Practice Helps Nady Find His Timing, and It's Right on Time  —  Xavier Nady returned to the Mets' lineup Monday, but he went hitless in four at-bats.  Nady said that his timing was off, the result of not playing in the majors since the end of May.  He pledged to spend some extra time in the batting cage to sharpen his swing.

When Cora's time comes, he makes most of it  —  It's a given that Alex Cora will do the little things every time he steps on the field.  But lately he's been doing the big things, too.  —  Last night that meant going 3-for-3 with a walk, steal, RBI and three runs scored in the Red Sox' 11-3 victory over the Washington Nationals.

Teixeira says call by umpire not fair  —  ARLINGTON — Mark Teixeira already had his arms raised to celebrate his walkoff home run.  He had hit the pitch off Padres closer Trevor Hoffman so hard and so high and so far that the ball soared over the top of the right-field foul pole.

Yanks' eye on Jacque  —  PHILADELPHIA - It's no secret the Yankees have several glaring needs, but they are finding it increasingly difficult to fill them on the trade market.  —  One source said GM Brian Cashman is running into the same wall on almost every call he makes …

Cabrera, Out of the Starting Lineup, Still Pinch-Hits and Delivers  —  PHILADELPHIA, June 20 — His priority is pitching, but Brian Cashman knows the Yankees have other needs, too.  With Melky Cabrera out of the lineup on Tuesday and Bernie Williams playing more than they expected, their outfield needs are showing.

Rangers' Francisco could return by end of June  —  ARLINGTON - Right-hander Frank Francisco was in the Rangers' bullpen Tuesday.  He could be on the roster by the end of the month.  —  In a move designed to make Francisco available to the Rangers earlier than planned …

No Relief From the Nationals' Starter  —  Hernandez Lasts Only 12/3 Innings: Red Sox 11, Nationals 3  —  BOSTON, June 20 — Here were the two guys to defy any obsession with radar guns, who respond to urges for harder and faster with softer and slower.  Tim Wakefield took the mound Tuesday night …

State of the NBA Finals  —  Forget about who's winning the championship.  I'm starting to feel like the future of the NBA is at stake.  —  We just spent the past two months raving about the "New And Improved" NBA — end-to-end action, loads of points, dramatic endings …

O's clubhouse wasn't alone in discussing amphetamines  —  While everybody waits for the remaining names in the Jason Grimsley affidavit to be revealed, the Orioles are trying to proceed as if they aren't all aware that the other shoe is going to land right in the middle of their clubhouse.

Guillen crosses line with latest slur  —  Ozzie Guillen was wearing a White Sox uniform.  He was talking to a bunch of reporters, maybe 20 of them taking notes or holding tape recorders.  He was sitting in the White Sox' dugout.  —  And these are the words that came from the face …

Indians send Johnson to Red Sox  —  The Red Sox have acquired right-hander Jason Johnson from the Indians, apparently for cash considerations, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Johnson, 32, was designated for assignment by the Indians on Tuesday as part of a team-wide shakeup.

Wood could be done for the year  —  CLEVELAND — After running smack into another pitching wall Tuesday, Kerry Wood's future is more stalemated than ever.  No one is prepared to say when he will pitch again for the Cubs this season.  The possibility exists that he has pitched his final game in a Cubs uniform.

Charles likes Gnarls  —  CHARLES BARKLEY says he's "flattered and honored" to be the namesake of Gnarls Barkley, the hip-hop/rock duo comprising Danger Mouseand Cee-Lo.  —  The Round Mound of Rebound says he has their CD "St. Elsewhere," and "it's pretty good, an interesting mix of rock and rap."

Loud bat talks for quiet Beltran  —  Among Carlos Beltran's many pitfalls and problems during his trying first season in Queens - the midair collision with Mike Cameron comes first to mind - Beltran never felt at home.  That's because he literally never found a home.

Win streak reaches nine  —  BALTIMORE — Nine and counting.  —  With their 6-2 victory at Baltimore on Tuesday night, the Marlins tied their franchise record with their ninth consecutive win.  The Marlins previously won nine in a row May 6-14, 1996, and Aug. 27-Sept. 8, 2004.

Lee takes BP, eyes weekend return  —  CLEVELAND — First baseman Derrek Lee might make his return to the Cubs' starting lineup this weekend in Minnesota.  —  He wasn't quite ready to predict an exact date for his comeback, but he made it clear he is leaning toward returning this weekend …

Mets' Heilman makes adjustment  —  NEW YORK — Aaron Heilman said it's like getting a running start.  —  Such is his explanation of how he's addressing his mechanical problems by going to a full windup instead of pitching from the stretch.  —  "It sets things in motion," Heilman said yesterday.