Pags: Hughes Loses Velocity Because of Mechanics  —  Great question from Steve L. over at www.waswatching.com: … A big difference between good organizations and bad organizations is their ability to develop their own prospects.  Scouting and the ability to make sound player acquisition decisions …

Joba belongs in bullpen  —  After Joe Girardi took the ball from Chien-Ming Wang and the doors to the Yankees' bullpen opened, there was a noticeable pause in the fan reaction.  It was anticipation mixed with fear.  —  Two relievers were warming - Joba Chamberlain and Kyle Farnsworth …

A look back at the week that was, and a look ahead  —  It's too early, way too early, really, to even be talking about how early it is.  It's so early in this barely emergent baseball season that Bobby Cox hasn't even been thrown out of a game yet, Manny Ramirez hasn't asked for a trade …

Finale not grand for Sox  —  ‘Big Hurt’ put on end of long trip … TORONTO - No amount of Red Bull, Starbucks' Sumatra, Dunkin' Donuts' Original Blend or any other Major League Baseball-sanctioned stimulant is enough right now for the Red Sox [team stats].

Braves' Spiezio sentenced to 3 years probation  —  Scott Spiezio was sentenced Monday to three years probation after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a car crash Dec. 30.  —  Spiezio must also pay $390 in fines, attend an alcohol program and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings …

Mets' Church thought he would haul in home run  —  ATLANTA - Ryan Church thought he had it.  Not in a leap-and-a-prayer kind of way, but as maybe something bordering on routine.  When the Braves' Mark Teixeira launched a high fly ball to rightfield off Aaron Heilman in the eighth inning …

L. Hernandez unlikely hero for Orioles  —  Shortstop's single caps three-run rally in ninth for fourth straight win  —  The Orioles celebrate a 3-2 comeback victory against the Mariners.  Shortstop Luis Hernandez (2) hit the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth to score Jay Payton.

SILVER LINING FROM DELGADO  —  It is never a good thing to get swept by the Braves, even though it's only April and they aren't the mental road blocks the Mets have struggled to conquer like they once were.  —  A 3-1 loss at Turner Field yesterday afternoon wasted a fine outing by Johan Santana …

Helms arrives in a pinch after delayed flight  —  MIAMI GARDENS -  —  Wes Helms began Sunday rushing to the airport at Birmingham, Ala., to try to get to South Florida in time for Sunday's 1:10 p.m. game against Pittsburgh.  —  A delay at Atlanta meant Helms, who was acquired in a trade …

Yomiuri right-hander Uehara sets sights on majors  —  Yomiuri Giants right-hander Koji Uehara said Monday he wants to  —  fulfill his dream of playing in the major leagues after meeting the  —  requirements to become a free agent.  —  “I haven't seized the dream of playing in the major leagues.

Texas Rangers can't keep Murphy out of lineup  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Michael Young and Ian Kinsler, sure.  Even Josh Hamilton.  But among the five Texas Rangers who started every game in the first week of the season, one name stands out: David Murphy.

Is David Ortiz A Clutch Hitter?  —  Many fans are aware of clutch hitting stats like hitting with runners in scoring position and hitting when it is close and late (CL = Situations when the game is in the 7th inning or later and the batting team is leading by one run, tied, or has the potential tying run on base, at bat or on deck).