresno Friday night. Garciaparra was expected to make his debut in Chavez Revine in tonight's game against the Diamondbacks after being sidelined with an injury since the end of spring camp.

Orioles Remain Hopeful About Corey Patterson

Over the first three weeks of the season OF Corey Patterson, 26, once projected as a promising blend of power, defense and speed, was given only a dozen chances to bat for the Orioles. Appearing only intermittently, Patterson had only one hit, a single. But with the veteran David Newhan, a potential .300 hitter, missing time with an injury, Patterson will find himself in the lineup more often and with a renewed chance to redeem himself. The team remains hopeful that Patterson can rediscover the talent that once made him one of the most exciting rookies in the game, and avoid whatever it was that put him in the doghouse when Patterson played for Cubs manager Dusty Baker.

Dan Johnson, 1-32, Returns to A's Lineup

Oakland 1B/DH Dan Johnson, 1-32 on the year, was given time off to try to recover his swing. Studying video images of his approach at the plate last year compared to now, Johnson observed that he has been trying to pull outside pitches instead of hitting them to the opposite field, and, after several hours of tedious practice, thought perhaps he had corrected the problem. Unfortunately, when he returned to the lineup he went 0-3. Johnson's average now sits at .031, but the team is convinced Johnson will hit his way out of his slump, and then, pitchers beware.

Mystified Eddie Guadardo Blows Save, Keeps Job

Seattle closer Eddie Guadardo gave up four ninth-inning bases on balls, including a walk to cleanup hitter Phil Nevin, to lose Thursday's home game against the Rangers, 5-4. It was Guadardo's second blown save in four days. However, Guadardo, 35, won a vote of confidence from manager Mike Hargrove, who declared after the game: "Eddie Guadardo is our closer. He will remain our closer." Hargrove said pitchers generally can be expected to have occasional bad games, and Thursday's was one of Guadardo's. Guadardo, who suffers from a torn rotator cuff, claimed he felt fine physically. Guadardo said: "I can't tell you want happened. I wish I had an explanation. I just could not find the damn plate...I don't know what to tell you. I've got to do something though. I've got to get (myself) right."

Dave Roberts to Play Full Time in Left

San Diego's Dave Roberts, currently playing center field while the injured Mike Cameron plays rehabilitation games for single A Lake Elsinore, will move to left field full time when Cameron returns. Roberts' playing time has increased significantly with the demotion of Termel Sledge. Roberts has a pair of triples and two stolen bases while batting .286 in 35 AB. Sledge batted 25 times but could not even hit his weight.

Brandon Sing Only a Short-Term Answer for Cubs

Brandon Sing trying to field a grounder is a bit like a man trying to pick up a mouse, but there's no better place to hide Sing's glove than first base now that the position is open with Cubs starter Derrick Lee out perhaps for two months or more. Sing, a 6-foot-5, 215-pound Chicagoland native, may be asked to fill a roster spot. He would bring to the Cubs a good eye at the plate and a respectable power source. Other options might include playing Jerry Hairston full-time at second base and moving 2B Todd Walker to first base, or trading for someone known to be on the market, such as Pittsburgh's Craig Wilson. Sing, 25, was Florida State League MVP in '04, when he slugged 32 homers. At the AA level last year Sing hit .280 with 26 homers in just 411 AB. But with Sing's defensive play in question, plus his inexperienced bat, Sing can hardly be regarded as the ultimate stopgap. In 57 plate appearances, Sing is hitting only .200 with the Iowa Cubs this year, with one homer. Speculation is running rampant that the Cubs will deal for Wilson. Wilson had no place to play in Pittsburgh but has been pressed into action because of injury to Pirates first baseman Sean Casey. Wilson remains expendable in Pittsburgh because he is backed up in the minors by prospect Brad Eldred. Eldred, playing at nearby AAA Indianapolis, is something of a fan favorite. Another Cubs first base prospect, Brian Dopirak, hit .307 with 39 homers at single A Lansing last year, but has yet to be seriously tested at the AA level.

Adrian Beltre Projects Image of Man Disturbed

Looking at Seattle's Adrian Beltre up close, very close, one sees a man uncomfortable at the plate, ill at ease in a baseball uniform and even in his own body. Standing in the on-deck circle, arriving for batting practice or on his way to his automobile after the game, Adrian Beltre seems preoccupied, disturbed, troubled in some elusive way, like a man who has just missed a bus, or maybe has lost his wallet. Or perhaps it is the Mariners wallet he has lost. Having signed with Seattle for $64 million following his breakout year in '04 for the Dodgers, when he batted .334 with 48 homers, Adrian Beltre has disappointed ever since. Beltre hit only .256 with 19 homers last year, and at the end of last week had been dropped to No. 7 in the batting order after a poor camp and hitting only .109 with no home runs so far this season. It's early but the answer to Beltre's continued underachieving may be attributed to a physical problem associated with his banner performance two years ago, a physical problem that Beltre no longer has. Those familiar with the Dodgers trainer's room know that Beltre suffered from a lower leg strain in '04 that caused him to compensate by favoring his left foot at the plate, keeping his weight on his right foot and staying back when he swung the bat through the zone. The resulting change in his stance vastly improved his contact with the ball and his follow-through, and thus led to his radically improved numbers for that season. The injury has since passed, and Beltre now is his old self, lunging at pitches again and again and pulling grounders down the third base line because he simply cannot help it. More and more, even at the tender age of 26, Beltre seems like a player with little promise of ever living up to his long projected potential.

