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 …

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.

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.

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 …

Oakland claims Giese  —  This release from the Athletics:  —  The Oakland A's claimed right-handed pitcher Dan Giese off waivers from the New York Yankees and optioned him to Triple-A Sacramento, the club announced today.  To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the A's designated right-handed pitcher Chris Schroder for assignment.

Pedroia calls Woodland “a dump”  —  Woodland's favorite son, and certainly most recognizable face outside of Yolo County, may have some explaining to do the next time he visits his hometown.  —  And from what Dustin Pedroia said in an interview in the current edition of Boston Magazine …

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 …

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 …

Gallardo, Brewers best Big Unit in his Giants debut  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Yovani Gallardo pitched neatly into the seventh inning and also hit a three-run homer off Randy Johnson to spoil the Big Unit's debut with the San Francisco Giants, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 4-2 victory Wednesday night.

Joba offers a sober response  —  BALTIMORE - Joba Chamberlain may have taken some shots at New Yorkers after being pulled over for driving under the influence last October, but the pitcher admitted Wednesday that he wouldn't be a household name if not for the Big Apple.

Long balls do in Litsch as Jays fall  —  Righty yields three homers; offense quiet in first loss of '09  —  TORONTO — Jesse Litsch ran off the mound in the fourth inning on Wednesday night, doing what he could to try to stop the baseball that was skipping up the middle of the field.

Pirates vs. Cardinals, 4-8-09: LaRoche out of lineup; Ford to miss Indy opener  —  ST. LOUIS — Zach Duke, who will start the home opener next week, makes his season debut today after a really good spring training in which he limited opponents to two or fewer runs in seven of his eight starts.