Wallace Matthews  —  Despite sweep, Yanks hold dice  —  BOSTON — It was a night that could easily be seen as disastrous: As a team, the Yankees suffered a fate they hadn't seen in 17 years, and as an individual, their starting pitcher, Chase Wright, suffered an indignity not incurred on an American League pitcher since JFK was alive.

Williams Says His Confidence Level Is Fine  —  In the wake of a six-inning performance in which he allowed 10 runs, Jerome Williams wants everyone to know about his confidence level.  —  "It's up," he said.  "Let's get that clear.  It's up.  My confidence is fine."

Boyd hopes tour, league help out  —  It's one thing to talk about the dwindling number of African-American players on major league rosters, it's another thing to try to do something about it.  —  Count Dennis ''Oil Can'' Boyd, Marquis Grissom, and Delino DeShields among those taking …

The Business Of Baseball  —  Three years ago, the 30 Major League Baseball teams posted an operating loss (in the sense of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $57 million.  Last season they earned a record $496 million.  Despite its ongoing steroids scandal …

BASEBALL DAILY DOSE (Apr 23)  —  Daily Dose discusses Rich Harden's latest setback and what the Cubs will do with their suddenly crowded outfield.  —  Future stars Ryan Braun, Tim Lincecum and Hunter Pence highlight the list of NL minor leaguers likely to help fantasy teams later this year.

The Strange Career of Wes Ferrell (SP Leverage, Part 4)  —  This is the fourth article in a never-ending series on starting pitcher leverage.  If you know the gist of these suckers, you can skip this paragraph .  For the rest of you, starting pitcher leverage refers to the once-common practice …

PROBABILISTIC MODEL OF RANGE ARCHIVES  —  Probabilistic Model of GDPs  —  A few days ago I introduced the idea of a probabilistic model of Ground into Double Plays (GDP).  The probabilistic model of range just measures the ability to turn a ball into an out.

2008 Club Options  —  Instead of rehashing the usual Jacque Jones/Jose Capellan trade rumors, let's take a stab at predicting whether teams will exercise their 2008 options.  —  Ivan Rodriguez - $13MM with $3MM buyout.  Pudge will be 36 in 2008, but his defensive value and continued pop seem to justify the $10MM difference.

Slumping Sheffield won't sulk  —  DETROIT — In perfect weather Sunday, Gary Sheffield waited for a storm to pass.  —  For the first time this season, Sheffield wasn't in the starting lineup — nor did he play in the Tigers 6-5, 12-inning victory over the White Sox.

Marlins' pitch for stadium cash apt to fall short  —  TALLAHASSEE — On a seven-year losing skid but starting with their best prospects ever for a second $60 million subsidy for a new baseball stadium, the Florida Marlins are yet again down to the late innings in the spring legislative session with the outcome in jeopardy.

Piniella's plea: I need a 12th pitcher, pronto  —  Since Angel Guzman was sent to Triple-A Iowa on Tuesday, manager Lou Piniella has been adamant about the need for a 12th pitcher.  —  After using five relievers on Sunday in the 12-9, 10-inning loss, Piniella's message to management was loud and clear.

Braves get scare with McCann  —  New York — When Brian McCann hopped from the batter's box Sunday, clutching his left hand and grimacing in pain after being struck by a pitch, Braves Nation held its collective breath.  —  And manager Bobby Cox held his.  —  "He better be OK …

Contract finalization due today; Lopez extension not ready  —  The Mariners will announce their final nine contract signings of the spring today.  —  The club traditionally wraps up all contract negotiations before the start of Cactus League play.  If the club and the player can't agree on terms, the Mariners will impose a contract.