Yankees, Hurting, See Culprit: The Fitness Coach  —  It was a normal day for most of the people in the Yankees' clubhouse here on Wednesday.  Some players watched video of their swings, others studied crossword puzzles or talked on cellphones.  Only the ashen, somewhat anonymous figure in street clothes observed a different routine.

See Ya Later, Mate!  —  The Nationals just traded Chris Snelling, the under-used left-handed hitter for Ryan Langerhans, formerly of the Braves, lately of the A's.  —  Initially, my reaction was to get sick.  But when I thought about it, it's really not a terrible deal... if he's used the right way.

Maine named NL Pitcher of the Month  —  Right-hander leads the Major Leagues with 1.35 ERA  —  Heading into the start of the 2007 season, the Mets knew they would have enough offense to be a powerhouse in the National League for a second straight year.  What they didn't know is if they would have enough starting pitching.

Okajima named AL Rookie of the Month  —  Rookie reliever allowed only five hits in 12 April appearances  —  Most people saw this coming.  Boston's rookie pitcher from Japan has some nasty stuff, sure to earn him the American League Rookie of the Month Award for April.  But hold on a second — it's not Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Perez Trade Ranks as One of Mets' Best  —  Is there any pitcher in baseball more liable to inspire someone to punch a wall than Oliver Perez?  —  Generally, you can tell how good a pitcher is by how well he repeats his delivery.  The next time you're at the ballpark watching a really good pitcher …

Smith earns more trust  —  Reliever fans lefty Jacobs for key out as ERA remains at 0.00  —  Joe Smith has arrived.  —  In the eyes of his manager, who trusted the sidearming righthander enough to let him pitch to a lefthanded slugger in a big spot yesterday as part of the longest stint of Smith's career.

Adam bomb?  LaRoche, Pirates grasping for answers  —  Fans boo struggling first baseman in 7-1 loss to Cubs  —  Nate McLouth slides past the tag of Cubs catcher Michael Barrett in the first game yesterday at PNC Park.  —  Adam LaRoche's chin dropped as he shook his head, a sight by now plenty familiar to patrons at PNC Park.

Lou not averse to alcohol ban in clubhouse  —  PITTSBURGH — The Cubs don't have any immediate plans to ban alcohol in the clubhouse, but if that's what Major League Baseball or the club determines can help avoid tragedies such as the death of St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock, Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he would support it.

Phils fall to Braves; Gordon is ailing  —  ATLANTA - Whom can you believe in the Phillies organization these days?  —  Anyone?  —  It's been nearly six months since the team traded for Freddy Garcia and manager Charlie Manuel uttered the words "I'd say we picked us up an ace."

Baseball Economics Roundtable - May 2007  —  Baseball is awash with revenues these days.  From lucrative television deals at the national and local level, to MLBAM's steady stream of money, to satellite radio deals, naming rights, and new or redeveloped stadiums going online, owners are bathing in the green stuff.

Lester's rehab start ends quickly  —  Hurler experiences a cramp in left forearm in Pawtucket  —  PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Don't bet the ranch on Jon Lester making his next start for the Boston Red Sox.  —  Lester's second Triple-A rehab start — on Wednesday night for the Pawtucket Red Sox …

Sox punchless in Seattle  —  Inconsistent hitting has Walker on spot, Danks still looking for first victory  —  SEATTLE — The idea that the White Sox' seasonlong offensive slump might cost someone a job sickened team captain Paul Konerko.  —  So minutes after a heartbreaking 3-2 loss Wednesday …