Ted Keith: Ex-teammates saddened about A-Rod pitch-tipping allegations … When it was reported last February that Alex Rodriguez had tested positive for steroids in 2003, the reaction around baseball was mostly one of shock.  Thursday's revelation that Rodriguez might have been tipping pitches …

Dodgers bring up Weaver, activate Wade and option DeWitt  —  The Dodgers purchased the contract of Jeff Weaver and activated Cory Wade, while optioning Blake DeWitt to the minors.  Doug Mientkiewicz was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.  That's right, those of you afraid of burning …

Baltimore's Walker fined for comments  —  Major League Baseball has fined pitcher Jamie Walker of the Baltimore Orioles for his remarks regarding Umpire Angel Hernandez following Baltimore's game vs. the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday night at Camden Yards.  The amount of the fine is undisclosed.

Sweeney's catch, Braden's pitching lead A's over Rangers  —  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Ryan Sweeney retreated, leaped and stuck his glove above the eight-foot wall — and saved a much-needed victory for the ailing Oakland Athletics.  —  Sweeney's incredible catch in straightaway center robbed Ian Kinsler …

New York Yankees seats still largely empty despite price cut  —  NEW YORK — Even with a cut in some top-priced tickets, the New York Yankees still had large numbers of empty seats in prime areas when they returned home for the second homestand at $1.5 billion new Yankee Stadium.

In Defense of Ramon Castro  —  Make no mistake, the Mets made a tremendous strategic upgrade when they changed managers from Willie Randolph to Jerry Manuel in June 2008.  The former struggled with the elementary questions of bullpen management and player and media communication; the latter excels at all three.

Roberts added to NESN roster  —  Dave Roberts's legs are already a part of Red Sox lore.  Now fans will get to know his voice as well.  —  NESN announced today that Roberts, the former Red Sox outfielder and postseason hero, has joined the network to serve as a studio analyst.

Buck's 5 RBI and Royals' six DP's keep them atop division  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — John Buck tripled twice and drove in five runs, and the Kansas City Royals turned six double plays in an 8-6 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.  —  The Royals took three of four from the Blue Jays …

Justin Speier has off night as Angels lose to Yankees  —  Reliever gives up three runs and four hits, wasting a solid effort by Anthony Ortega.  —  That Justin Speier comeback player of the year campaign took a hit Thursday night.  Actually, four of them.

Bottom drops out for Orioles  —  Last three hitters in O's lineup worst in majors offensively  —  The Orioles acquired the trio this offseason for vastly different reasons.  —  They wanted shortstop Cesar Izturis for his glove, catcher Gregg Zaun for his leadership and left fielder Felix Pie for his all-around potential.

WRIGHT'S STARTING TO FEEL THE HEAT  —  FOR THE longest time, Mets fans spared the rod with David Wright.  Everyone else, up and down the lineup, up and down the roster, has heard the scorn plenty.  There's been contempt for the Carloses, Beltran and Delgado.  Luis Castillo and Jose Reyes did time turning DPs in the doghouse.

Unlike Mets, Phillies Excel When Trailing  —  Shane Victorino described the optimistic feeling in the Phillies' dugout as “a sense.”  The players do not share any specific words or special handshakes if the Phillies are trailing.  But Victorino said they do share the belief that the beginning of a comeback is one pitch away.