Smith: Before panic sets in, Bombers turn to Burnett for fresh start … BALTIMORE - The Yankees' pitching was supposed to be a rock-solid, lock down, lead-pipe cinch to carry the team this season.  Whenever you asked anyone in spring training about the team's various question marks …

Players make call: Umpire strikes out  —  Hitters boxed around  —  + Recent Articles + Recent Blog Entries + Email + Bio  —  When Jason Bay and Jed Lowrie complain about balls and strikes, it's probably time to recalibrate the QuesTec.  —  The two are among the most even-tempered players on the Red Sox …

Braves' bullpen falters in difficult loss  —  Leading by seven in seventh inning, Phillies score eight  —  PHILADELPHIA — Just when it looked like things might be different this year, the Phillies once again managed to embarrass the Braves' pitching staff with a remarkable comeback that included more generosity than firepower.

Hey Philly, booing Adam Eaton and his ring?  Below the belt  —  When it comes to Philly fans, one of the things they always like to tell you is that the reputation they've earned as loutish thugs is just a bum rap assigned by lazy media who like to fall back on old stereotypes.

Gonzalez's knee holds up in full game  —  Cincinnati (0-2) vs. New York (2-0), Thursday, 12:35 p.m. ET  —  CINCINNATI — The best thing Reds shortstop Alex Gonzalez could have felt when he woke up on Tuesday morning was nothing.  No aches, no pains, just nothing.

All's quiet on Lackey extension front  —  Angels GM Reagins leaving door open for negotiations  —  ANAHEIM — Angels general manager Tony Reagins said on Tuesday night “there is nothing new” in contract negotiations with ace John Lackey.  —  On the 15-day disabled list with a strained right forearm …

Webb will miss start vs. Dodgers  —  On Tuesday he felt fine.  On Wednesday he didn't.  And just to be safe rather than sorry, the Diamondbacks removed ace Brandon Webb from his scheduled start Saturday against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers because of right-shoulder stiffness.

PREGAME NOTES: Aurilia to start tomorrow; Dave Roberts in the ballpark, too  —  A few quick hits from the pregame session with Giants Manager Bruce Bochy:  —  Rich Aurilia will start at first base tomorrow against Brewers left-hander Manny Parra.  That's the only change Bochy envisions making …

Mets should honor Strawberry, Gooden  —  The inspiration for Citi Field was Ebbets Field, with an assist from the Polo Grounds, and the stadium's main entrance features a dedication to Jackie Robinson.  These serve as respectful shout-outs to the Dodgers and Giants, New York's teams of yesteryear …

Walter, Frank & Josh; the morning after  —  How can I put this so as not to sound too negative?  —  How's this: If the statues in the centerfield plaza at Nationals Park were a Broadway show, it would close out of town.  —  The early returns on the works by sculptor Omri Amrany are, quite frankly, almost totally negative.

Wagner to throw off mound Tuesday  —  Former closer hopes to be back with the Mets by August  —  CINCINNATI — While the Mets revel in the Opening Day performance of their revamped bullpen, the pitcher who was to have been their closer this season is preparing to take a significant step …

Only a Semi-Collapse as Mets Preserve a Victory  —  It was a performance all too reminiscent of their collapses the past two years, but the Mets' bullpen held on to preserve a 9-7 win Wednesday over the Cincinnati Reds.  —  Five relievers combined to allow three runs and plenty …

Athletics claim Giese off waivers from Yankees … BALTIMORE (AP) — The Oakland Athletics claimed right-hander Dan Giese off waivers from the New York Yankees on Wednesday, then optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento.  —  Giese was designated for assignment on Saturday by New York after going -1 …