Oliver's twist  —  Ace in waiting?  Mets optimistic about Perez's future  —  You can't say, this early into the season, that the Mets' fortunes lie entirely with Oliver Perez.  You can't say, really any time, that it's all on one guy.  —  But this much is undeniable, even now …

Owens, Lindstrom start strong  —  · Right-handers Henry Owens and Matt Lindstrom got what they wanted, a chance to pitch in the major leagues, when they were traded to the Marlins, and they have been impressive so far.  —  "You hope that your hard work and production will get you a chance …

Here Today ...  ... but gone after '08?  It's starting to look that way for Johan Santana, who has broken off contract talks with the Twins  —  The Twins may be fighting a losing battle in their efforts to extend Johan Santana's four-year, $40 million contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Indians' home away from home … MILWAUKEE — As the bets went around the clubhouse and the Cleveland Indians guessed how many people would show up for their 2007 home opener, 450 miles away from Jacobs Field, pitcher Joe Borowski admitted he was the cruelest.  —  "I thought it would be like five, maybe 500," Borowski said.

Ex-mates' behavior wasn't exactly angelic  —  This could be one of those player feuds that, 20 years from now, neither one will know how it started.  —  Today, however, that's not the case.  —  Jose Guillen and Brendan Donnelly were teammates with the Angels in 2004 when Guillen criticized …

Newcombe enhances Young's appreciation for Jackie … There he was, in the back of a bus, traveling the highways of the southern United States, a ballplayer who was learning about the deepest roots of racism in this country.  —  Now, who in their right mind believes they just read the beginning …

Church Gets Strong Start, To His Relief  —  If there was one player on the Washington Nationals who needed a solid start to the season, it just might have been outfielder Ryan Church, entering a pivotal year for his career.  And coming off an iffy spring training, the 28-year-old was somewhat concerned.

Kim, Lawrence hit crossroads  —  Los Angeles - With the roster traffic jammed, pitchers Byung-Hyun Kim and Brian Lawrence are speeding toward a critical intersection that could determine their futures with the Rockies.  —  Kim said Tuesday he's no longer angry about not making the rotation, but would welcome a trade.

SKILL ON THE HILL  —  DELGADO VISITS TO MOUND HELP HURLERS STAY SOUND  —  John Maine was facing Pat Burrell and with a 2-0 count in the third inning Monday at Shea.  That's when Carlos Delgado went out to the mound.  Three innings later, the veteran first baseman visited the hill again …

Astros-Cubs snowed out  —  Game to be rescheduled for later date  —  The Cubs and Houston Astros game Wednesday was postponed because of snow, and will be made up on a later date.  —  The field was covered in snow by 9:30 a.m. CT, and the forecast for the Chicago area called for more snow, turning to rain.

Young extended for $14.5 million through 2010  —  Right-hander, 27, didn't want to be traded again  —  There's one statistic in Chris Young's baseball résumé that the pitcher doesn't want to see expand.  —  "I've already been traded three times," the 27-year-old right-hander said yesterday.

Lidge says he's using demotion as motivation  —  Brad Lidge isn't happy he has been reduced to a middle reliever in Houston.  —  "I'm definitely upset about losing my role after throwing in two games, after throwing in one save situation," Lidge told The Houston Chronicle.