Twins Unconcerned Over Brad Radke, Carlos Silva

The Minnesota Twins, enviable with one of the best rotations in baseball, remain confident about the capabilities of their troubled No. 2 and 3 starters, Brad Radke and Carlos Silva. At the end of the first three weeks of the season, Radke, 2-1, is sporting a 6.63 ERA and Silva a 7.71 ERA. But the problem with each is not physical, complicated nor expected to be longlived. Radke, 33, who threw 200 innings last year with a 4.04 ERA, has for the moment lost command of his changeup, with opponents well aware of it and perfectly comfortable to sit on his fastball. Coaches are confident Radke will rediscover the pitch in the very near future. Silva, 26, who threw 200 innings in '04 and owned a 3.44 ERA in an injury-shortened season last year, is pitching fine and has been absolved of culpability in his last outing, in which he gave up eight runs and 12 hits in 8.66 innings. Though the team has been publicly discreet, blame for Silva's poor statistics over the course of the evening was assessed against umpire Jerry Meals, whose game calling behind the plate was so poor that Silva and manager Ron Gardenhire were ejected in the ninth inning when they could bare it no more and complained. With Silva pitching well but not getting the calls, Gardenhire saw no reason to remove him and left him in until the ejection. For the first time in the history of the team, the Twins broadcasters gave an umpire the "Player of the Game" award for being the individual who most affected the outcome of Minnesota's 8-2 loss to the Angels. Radke has rejected a surgery option to ease a problem on his left side because the issue has no effect on his ability to pitch. Silva has recovered after sustaining a torn meniscus late last season.

Seattle's Joel Piniero Remains on Trading Block

Seattle SP Joel Piniero, who starts today coming off a win in which he gave up only five hits in 6.33 innings while giving up no runs, remains on the trading block and may yet be exchanged for Pittsburgh 1B Craig Wilson. Now in the last of a three-year $14.5 million contract, Piniero seems to have recovered his form after elbow and shoulder injuries ruined his '04 and '05 seasons. Piniero's record this year stands at 3-1 with a 3.66 ERA, and he has struck out 12 in 19 innings. Though Piniero's outlook remains somewhat dubious due to his checkered history, if he keeps this pace he will be a hot commodity after the All-Star break when teams making pennant runs look for rotation help. Moreover, with Pittsburgh 1B Sean Casey back from the DL, Pittsburgh will be under pressure to move Wilson rather than allow him to languish on the bench. Pittsburgh would like Seattle to pick up some of Piniero's salary while Seattle would like a major league ready pitching prospect to be included in the deal for Wilson.

Eric Hinske Being Overtaken by Alexis Rios

Eric Hinske, such a disappointment that he even began hearing boos from the Toronto faithful last year, might have thought he had redeemed himself enough this season to win the full-time right field job. His average stands .368 and his on-base percentage in nearly .500. The problem is that his platoon partner, Alexis Rios, is batting .390 with five homers, and has been given two thirds the playing time even though Rios is a righty and Hinske bats left. Hinske is batting .368 vs. righties but Rios is batting .368 against them. Management's original intent was to have either Hinske or Rios earn the full-time job, and Hinske was given the edge coming out of camp. But with both playing well the competition remains open. Hinske, 28, is a former Rookie of the Year and Rios, 25, was Minor League Player of the Year. Until now both have worn the "underachiever" mantle. Still, with Hinske able to play outfield, first and third, expect him to be given the bench role eventually as he provides diverse options for late inning substitutions. And at least for now, Hinske does not appear able to keep pace with Rios' hitting.

San Antonio Remains Suspicious of Jeffrey Loria

San Antonio city and county officials remain suspicious that Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is talking to them simply to gain leverage. They are concerned that the Marlins are merely threatening to move the team to Texas just to pressure Florida civic leaders to build the Marlins a stadium in Miami. So San Antonio has set a May 15 deadline for the team to accept the city's proposal or else. As justification for the brinksmanship, the Bexar County Court of Commissioners have warned Loria that if San Antonio is expected to help finance construction of a $350 million stadium, preparations must begin now for a public referendum to authorize spending hotel-motel tax revenue. Another plan to move the team to Portland has lost momentum, as has the idea of moving to Las Vegas because of resistance to gambling influences. A longshot alternative in Oklahoma City is virtually out of the question because of the small television market.

Morneau Passed By as White Loses Cleanup Spot

Designated hitter Rondell White, 34, has been dropped from the cleanup spot to No. 7 in the Twins batting order. Third baseman Tony Batista, 32, who is swinging a hot bat but is a .240 lifetime hitter, has been switched from No. 7 to cleanup, at least temporarily. Manager Ron Gardenhire continues to pass over power hitting first baseman Justin Morneau, 24. Morneau, who struggled through a myriad of injuries last year but who has not been forgiven for flopping in the No. 4 spot, will remain hitting sixth behind Torii Hunter. Gardenhire says he wants to avoid tinkering with the batting order any more than absolutely necessary, but felt compelled to drop White, who was batting .083. Though White is one of the most injury prone players in baseball, Gardenhire plans to give White playing time in the outfield to let 40-year-old Ruben Sierra start at DH from time to time. Gardenhire says he's making the moves to keep his batters sharp. Too bad there's no moves to keep a manager sharp.

Matt Lawton, Roberto Petagine on Trading Block

Seattle is shopping OF Matt Lawton and 1B Roberto Petagine in an effort to find help up the middle, and soon. With Jose Lopez playing second and Yuniesky Betancourt playing short, the team basically has only Willie Bloomquist to back up both positions. The Mariners would trade either Lawton or Petagine, not both. Lawton, 34, who has starting potential for other clubs, is regarded as somewhat superfluous as a backup to switchhitting Carl Everett. The team already has 26-year-old Joe Borchard as an outfield sub. Petagine, 33, is largely thought of as primarily a pinch hitter and spot starter with power potential, a valuable spare part but still just a spare part. Among others, veteran pivot man Tony Womack of the Reds will be eyed by the Mariners over the next two weeks. Womack has beco