Baseball won't probe smudge on K-Rod's hat  —  Major League Baseball has dropped its probe of Los Angeles Angels reliever Francisco Rodriguez, the team said Friday.  —  Photos on the Web site "The Cheater's Guide to Baseball Blog" appeared to show how Rodriguez, in two games against the Texas Rangers …

Notebook: Bull(pen) market in Milwaukee  —  As the industry-wide search for bullpen help continues, the Giants, Rockies, Devil Rays and Nationals have expressed interest in trading for Brewers Class AAA right-hander Jose Capellan, FOXSports.com has learned.  —  Capellan, 26, requested a trade …

Snow-pening day: Indians, Mariners called after bizarre day  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — Swirling snow, lengthy delays, a near no-hitter, a tireless grounds crew and baseball fans bundled up for a football game.  —  It was a home opener unlike any in the Cleveland Indians' 107-year history.

Edmonds is surprised he's not in the lineup  —  HOUSTON — If Friday didn't offer Jim Edmonds his first surprise of the season, it offered at least No. 2 or 3.  —  When the Cardinals' center fielder arrived at Minute Maid Park, Edmonds was so certain he was in the starting lineup …

Sore Jeter tiptoes out of game  —  Derek Jeter does not come out of a game very often, so when Miguel Cairo went to shortstop for the top of the ninth inning of last night's 6-4 loss to the Orioles, there was reason for concern.  Jeter had fouled a pitch off his right foot and was on his way for an X-ray.

Notes: Schmidt didn't expect offer  —  Benitez reports better health; Sweeney nearly ready  —  SAN FRANCISCO — To the casual observer, it may seem strange that the Giants would lavish a seven-year, $126 million contract upon Barry Zito yet not even make an offer to Jason Schmidt …

Remedies work for Tavarez  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - If this pitching business should go belly up for Julian Tavarez, he's got a future as a snake oil salesman.  —  Sitting atop Tavarez' shelf in his locker yesterday was a dented, former water bottle containing a slimy, muddy liquid that smelled …

Kearns, Nats Caught in the Headlights  —  There can be times over the course of a season when nearly every play — an odd hop or a ball in the wind, a bad instinct or a poor read — seeks out and finds one particular player.  That man is stripped in front of an entire stadium …

Derek's cold truth  —  Makes two errors in defeat  —  The cold, dramp conditions at the Stadium last night prompted Doug Mientkiewicz to say playing in the field was "like throwing ice cubes out there" because the baseball felt so hard in players' hands.  —  But Derek Jeter …

Mussina Falls Behind Early and Yankees Can't Catch Up  —  Every team in the majors has had a starter pitch five innings at least once this season.  Every team, that is, except the Yankees.  —  The season, of course, is only three games old.  And the man who is arguably the most important pitcher …

Maz puts accent on New York in SNY  —  It wasn't as if the newsroom at SportsNet New York looked different than other places where information is gathered and made ready for air.  Nonetheless, at the far end of the joint was an unexpected sight.  —  Sitting at a desk was Lee Mazzilli.

Atlanta youngsters feeling right at home  —  Right-hander John Smoltz turns 40 next month.  Center fielder Andruw Jones almost certainly is playing his last season in Atlanta.  Third baseman Chipper Jones will be fortunate if he stays healthy enough to appear in 120 games.