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 …

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 …

Perez has tendinitis in left shoulder  —  Lingering soreness will likely force lefty to miss start  —  WASHINGTON — In another injury blow for the Nationals, manager Manny Acta revealed after Tuesday's game that left-handed starter Odalis Perez left the Nationals' 6-1 loss to St. Louis …

Kurkjian: Special Negro Leagues Player Draft … There will be two baseball drafts on Thursday.  The Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft will begin the professional careers of some of the game's future stars.  The second draft will recognize some of those who might have been stars, but never got the chance.

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.

Former Royal Willie Mays Aikens to be released from prison today  —  Former Royals standout Willie Mays Aikens is scheduled to be released from federal prison today, and he could be at a Kansas City halfway house as early as this evening.  —  “I'm thrilled to death,” Aikens told The State of Columbia, S.C., on Tuesday.

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.