BoSox's Lester no-hits Royals  —  BOSTON (AP)—Jon Lester has survived cancer and pitched a World Series clincher for the Boston Red Sox.  —  Now he can add a no-hitter to his already amazing list of accomplishments.  —  The 24-year-old lefty shut down Kansas City 7- Monday night …

Melvin has no problem with Braun's comments  —  I just spoke via telephone with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin, who is in Nashville scouting the Brewers' Class AAA affiliate.  I wanted to know if he had any problem with what Ryan Braun said after the Brewers lost, 11-7, Sunday in Boston to get swept in that interleague series.

3 UP: Reyes, Yankee Defense and Met Wake-up Call  —  1. One theory that has often floated about to explain why Jose Reyes has not been Jose Reyes for a while now is that he is upset at his contract.  I never really did buy that theory.  He received the deal during the 2006 campaign …

Umpire admits blowing call on Delgado home run  —  After losing out on a clear home run ball Sunday for the second time this season, the New York Mets might become the newest proponents of Major League Baseball instituting instant replay.  —  In Sunday's Subway Series finale …

Smoltz feels discomfort after throwing  —  Not so fast on that planned John Smoltz return in late May.  —  The chronically sore-shouldered pitcher still hopes to come back from the disabled list by the end of the month, but Smoltz acknowledged Sunday that he could be out significantly longer.

Pedro looks good, could return soon … PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Mets pitcher Pedro Martinez threw so well in an extended spring game on Monday that he's been summoned to Atlanta for a bullpen session in front of club officials Wednesday.  —  If all goes well, Martinez hopes to be pitching in the majors not long after that.

Victorino bothered by benching  —  Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino rode the bench for the second day in a row Sunday and would like an explanation from manager Charlie Manuel.  —  “I'm very disappointed,” Victorino said.  “I'll talk to him at some point and see what's going on.  I'm going to have to.”

Astros top Texas Rangers, 5-4, to avoid sweep  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  ARLINGTON - The Texas Rangers have figured out one thing over the course of winning seven consecutive series: It's not easy to sweep a team.  —  For the fourth time this month, the Rangers had a chance to wave …

Soto Leads Cubs Over Astros  —  HOUSTON — Geovany Soto didn't get the automatic home run he deserved, but it didn't make a difference as the Chicago Cubs beat the Houston Astros 7-2 on Monday night.  —  Soto was credited with an inside-the-park homer in the fourth inning despite replays showing …

INTERVIEW: Craig Calcaterra  —  Lawyer by day, full-time husband and parent, this young baseball blogger brings civility and smart observations to the sport.  Bonus: he hates inter-league play.  —  AT&Park in San Francisco, Craig Calcaterra's close call for the country's best ballpark.

A Q&A with new Pirates farm director Kyle Stark  —  When the Pirates completely overhauled their front office in the offseason, they tabbed 29-year-old Kyle Stark, a do-it-all member of the Cleveland Indians' organization, to be their farm director, replacing veteran minor league manager/evaluator Brian Graham.

Offseason could loom large for Markakis  —  O's RF will be eligible for arbitration; sides could address possible long-term deal  —  Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis hits a single in the first inning against the Rays to move Brian Roberts to third base.  (Sun photo by Lloyd Fox / March 31, 2008)

ESPN writers: Favorite stories of legend  —  Baseball history is full of legendary stories like the ones told in “Rob Neyer's Big Book of Baseball Legends.”  Some have been embellished over time.  Others can never be verified.  And still countless more have never been reported …

Alex Rodriguez passes final rehab test, ready to return Tuesday  —  TAMPA - The floundering Yankees offense is about to get a tremendous shot in the arm.  —  Alex Rodriguez had two hits in his final rehabilitation assignment Monday in his return from a strained right quadriceps …

Mets answer Church's prayers to play  —  Outfielder flourishes in Queens, leading offensive categories  —  NEW YORK — Behind closed doors, far away from the ballpark, Ryan Church and his Nationals buddies would gather and wonder.  They knew that Church had talent, that he had ability and promise …