Madden: McLaren finds ruin in Rhodes  —  In the Yankee Stadium visiting manager's office, where Willie Randolph held forth just a week ago in the midst of similar crisis, the equally endangered John McLaren was a picture of despair and frustration Sunday as he discussed the misbegotten fortunes of his Seattle Mariners.

Former MLB pitcher Gonzalez killed by lightning strike  —  CARACAS, Venezuela — Former major league pitcher Geremi Gonzalez, who won 11 games for the Chicago Cubs in 1997, was killed by a lightning strike in his native Venezuela on Sunday.  He was 33.  —  Emergency management official Herman Bracho …

Brewers set to sign Tavarez  —  Washington - As I reported two days ago, the Brewers' interest in veteran reliever Julian Tavarez has escalated to the point that they are prepared to sign him for the remainder of the 2008 season.  —  General manager Doug Melvin just told us that Tavarez worked …

Marlins set to start important road trip  —  Florida (29-20) at New York (23-25), Monday, 7:10 p.m. ET  —  MIAMI — The Florida Marlins, coming off a sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks and taking 2-of-3 from the San Francisco Giants, now face their biggest test of the year — and it's on the road.

Mets mull minors stint for Heilman  —  DENVER - Aaron Heilman's struggles may land him in the minors.  Mets officials have discussed demoting Heilman and replacing him with Triple-A closer Carlos Muniz, who had three scoreless appearances with the Mets in April, the Daily News has learned.

Mailbag: What's motivating the Mets?  —  Beat reporter Marty Noble answers Mets fans' questions  —  As a lifelong Mets fan I'm finding myself more irritated this year.  This offense should not be shut out by a Minor League pitcher and a last-place Nationals team at home.  Why is there no “fire” on this team?

Edwar unhittable again, thanks to all new confidence  —  In his first in the majors, Edwar Ramirez simply lost his confidence.  The wispy righthander suffered a mound meltdown last July 20 against Tampa Bay - issuing four walks and a three-run homer without recording an out …

Young LA lefty impresses Cards  —  LOS ANGELES — Clayton Kershaw was a name on a page to the Cardinals early Sunday afternoon.  Later in the day he was an indelible mark.  —  Just two months removed from celebrating his 20th birthday, Kershaw made his major-league debut a coming-out party …

Joe Nathan and the Modern Closer  —  Once upon a time teams would utilize the bullpen's best pitcher most often, calling on their top reliever whenever crucial, game-changing situations arose and frequently leaving them in for multiple innings.  Throughout the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s …

Joba's next step could be Wednesday  —  Joba Chamberlain's next step on the road to the rotation “probably” will come Wednesday in Baltimore, manager Joe Girardi said.  —  Chamberlain threw 40 pitches Saturday in his second stretch-out outing and is set to ramp it up to 55.

Perez is not the Cardinals closer  —  La Russa won't rush rookie; Franklin first option in ninth  —  LOS ANGELES — Fans and even opponents are buzzing about Cardinals rookie Chris Perez, but manager Tony La Russa intends to exercise patience with the hard-throwing right-hander.

Every Given Sunday  —  It was not a good week to be one of the men in blue.  Umpiring in the major leagues is a thankless job, with the only recognition coming when there is a blown call.  The umpires have been getting recognized quite a bit lately, as there were four instances this past week …