Mets option righthanded pitcher Chan Ho Park to New Orleans (AAA); Select the contract of righthanded pitcher Lino Urdaneta  —  The New York Mets today selected the contract of righthanded pitcher Lino Urdaneta from New Orleans (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League and optioned righthanded pitcher Chan Ho Park to the Zephyrs.

Matsuzaka searching for answers  —  Right-hander starts latest outing with three consecutive walks  —  BOSTON — Shortly before Daisuke Matsuzaka delivered his first pitch to Ichiro Suzuki on Thursday night, the two Japanese superstars squared off in a contest of unorthodox stretching routines.

What happens in clubhouse, stays there  —  LAS VEGAS — When the star Dodger routinely showed up for day games still drunk from the previous night, the clubhouse guy knew his role.  —  "It was my job to protect the team," Dave Dickenson said.  "That's what I did."

PAVANO EXPECTED TO NEED SURGERY  —  ARLINGTON, Texas - Whenever Carl Pavano visits Dr. James Andrews, the noted orthopedic surgeon is expected to recommend the oft-injured right-hander needs surgery.  And since Pavano is complaining of stiffness and soreness in the forearm, it's likely Pavano is headed for Tommy John surgery.

Erstad returning to the scene of his climb  —  ANAHEIM — The White Sox's lone hot hitter is bound to receive a hero's welcome Friday night in enemy territory.  —  Los Angeles Angels fans are certain to show their appreciation for Darin Erstad, who returns to Angel Stadium after enjoying 11 years of hard-earned success there.

Willis knows his hero's just a call away  —  Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis grew up idolizing Dave Stewart, a 20-game winner for four straight years with the Oakland A's and the Most Valuable Player of the 1989 World Series.  —  So when Stewart left a message two weeks ago asking Willis …

Fox big on Marlins' youth  —  First base/infield coach sees similarities to title squad  —  MIAMI — Observing the collection of young talent on the Marlins, Andy Fox sees many similarities to the franchise's 2003 World Series title club.  —  As a player, Fox joined the Marlins during …

Soriano's Lasting Impression  —  With Good Memories, Nats to Meet Former Teammate in Chicago  —  He came for a summer that was, in so many other ways, forgettable.  The Washington Nationals went nowhere in 2006, starting with a poor April, languishing in last place every day after the Fourth of July …

Mets rally, win 11th straight in Arizona  —  PHOENIX (AP) — The New York Mets dominated in the desert again.  —  Damion Easley and David Wright each hit three-run homers in the ninth inning, and the Mets beat Arizona 9-4 on Thursday night for their 11th straight victory in Chase Field.

The New Inefficiency  —  There are two ways to win a lot of baseball games on a tight budget: drafting very intelligently, and properly valuing major league and major league-ready talent.  I suppose that luck does the trick as well, but those first two are the only ones a general manager has any control over.

Bell proves doubters wrong  —  Reliever enjoying breakout season with Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — Without fail, Heath Bell could count on the same question being asked of him each and every year.  That much he didn't have a problem with.  —  What do you want to be when you grow up?

Rays Like This Vision Of The Future  —  ST. PETERSBURG - There really are glimpses of the future occasionally at Tropicana Field.  The future, at least, as the Devil Rays prefer to envision it.  —  It's a future full of games like Thursday's 6-4 victory against the Minnesota Twins …

Lincecum likely to start Sunday  —  Giants' top prospect slated for Major League debut  —  SAN FRANCISCO — One day after the Kentucky Derby, the Giants likely will turn loose their most heralded thoroughbred.  —  Right-hander Tim Lincecum, who has overmatched the Pacific Coast League …

Catfish Stew: Instantaneous Trade Analysis  —  The Chronicle reports, via blog, that Jack Cust is the A's answer to the latest injury woes.  (When Jack Cust is the answer, you are, perhaps, asking uncomfortable questions...) The Chronicle further notes that Cust is "a longtime favorite of Oakland GM Billy Beane."