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 …

Reds expected to promote top Triple-A prospect Jay Bruce  —  Tomorrow the Reds are expected to promote from Triple-A Louisville top prospect OF Jay Bruce.  —  A corresponding roster move will be announced prior to tomorrow's 7:10 p.m. game against the Pirates.

WILLIE RANDOLPH MEETS WITH WILPONS  —  Willie Randolph's meeting with Mets' ownership is going to take place today at 2 p.m. at Shea Stadium today, the Post has learned.  The much-hyped summitt is slated to include Randolph, GM Omar Minaya and both Fred and Jeff Wilpon.  It should...

NCAA Tournament Announcement Live Blog  —  John: Before the broadcast begins, let's reset our 16 regional hosts, listed by conference:  —  ACC (4): Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, North Carolina State  —  Big 12 (3): Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M  —  Big West (2): Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State

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 …

Former Red Sox favorite Trot Nixon toils at Triple-A Tucson  —  TUCSON, Ariz. - The roar of adoring crowds of Fenway Park [map] has been replaced by a smattering of applause in Triple-A Tucson.  —  Trot Nixon, once the epitome of Boston Red Sox [team stats] grit and determination …

Billingsley is sharp but Dodgers offense is not in loss  —  After he gives up a two-run home run in the first inning he retires the next 13 batters, but L.A. goes two for 17 with runners in scoring position in a 3-1 loss at Chicago.  —  Chad Billingsley maintained his recent form, but so did the Dodgers' offense.

Atkins, Taveras hoping to avoid DL  —  Rockies saw three players placed out of action this weekend  —  DENVER — On a whiteboard in the Rockies' clubhouse, someone drew a sign saying, “Disabled List Inn: No Vacancy.”  Might as well have fun with the pain that's afflicted the Rockies.

Tracy feeling healthy in season debut  —  Infielder returns from disabled list; Hammock sent to Triple-A  —  ATLANTA — Chad Tracy didn't have to wait very long before getting right back in the swing of things.  —  The D-backs infielder reported to Atlanta on Monday after being activated …

Trachsel won't start against Red Sox  —  Trembley noncommittal on when O's RHP will start again  —  After sitting 14 days between his last two starts, Orioles right-hander Steve Trachsel will again take a prolonged spot on the bench.  —  Orioles manager Dave Trembley announced his rotation …

First rehab game in books for Posada  —  Veteran catches five frames, hopes to throw more later in week  —  BALTIMORE — Yankees catcher Jorge Posada caught five innings and went 0-for-5 with a walk in his first extended spring game on Monday.  —  Posada was on the field in Clearwater …

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 …