Rocket's game got boost from Viagra  —  Roger Clemens, whose claims he never took steroids are under federal investigation, has apparently discovered the benefits of another performance-enhancing drug sweeping the sports world - Viagra.  —  Clemens stashed the clearly marked …

You Got To Keep Them Motivated  —  Say what you want about Ozzie Guillen and how his mouth continues to get him attention on and off the field, but his latest tirade seems to have worked.  Despite being in first place a week ago, the White Sox were floundering, generally on offense …

Analysis: Minaya's rule a reign of error  —  Manager Willie Randolph (l.) has felt the heat this season, but GM Omar Minaya added injury-prone players ...  You are watching the painfully slow demise of The New Mets, the vision Omar Minaya articulated four years ago but built as a house of cards.

BAD ‘FIRST’ IMPRESSION  —  Ed Montague is officially removed from the Yankees' Christmas card list.  —  The veteran umpire yesterday was in the middle of a second eighth-inning controversy in four days at the Stadium, calling out Melky Cabrera at first base on a sacrifice bunt, despite Cabrera beating the throw.

Leyland: Pudge, Inge to split catching job  —  Manager Jim Leyland didn't say anything about Pudge Rodriguez for the long term.  He didn't say he has lost his status as the Tigers' primary catcher.  —  But addressing at least the short term, Leyland said Monday that beginning now …

Focus, patience keys to comeback  —  Clint Hurdle sets the tone: Big improvements will come by winning one series at a time.  —  The Denver Post  —  Major-leaguers hate big-picture questions.  —  Ask one and you're likely to get an analogy like this, courtesy of Rockies manager Clint Hurdle: “It's that old saying.

The 10 worst No. 5 hitters since 1957  —  Our tour of the most pitiful performances in the various spots in the batting order has so far visited leadoff, the second slot, No. 3, and cleanup.  This time we'll look in on the fitful flailers of the fifth position, as defined by starting at least …

Ryan Tucker another Marlin who must cover up arm tattoos  —  MIAMI GARDENS - Including the guy it was named for, the Marlins now have two pitchers subject to the “Justin Miller rule.”  —  Ryan Tucker made his major league debut in 86-degree heat Sunday wearing a long-sleeved black undershirt.

THIS TEAM'S GOING NOWHERE!  —  Nothing's working for the Mets these days - not even elevators.  —  Above, Pedro Martinez (center) and team COO Jeff Wilpon (striped shirt) smile as they and at least seven fellow passengers endure a stuck lift at Richards clothing store in Greenwich, Conn., where some Mets appeared at a charity event.

M's ax hitting coach Pentland, Elia takes over … TORONTO (AP) — The slumping Seattle Mariners fired hitting coach Jeff Pentland on Monday and replaced him with special assistant Lee Elia.  —  Elia, who turns 71 next month, was Seattle's batting coach from 1993-97 and is perhaps best known …