Careful steps protect bullpen  —  MINNEAPOLIS - Though there were two arrivals to the Red Sox clubhouse at the Metrodome yesterday in Alex Cora and Sean Casey, the team made just one roster move.  —  Cora was added to the roster, and was in the lineup at shortstop last night in place of the injured Julio Lugo (concussion).

Wrigley return nothing special for Maddux  —  The drama was taken out of Greg Maddux's return to Wrigley Field this week when he won his 350th game late Saturday, becoming only the third pitcher since the 1920s to do it.  —  San Diego closer Trevor Hoffman handed Maddux the ball after saving a 3-2 victory over Colorado.

Red Sox don't have to be loved, but they should be admired  —  Smart moves off the field and sharp play on it have allowed Boston to surpass the Yankees in supremacy.  —  It should be easy to hate the Red Sox.  They've got it all — baseball's most ambient ballpark, rich and aggressive owners …

Mariner exec Shaffer taking a look at Griffey  —  There may be more to the Mariners interest in Ken Griffey Jr. than Seattle management has been willing to let on  —  Reports out of New York say that Duane Shaffer, in his first season as a special assistant to Seattle general manager Bill Bavasi …

Marlins Notebook: Olsen's velocity OK  —  WASHINGTON — Marlins left-hander Scott Olsen said he can't remember ever pitching in a game where his velocity didn't top 90 mph.  It didn't top 87 mph on Sunday.  —  Neither Olsen nor the Marlins sounded worried.

Schoeneweis turning boos into cheers  —  Since so much attention is paid when a Mets player is booed at Shea Stadium, we bring you this:  —  Scott Schoeneweis was not only not booed yesterday when he came off the mound after a successful outing, he was actually cheered.

Rainout creates opportunities for Yanks  —  After first three games vs. Rays, rotation may be reshuffled  —  DETROIT — The large green blob circling over the Detroit metropolitan area offered little hope for baseball, but an afternoon rainout Sunday may create a window of opportunity …

Hot Marlins head for homer-friendly Cincy  —  WASHINGTON - The homer-happy Marlins get four games at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati to improve their total of 53, second in the majors, and they have a good chance to do it.  —  In the five-plus years since Great American opened …

Greetings from Gate A-70  —  Flight from Detroit from Tampa: 9:24 p.m.  —  Time to kill: 7:24.  —  Ah, the exciting world of sportswriting.  As I write this, I'm sitting on the floor at the gate, my laptop plugged into the only outlet within seven miles and I'm watching old episodes of the West Wing.

Howard can't hit what he can't see  —  SAN FRANCISCO - The art of hitting is strangely like sleeping.  Sometimes it comes naturally, almost effortlessly.  Other times it is fitful, nearly impossible.  A ballplayer can't will himself to hit any more than you or I can will ourselves to sleep.

Texas Rangers place Millwood on DL, call up rookie  —  egrant@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - A day after his start lasted just 12 pitches, Kevin Millwood was was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained right groin.  —  Right-hander Doug Mathis' contract was purchased …

Looking to Avoid the Sophomore Jinx: AL  —  The 2007 season saw a number of exciting players come into both the American and National leagues.  The junior league received some intriguing young pitchers, while the senior circuit welcomed some promising offensive players.

CASTILLO HURT  —  Finally, the Mets' position players are healthy.  Moises Alou, check.  Brian Schneider, check.  So they're back to a full complement.  Er, not so fast.  Luis Castillo pulled up with tightness in his left quadriceps legging out a triple and eventually left the Mets' 8-3 win over the Reds at Shea yesterday.

Cards Notebook: Closer intrigue  —  MILWAUKEE — Closer controversy isn't unique to the Cardinals.  The Milwaukee Brewers continue to monitor Eric Gagne, who has become a source of controversy after dropping five save chances.  —  Brewers manager Ned Yost has remained four-square behind Gagne …