Atlanta 3, NY Mets 2  —  ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta Braves are alone in first place for the first time in a year.  —  That's not a surprise to New York Mets manager Willie Randolph.  —  Kyle Davies pitched 6 2-3 strong innings and the Braves scored two runs in the eighth on three doubles …

Schill's back on schedule  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - Curt Schilling [stats] had, as manager Terry Francona noted wryly yesterday, "poor timing" with his subpar Opening Day start.  —  In the real world, it was just one bad start.  —  Finding an explanation for the outing …

Matsui placed on 15-day disabled list  —  Strained hamstring sidelines outfielder; Thompson recalled  —  NEW YORK — The Yankees placed Hideki Matsui on the 15-day disabled list on Sunday, one day after the outfielder strained his left hamstring while running out a ground ball.

Bloggers, the new big brother  —  It's not surprising that Seattle-area author Derek Zumsteg is extra vigilant these days when he thinks he sees players, or teams, flouting the rules.  —  When you've just written a book called "The Cheater's Guide To Baseball," you tend to get obsessive that way.

Mazzone reinvigorated in second season with O's … NEW YORK // It was only a few weeks after one of the most frustrating seasons in his baseball life had ended when Leo Mazzone was on the phone with his close friend, Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo.  —  The two had spoken so many times during the season …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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,

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 …