Smoltz may be facing shoulder surgery  —  Braves expected to discuss veteran's future at news conference  —  ATLANTA — John Smoltz has said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch.  Now, just two days after he attempted to alleviate stress on his shoulder with a move to the bullpen …

Draft Eve News & Rumors  —  Jim Callis is still making his list and checking it twice for his final mock draft prior to the beginning Thursday of the 2008 Draft.  We still are pinching ourselves at BA World Headquarters that the draft is on TV and happy to be part of ESPN's show. …

Joba Time (about 60 minutes of it)  —  Well, that was quick.  After all the excitement over Joba Chamberlain, he lasted 2 1/3 innings against the Blue Jays, walking out four and striking out three.  He also only got in one good fist pump- after what turned out to be a foul ball on the first batter he faced …

Hoping to avoid surgery, Ortiz is cast in uncertainty  —  The sight of David Ortiz standing in front of his locker yesterday afternoon, clad in a green T-shirt and hard black cast, gave those in the clubhouse a glimpse of just how long this summer might be.  While it is possible that doctors …

Early miscues doom Perez, Nats in loss  —  Lefty leaves with tendinitis in twice rain-delayed game  —  WASHINGTON — By the 16th pitch of Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, starter Odalis Perez and the Nationals were in big trouble.  —  Perez hit one batter and gave up a three-run homer and an RBI double …

Legends to make history in Bronx  —  More than 40 Hall of Famers to be honored at All-Star Game  —  NEW YORK — Yankee Stadium is not done creating history.  Not quite yet.  —  The largest group of Hall of Famers at a Major League event in history will gather before this summer's All-Star …

Newest Yankee Just Tries to Blend In  —  Dan Giese had never been to Yankee Stadium before Tuesday, when he showed up five and a half hours before game time.  Giese wanted to see the sights, and he noticed a group taking a tour of the ballpark.  He tagged along a few feet behind, careful not to step out of line.

JOBA AND THE PITCH COUNT GENERATION  —  Here are some thoughts on Joba the Starter.  —  As I sat and watched Joba Chamberlain speak at his press conference, I got the feeling here was another example of a kid being caught up in the hype.  This single start became so big, so anticipated that Joba forgot what he does best.

Holliday will begin rehab assignment Thursday … DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies announced left fielder Matt Holliday will begin a rehabilitation assignment with Triple-A Colorado Springs on Thursday.  —  Holliday was placed on the 15-day disabled list May 25 with a strained hamstring.

Sorry, Mac, but it's time for Mariners to release Sexson  —  LISTENING TO JOHN McLaren dutifully protect Richie Sexson, I wished I had the Mariners manager on my side in the principal's office after I broke a school window.  Not only would the episode shift from intentional to accidental …

Nats to become even more ‘green’  —  Club to host program for environment on Wednesday  —  WASHINGTON — Major League Baseball's most eco-friendly park will get a little more so on Wednesday when the Washington Nationals host “Get Your Green On,” a one-night program encouraging their fans to be more environmentally conscious.

Marlins option Tankersley to reduce 'pen  —  Reliever was 0-1 with a 7.16 ERA in 23 appearances this season  —  ATLANTA — The Marlins on Tuesday night optioned left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque.  —  The team has been carrying 13 pitchers …