Simply the best in baseball  —  Every starting player gets a hit as Mets pass Tigers for top record  —  PHILADELPHIA — It's impossible, of course, for the Mets to go undefeated for the remainder of this season.  But after the first two games here at Citizens Bank Park …

Soriano's Numbers Won't Come Cheap  —  WASHINGTON, June 14 — Alfonso Soriano is the king of his corner in the Washington Nationals' clubhouse and an even bigger king in the baseball universe.  Soriano acts like a star, he is a star and he wants to remain a star — here, there and everywhere.

Red Sox slammed again by Twins  —  Clement leaves with arm trouble, will return to Boston for MRI  —  MINNEAPOLIS — When Matt Clement finally took the mound on Wednesday, he didn't know what to expect from his own arm.  —  Making his first start in 10 days, Clement left the game in the fifth inning …

Notes: Draft pick King visits RFK  —  Third-rounder took batting practice, spoke with Robinson  —  WASHINGTON — Shortstop Stephen King, the Nationals' third-round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, was at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Sunday start a possibility for Prior  —  Pitch count the only concern for rehabbing Cubs right-hander  —  CHICAGO — Mark Prior's next start may be for the Chicago Cubs on Sunday.  —  Cubs manager Dusty Baker did not rule out the possibility that Prior could make his first Major League start …

Ortiz's money already had gone to waste … The Arizona Diamondbacks made a solid baseball decision Tuesday when they kicked Russ Ortiz to the curb — but contrary to what you'll read about this almost anywhere you look, they won't be "eating" $22 million of his salary (which appears …

David righting self in field  —  PHILADELPHIA - David Wright is collecting quite an assortment of highlight-reel plays for someone who tied for the major-league lead in errors at third base last season.  —  There was the over-the-shoulder, barehanded catch in San Diego in August, which has earned him an invite to ESPN's ESPY Awards.

NEW: A's pitcher Loaiza arrested for speeding, dui  —  OAKLAND - Oakland A's pitcher Esteban Loaiza, 34, was arrested early Wednesday morning on DUI charges after officers pulled him over for speeding, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said.  —  CHP Officer Mike Wright said Loaiza …

Marlins rally to top Braves  —  Helms homers twice; Abercrombie scores on error in 10th  —  MIAMI — Roles are starting to reverse for the suddenly opportunistic Marlins.  —  Three weeks ago, any Florida miscue was exploited and magnified, leading to a string of frustrating setbacks.

Posada's status uncertain  —  The Yankees may be without Jorge Posada today depending on how his right elbow feels.  It hurt enough last night from getting hit by a pitch he couldn't hold a bat.  —  "The problem was griping the bat," manager Joe Torre said.

Playing time could become an issue  —  Bradley is off the DL, and Macha now has six players for four spots  —  A's notebook  —  OAKLAND — The A's are pleased to have outfielder Milton Bradley back from the disabled list, but manager Ken Macha now must make all his players happy by dividing playing time, and that won't be easy.

Morneau On Fire; Radke Heating Up  —  Ah, NBA Jam...HE'S HEATING UP...HE'S ON FIRE!!!  —  Question of the Month: How many grand slams can we hit in June?  —  Justin Morneau continued his torrid week, continuing to bash longballs and knock in runs like he's never done before at the Major League level.

Ankiel shelved for rest of year  —  Pitcher-turned-outfielder may be ready for Spring Training 2007  —  PITTSBURGH — The Cardinals confirmed on Wednesday that pitcher-turned-outfielder Rick Ankiel has undergone left knee surgery and will miss the remainder of the 2006 season.

Sore heel may cost Fogg a start  —  Cory Sullivan and Matt Holliday, center, congratulate Rockies teammate Garrett Atkins after Atkins' three-run homer Wednesday night in Washington.  (KRT / Harry E. Walker)  —  Washington - Rockies pitcher Josh Fogg entered Tuesday's game with his roster spot hanging in the balance.