Ponson is out....here comes Garrett Jones  —  The Sidney Ponson experiment is over, as the righthander has been designated for the assignment for the third time in the last ten months.  The Twins have 10 days to trade him, release him or send him to the minors.

O's collapse in 9th after Guthrie's stellar outing … BOSTON // Jason Varitek and Eric Hinske scampered home when closer Chris Ray dropped the toss at first base on what could have been a game-ending groundout, and the Boston Red Sox rallied for six runs in the ninth inning to beat the Orioles 6-5 Sunday.

Inside the Pirates: A course in Hitting 101  —  Organization stresses strike-zone command in minors  —  With the Pirates off to a historically poor offensive start, this public complaint might be more common than any:  —  What are they teaching these guys?

Mets recall Gomez, option Pelfrey  —  The New York Mets today recalled outfielder Carlos Gomez from New Orleans (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League and optioned righthanded pitcher Mike Pelfrey to the Zephyrs.  Gomez will wear #27 and will be available for today's game vs. Milwaukee.

Perez, Easley lift Mets by Brewers 9-1  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Oliver Perez took a one-hit shutout into the ninth inning and Damion Easley drove in four runs, leading the New York Mets to a 9-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday.  —  Carlos Beltran hit a two-run homer with his pink Mother's …

The head of Juan Pierre  —  Baseball writer Joe Capozzi found it lying in a Dumpster.  But with a little TLC, he's given new life to ...  Juan Pierre greets me every morning when I step outside my house to fetch the newspaper, and he welcomes me back home from work every night.

Green is a Go for the Reds  —  Initiatives at the Great American Ballpark  —  The Cincinnati Reds claim many firsts in baseball annals.  The Reds are recognized as baseball's first all-professional team, and they were founding members of the American Association and later the National League.

Lineups, etc.  —  Just a few quick updates.  —  Jon Lester threw 40 pitches in the bullpen this morning, focusing on his fastball and changeup.  He'll throw another bullpen on Wednesday.  —  Also, Mike Lowell is getting a rest today.  Terry Francona let him know yesterday that he'd be getting the day off.

Notes: Chipper out with thumb injuries  —  Third baseman likely to miss a few games  —  ATLANTA — It took nearly six full weeks for an injury to keep Chipper Jones from playing.  But fortunately for the Braves, it appears their veteran third baseman's bruised and battered body …

Looper silences Padres  —  SAN DIEGO — The predictable typically hasn't been an ally of the Cardinals this season.  Once every fifth day there is an exception: the day Braden Looper starts.  —  Looper continued his early run of success Saturday night, holding the San Diego Padres …