Tavarez and Sox unravel in loss  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — This will require further investigation, but the suspicion here is that the "snake oil" Julian Tavarez rubs on his right arm before he pitches has multiple uses.  There are occasions, like after last night's 8-4 loss to the Texas Rangers …

In One Swing, Rodriguez Is an Instant Hit  —  Alex Rodriguez slapped his hands as he rounded first base yesterday afternoon and then nearly plowed into the third-base coach Larry Bowa as he rounded third.  Before touching home plate, he heaved his batting helmet toward the sky, a smile on his face every step of the way.

Atlanta 5, NY Mets 3  —  ATLANTA (AP) — The biggest moment for John Smoltz in his matchup with former teammate and golfing buddy, Tom Glavine, came in the fourth inning.  —  The Atlanta Braves were leading 2-1, but the New York Mets had the bases loaded with two outs and Glavine at the plate.

They're missing in action  —  African-Americans losing numbers game  —  Walking through the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City . . .  "It hits you, doesn't it?" said Red Sox consultant Tommy Harper.  "What a contrast from then and now.  So many black players …

Pirates Notebook: Sanchez returns to team  —  CINCINNATI — Perhaps while sitting around Indianapolis for two cold days with no games to play and only some indoor batting practice to take, Freddy Sanchez remembered his career batting numbers against Cincinnati left-hander Eric Milton.

Rockies-Padres Preview  —  San Diego's relievers are giving the team's hitters plenty of time to find their stroke at the plate.  —  Buoyed by a strong bullpen, the Padres hope to earn a series victory Sunday when they wrap up their three-game set with the Colorado Rockies at Petco Park.

Carpenter on track for Tuesday  —  HOUSTON — Barring complications, Chris Carpenter will remain in the Cardinals' rotation after completing a "routine" side session Saturday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.  —  The 2005 National League Cy Young Award winner, who experienced elbow stiffness …

No Saturday Afternoon Delight for MLB.TV fans  —  It came to a surprise to me that as a MLB.TV subscriber, I will not be able to view MLB games on Saturday afternoons (up until 7pm) throughout the regular season.  This is because of Fox network's deal with MLB.  —  According to MLB.TV Mosaic Blog,

300 Strikeouts?  Not When Starters Don't Finish  —  While it may not have the resonance of a 50-home-run season, or the aura of a no-hitter, the benchmark for a power pitcher is a 300-strikeout season.  Accomplished only 33 times since 1901, it is a feat that does not happen by chance.

Season Preview Scott Miller's Take  —  This is the year of manager Clint Hurdle on the griddle, and don't expect it to end happily.  Hurdle is entering the final year of his contract, and the Rockies still don't have enough to contend in the NL West — not unless two key rookies …

Buehrle's arm, hand still swollen  —  Mark Buehrle's lower left arm was sore and his hand swollen Saturday, but it didn't keep the White Sox southpaw from venturing into the cold to play some catch at U.S. Cellular Field.  —  Buehrle was hit in the left forearm by a line drive off the bat …

LA Angels 2, Oakland 1  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — By his own admission, John Lackey usually has a tough time at the beginning of the season.  —  That's not the case this year, although at least two members of the Oakland Athletics weren't particularly impressed with his latest outing.

Zambrano: Brewers not as good as Reds  —  MILWAUKEE — More than beer could be brewing in Milwaukee between the Cubs and Brewers based on some of the postgame talk Saturday.  —  It's not exactly Cubs vs. Cardinals, but Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano and Brewers center fielder Bill Hall …

Notes: Gonzalez in 'defensive funk'  —  Bigger role eyed for Billingsley; Valdez, Lieberthal get starts  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Luis Gonzalez is one of the most approachable, personable, go-to veterans in baseball, even when he's on the hot seat, as he was Saturday.

Doubleheader postponed in Cleveland  —  Traditional doubleheader between clubs scheduled for Sunday  —  CLEVELAND — Burned once by the snow, the Indians and Mariners aren't going to press their luck again Saturday.  —  Both games of a hastily scheduled day-night doubleheader at Jacobs Field …