At only 21, Hughes already has the makings of an ace … BOSTON — Some local poets would have you believe that Ted Williams hummed “Sweet Caroline” whenever he trotted out to left field.  —  However, back before Fenway became a boutique ballpark, it was different, and so were both the Red Sox and Yankees.

Yankees unearth Red Sox jersey in new stadium  —  Construction Worker Tells His Side Of ‘Jerseygate’  —  NEW YORK — A construction worker's bid to curse the Yankees by planting a Red Sox jersey in their new stadium was foiled Sunday when the team removed the offending shirt from its burial spot in the ballpark.

On the Pirates: The lefty left out  —  Why did Gorzelanny not get long-term offer?  —  Not long after the Pirates' new management took over late last summer, two key players were identified as targets for long-term contracts: Freddy Sanchez and Matt Capps.  —  Before long, Adam LaRoche, then Ian Snell were added.

Liriano plays it cool on eve of 2008 debut  —  Francisco Liriano — once again — will be making a highly anticipated appearance in a Twins uniform when he takes the mound today.  —  KANSAS CITY, MO. — Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano is no stranger to the anticipation surrounding him today …

Cubs beat Phils in 10 on Utley's error  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Carlos Zambrano's hustle—not his pitching or bat—paid off in a rare appearance off the bench.  —  Second baseman Chase Utley's throwing error on Zambrano's grounder allowed Ronny Cedeno to score the go-ahead run in the 10th inning …

Blue Jays' Ryan activated, earns save  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)—The Toronto Blue Jays had two reasons to celebrate Sunday: They completed their first series sweep in Texas since 1985 and B.J. Ryan is back as their closer.  —  Joe Inglett drove in the tiebreaking run with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning …

Crede, Konerko slams lift White Sox  —  CHICAGO (AP)—Joe Crede and Paul Konerko each hit grand slams to back Javier Vazquez's strong start, and the red-hot White Sox pounded the struggling Detroit Tigers 11-0 on Sunday.  —  Konerko's homer came in the third off Kenny Rogers and Crede's grand slam …

Angels finally get a win in Seattle  —  The Angels avoided a three-game sweep against their division rivals and reasserted themselves as a force in the American League West with a convincing 10-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners today at Safeco Field.  —  Joe Saunders gave up two runs …

Kapler sparks Brewers past Mets 9-7  —  NEW YORK (AP)—Gabe Kapler has gone from minor league manager to major league hassle for opposing pitchers.  —  Kapler, who managed in the Red Sox organization last season, homered for the second straight day, doubled twice and drove in three runs …

M's ace Bedard scratched with nagging hip injury  —  SEATTLE — The Seattle Mariners scratched Erik Bedard as their starting pitcher before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels because of inflammation in his left hip.  —  “His hip flared up again,” manager John McLaren said.

Rays' Niemann beats Orioles in debut  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Jeff Niemann made quite a first impression.  —  Niemann allowed one run over six innings in his major league debut and B.J. Upton hit a three-run homer during a six-run fifth, helping the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Baltimore Orioles 6-2 on Sunday.

Dodger Thoughts: Bring the Peace  —  I've been trying to figure out how to write the first sentence of this post for 20 minutes.  So we're gonna let that be the first sentence, and now we'll see if I can break though on the third sentence.  —  My problem is being forced to write about a topic I don't want to write about.

Glavine hurts hamstring, leaves start vs. Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom Glavine left his start against the Washington Nationals with a strained right hamstring after failing to record an out in the first inning Sunday, matching the shortest outing of his 22-season career.

Papelbon is worth the wait  —  It took just three pitches, the final one a 96-mile-per-hour fastball that he had waited 2 hours 11 minutes to throw.  —  Jonathan Papelbon had been up and down and up and down and back up again, a feat that seemed incredible, even as he started to warm up for the third and final time.