WILLIE RANDOLPH KEEPS HIS JOB … Mets GM Omar Minaya did his best to make it sound that firing manager Willie Randolph was the furthest thing from his mind.  —  “Willie has my support, the support of our ownership,” Minaya said today after a three-hour organizational powwow at Shea.

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.

Posada returns to field … CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Yankees catcher Jorge Posada caught five innings and went 0-for-5 with a walk in his first extended spring training game on Monday.  —  The five-time All-Star has been sidelined since April 27 due to a sore throwing shoulder.

Kazmir leads Rays over Rangers 7-3  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP)—Scott Kazmir won his fourth straight start, striking out 10 in seven innings to lead the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays over the Texas Rangers 7-3 Monday night.  —  Eric Hinske hit a three-run homer for the Rays …

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

Dodgers lose patience in 3-1 defeat by Cubs  —  Manager Joe Torre says it is the players' inexperience, and not effort, that costs them the game, as they get overly aggressive at plate.  Solid start by Billingsley is squandered.  —  CHICAGO — Dodgers Manager Joe Torre said he couldn't fault his players.

Red Sox LHP Lester enjoys homecoming  —  “It's been crazy,” the 24-year-old native of Tacoma, Wash., said.  —  Lester walked in the front door of his parents' home, about 35 miles south of Seattle, on Sunday night the proud owner of a no-hitter.  If that didn't make enough front-page news …

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 …

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 …

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 …