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.

Report: Yanks starter Pavano to visit Dr. Andrews  —  The black and white of the pinstripes is more like dominoes these days because that's how the Yankees are falling.  —  It seemed the injury news could not get any worse but a New York Times report on Wednesday said that starter Carl Pavano plans …

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.

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.

Pirates Notebook: McLeary coming to replace Wasdin  —  Right fielder Ryan Doumit just misses making a running catch on a foul ball hit by the Cubs' Aramis Ramirez yesterday at PNC Park.  —  Marty McLeary will be promoted today to take John Wasdin's place in the Pirates' bullpen.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

Strikeouts a sign of aggressiveness  —  NEW YORK — For the second straight year, the Marlins are swinging and missing at a record pace.  —  After striking out 12 times in Wednesday's 6-3 loss to the Mets, the Marlins have whiffed 235 times - more than any team in baseball.

Put a lid on it, Tom!  But please, make it a Sox lid  —  Say it ain't so, Tom!  —  The ever-vigilant paparazzi snapped New England Patriots [team stats] QB/QT Tom Brady [stats] sashaying through the streets of New York City yesterday shamelessly sporting a New York Yankees cap!

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."