Willie picking his spots with Delgado  —  When Carlos Delgado was benched for Tuesday's game against the Marlins, it was considered a mental break, or as manager Willie Randolph described it, a chance for the struggling first baseman to “clear his head.”  —  But when Delgado was left …

Mariners' Bedard beats Red Sox 1-0  —  SEATTLE (AP)—Fastballs that flew past Boston's flailing bats.  Curves sharp enough to break the will of the Red Sox.  Then, diving cut fastballs and tricky changeups.  —  So this is why Seattle traded five players to Baltimore for Erik Bedard.

Pettitte, Joba pitch Yankees to win  —  Sweep averted in Baltimore with a little help from Giambi  —  BALTIMORE — The bullpen gates swung open for the ninth inning, and Mariano Rivera coasted across the outfield, the same graceful gait the Yankees closer has showcased for years.

The Voice of God  —  Discussing faith, family and Derek Jeter with longtime Yankee Stadium announcer Bob Sheppard  —  Anyone who has attended a Yankee's home game since the mid-twentieth century has been greeted by the unique—and now legendary—style of player introductions given over the stadium's public address system:

Mets may pursue veteran Hatteberg  —  With Anderson injured, club looking for left-handed hitter  —  NEW YORK — Should the Mets determine their primary left-handed pinch-hitter Marlon Anderson will require an extended assignment to the disabled list, they may move to add veteran Scott Hatteberg …

Same-sex couple claims bias at Safeco Field  —  SEATTLE — A local lesbian couple says a peck on the lips nearly got the two of them tossed out of a Mariners game.  —  The women said in an arena where even chanting and screaming are allowed, they were singled out by a security guard simply because they kissed each other.

Report: FBI questions McCready in Clemens case  —  The FBI has questioned country singer Mindy McCready, who allegedly had an affair with Roger Clemens, as it investigates whether Clemens perjured himself before a congressional committee, the New York Daily News reported for Thursday's editions.

Top 100 Most Valuable Sports Blogs  —  Deadspin Valued at Over $16 Million  —  How much is your sports blog worth?  Did it make the top 100?  Read this to find out.  —  I am basing the valuations off DN Scoop, a website that values websites based on links, PR, traffic rank, and other factors.

Baek appreciates shot with Padres  —  Versatile right-hander acquired via trade with Mariners  —  SAN DIEGO — Right-handed pitcher Cha Seung Baek, the newest Padres player, was in uniform Wednesday night and may soon find himself in San Diego's starting rotation.

Lies, Damned Lies  —  Evaluating Pitcher Hitting  —  In the six years that I've generated PECOTA forecasts, I've never bothered to run hitting projections for pitchers.  In fact, I've regarded pitcher hitting as something of a nuisance; I specifically screen out any pitchers so that they won't be selected as comparable players.

Lidge's injury actually helped  —  PHILADELPHIA — What first appeared to be a disaster for Phillies closer and 1995 Cherry Creek High School graduate Brad Lidge turned out to be a blessing.  —  On his first pitch of spring training batting practice, Lidge caught a spike and limped off the mound.

Patterson sent down to get his swing back  —  Accepts Triple-A assignment after CF Bruce's arrival  —  digg us!  del.icio.us!  —  Reds manager Dusty Baker planned to call in Corey Patterson, but Patterson made the first move.  —  He volunteered to go to Triple-A Louisville.

Pirates recall Bullington, demote Salas  —  CINCINNATI — The Pirates today recalled starter Bryan Bullington from Class AAA Indianapolis and optioned reliever Marino Salas to Indianapolis.  —  Bullington, 27, was 3-6 with a 5.68 ERA but won three of his past four starts …