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.

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.

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.

Cramp puts a crimp in Lester's latest tuneup  —  PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Jon Lester was probably going to be optioned to Triple A Pawtucket after last night's final rehab start against Indianapolis anyway.  But if there was any hesitation on the part of the Red Sox' brass, it was likely dispelled …

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.

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.

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."