Pheeling the heat  —  Phillies manager on hot seat after abysmal start  —  Also in this column:  —  It's early.  That's the favorite two-word phrase of everyone failing in baseball today.  It's said all the time.  Of course, it means squat.  —  It may be early, but it's not too early …

Walker Will Show Ex-Mates No Mercy  —  Don't expect Baltimore Orioles reliever Jamie Walker to take it easy on his old mates this week if he happens to get in a game against the Detroit Tigers.  —  Walker, who spent five years with the Tigers, left Detroit during the offseason after the Orioles gave …

Reyes puts pressure on his opponents  —  The 2-0 fastball was delivered high and away, just where Jose Reyes was expecting it, meaning the pitch was about to meet with the same fate as a pigeon being sucked into the turbines of a jet engine.  Quick and painless, Reyes overwhelmed left-hander Mark Redman …

Kevin Millar: They'll Love Him on Broadway  —  By now, you've probably seen Kevin Millar of the Orioles gettin' jiggy with the Ray Lewis dance Monday in Baltimore.  Pretty funny stuff.  What we've got here is Millar back in his younger days, singing vintage Bruce Springsteen.

Young's four-year deal worth $14.5 million  —  SAN DIEGO — Padres pitcher Chris Young, who's flirted with no-hitters and been tough on the road, agreed Tuesday to a $14.5 million, four-year contract that would be worth $23 million if the team exercises a 2011 option.

joint custody  —  the p-d's morning elbow report cuts right to the chase: "Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter probably will remain disabled for the rest of this month after an examination Monday disclosed that he is suffering from what the club called moderate arthritis and a mild impingement of the right elbow." …

Goodell suspends Pacman, Henry for multiple arrests  —  Adam "Pacman" Jones of Tennessee was suspended Tuesday for the 2007 NFL season and Chris Henry of Cincinnati received an eight-game suspension — both for numerous violations of the NFL's personal conduct policy.

Bridgewater sets NCAA Div.  III records with 57-1 win  —  BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (AP) — Bridgewater State set NCAA Division III records for runs, hits, RBIs and victory margin Monday, routing Newbury 57-1 in seven innings.  —  Bridgewater State also broke the NCAA all-divisions record for RBIs …

Cabrera a fixture but rarely on base  —  MINNEAPOLIS — In spring training, the Yankees talked about needing to find at-bats for Melky Cabrera.  He was so valuable to them last season, but they weren't sure where they would fit him in with regulars Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui and Bobby Abreu.

Notes: Cruz may find more playing time  —  Washington hints at finding a regular role for young outfielder  —  ARLINGTON — Nelson Cruz was back as the Texas Rangers' starting right fielder Monday night, and manager Ron Washington hinted that the situation could soon be a constant.

Yankees 8, Twins 2  — After spending much of the offseason criticizing the Twins' decision to fill the starting rotation with washed-up veterans rather than trust their young talent, many of you probably expect me to go off on a long rant about Sidney Ponson's eight-run outing last night.

Pirates Notebook: Castillo would welcome starting duty ... anywhere  —  Pirates manager Jim Tracy smiles as he is introduced before the home opener yesterday at PNC Park.  —  Jose Castillo, despite being clearly dissatisfied with his new role on the bench after three years of starting …

Season young, but this homegrown-veteran D-Backs mix looks good  —  The big moment of anticipation Monday night at Chase Field came before the first pitch, when the pregame introductions reached Randy Johnson.  —  Would fans cheer?  Boo?  Care?  —  So much for the off-season hand-wringing …