JOBA GONE AT LEAST THREE DAYS  —  YANKEES PITCHER LEAVES TEAM TO BE WITH AILING FATHER  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Joba Chamberlain relased a statement through the Yankees this afternoon to address his father's health, an issue that has caused the reliever to leave the team for the short term.

YOUNG GUNS ARE KILLIN' YANKS  —  Right now the Yankees' biggest problem is not that a Red Sox jersey was buried at the new stadium.  It is that Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy are doing a pretty fair imitation of Tyler Clippard and Matt DeSalvo.  —  The Yanks ordered an excavation and the jersey issue …

A look back at the week that was, and a look ahead … Last June the Cubs were in the midst of a six-game losing streak that had them nine games under .500 when manager Lou Piniella went on an infield-kicking tirade that ended in a screaming match with an umpire and a banishment to the clubhouse.

Formers Braves, Dodgers outfielder Holmes dies  —  BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tommy Holmes, an outfielder for the Boston Braves and Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1940s and 1950s, died Monday.  He was 91.  —  Holmes died of natural causes at an assisted living facility, daughter Patricia Stone said.

BRAVES REPORT: Shortage of starters worsens  —  The Braves will wait to make a decision whether to put Tom Glavine on the disabled list with his right hamstring strain, but this much was clear Sunday: As deep as their rotation looked breaking spring training, it's looking thinner now.

Snyder accepts assignment  —  Kyle Snyder, who was designated for assignment April 6, has accepted an assignment to Triple A Pawtucket.  Will be checking in from Cleveland shortly ...  This entry was posted on Monday, April 14th, 2008 at 3:15 pm and is filed under general.

Crowning the greatest New York Yankees team ever  —  Imagine what it would be like if all the great teams that have played at Yankee Stadium throughout its history could face off against each other ...  How would the Murderers' Row squad of 1927 fare against Ron Guidry in his Louisiana Lightnin' prime?

Duaner Sanchez nearly ready to return to Mets  —  Help is on the way for the Mets' bullpen.  How much immediate help it will be is the question.  —  Duaner Sanchez completed the second of back-to-back outings Saturday for Triple-A New Orleans and could rejoin the Mets as soon as tomorrow's series opener against the Nationals.

Banny Log 041308  —  Earned runs allowed: 0.  —  Strikeouts: 3  —  Walks: 1  —  Decision: Victory (3-0)  —  Number of pitches: 111  —  Number of strikes: 72  —  BABIP: .115 (3 for 26)  —  Season BABIP: .175 (10 for 57)*  —  *I think I was misfiguring BABIP before — forgetting that strikeouts don't count for BABIP.

Shea Stadium: The Board Game  —  Off days and rainouts stink.  —  What is a Met fan to do on those lonely off days and rainouts during April besides wonder why Willie Randolph consistently mismanages his bullpen?  —  Well now, you can combine off-day fun with Shea Stadium nostalgia …

Bush's job on the line?  —  When right-hander Dave Bush takes the mound for the Brewers Tuesday night in St. Louis, he might be pitching for his job.  —  Bush pitched poorly in his first two outings, going 0-2 with a 8.44 ERA.  This weekend, right-hander Yovani Gallardo is scheduled to return …

Quote: Willie says the Mets are Sloppy  —  The Mets blew a four-run, third-inning lead yesterday, losing to the Brewers while leaving 10 men on base, hitting in to five double plays and making one error in the field, among others on the base paths.  —  Willie Randolph, while looking …