How about Robinson Tejeda to replace Pedro Martinez?  —  It's nearly unheard of to make a big trade in April, and besides, it's not like the Mets expect Pedro Martinez to miss the entire season (although four-to-six weeks sounds optimistic, to echo what David Lennon wrote here).

Jeter has earned monument at new Yankee Stadium  —  At this stage of his career, which is to say his prime, there is only one question left about Derek Jeter: monument or plaque?  —  A person couldn't help getting in a historical mood, what with the Yankees playing their final Opening Day …

Sox travel well  —  Lester, Ortiz spark third win over A's  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - Josh Beckett is still in Florida.  Curt Schilling is stuck on an exercise bike.  David Ortiz doesn't have any pages left in his passport for new customs stamps, and there's still one country left before the Red Sox can fall into their own beds.

Texas Rangers stumble out of the gate again  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  SEATTLE - One theme that ran through the Texas Rangers' spring training from start to finish was the need to get off to a different kind of start than in 2007.  —  After one series, though, things look eerily similar.

Marlins Notebook: Andino's joy turns to relief  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Robert Andino says he'll always have fond memories of his first career home run, even if the aftermath was scary.  —  As Andino was circling the bases after his game-winner Tuesday night, an intruder was trying to break into his house in Kendall.

With the game on the line, I want ...  Since the dawn of time, men have been vexed by the singular most puzzling question: Ginger or Mary-Ann?  On the one hand, you have the obvious and more sizeable option; on the other hand, you have a prima facie somewhat less appealing choice …

Cardinals fans take flight  —  ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Cardinals fans love to tell anyone who will listen how they're the smartest in baseball, and on Wednesday night they may have proven it.  —  They knew better than to show up and watch this team.  —  Oh, the Cardinals won …

Long reliever Lincecum scores the winning run  —  (04-03) 04:00 PDT Los Angeles —  Some folks believe that Tim Lincecum eventually will call the bullpen home as the Giants' closer.  On Wednesday night, they got a preview.  Lincecum emerged from the bullpen as a long reliever, in a game started by Merkin Valdez

Big Hurt not hurt by Joba's theatrics  —  There was a time earlier in his career when Frank Thomas would've taken umbrage at Joba Chamberlain whirling around and pumping his fist after striking out the future Hall of Famer to end the eighth inning of the Yankees' 3-2 victory on Opening Night.

Beltran on lost HR: Replay it again!  —  MIAMI - Carlos Beltran already wanted instant replay in baseball.  Now, he's adamant.  Beltran was deprived of an apparent fifth-inning homer when the original call was overruled, seemingly in error.  The outfield wall is topped by a yellow line and a railing.

How to make your team better by firing your third base coach  —  If there is one position on the baseball diamond that is overlooked and under-appreciated by the fans, and under-exploited by Sabrmetricians, it's... the third base coach?  Wait a minute, all he really does is wave his arm at the runner.

M. Giles agrees to sign with Dodgers, learn new position  —  A day after an unusual about-face, veteran infielder Marcus Giles seems to have changed his mind again and apparently is headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers to play third base for their Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas, after all.