Sources: Minaya's job isn't so safe  —  WASHINGTON - Omar Minaya and Jerry Manuel received votes of confidence from chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon two weeks ago, the GM said Monday night after joining the Mets in Washington to watch their 6-2 victory over the Nationals.

Dodgers' victory is all about Jason Schmidt  —  Veteran right-hander, making his first major league start since 2007, survives a rocky first inning to earn a win, giving up three runs in five innings as L.A. beats Reds, 7-5.  —  Dodgers Manager Joe Torre said this spring that what happened Monday night might never happen.

Phillies won't give up Drabek for Halladay … The latest word from a source familiar with Philadelphia's thinking is that the front-running Phillies have decided they will not include top pitching prospect Kyle Drabek in a four-player package for superstar pitcher Roy Halladay …

Lugo a Met?  Not Just Yet...  Several reports in recent days have indicated that shortstop Julio Lugo, whom the Red Sox designated for assignment on Friday, is expected to sign with the Mets next week.  The Sox have 10 days from last Friday to either trade or release Lugo …

Trade news: Team unlikely to move Qualls, more  —  DENVER - When Felipe Lopez was speaking with a reporter over the weekend, a teammate interjected.  —  “So Felipe, where you getting traded to?” he asked.  —  For a team well out of contention, talking trade is a popular pastime …

Bad blood spills over in Bucs-Crew tilt  —  Benches clear after Karstens plunked by reliever Smith  —  PITTSBURGH — Brewers pitcher Chris Smith claimed it to be unintentional, but the Pirates saw his plunking of Jeff Karstens with an eighth-inning pitch in Monday's 8-5 Pirates win as anything but.

For NY Yankees, a new set of rules, new attitude driving success … NEW YORK — Out of the corner of his eye, Hideki Matsui caught the sight of several teammates frantically using their arms to make a tossing motion.  The gestures seemed foreign at first.  But as Matsui jogged toward the plate …

Game 92: Orioles at Yankees (updates with Wang setback, Hal Steinbrenner audio and Girardi audio)  —  YANKEES (54-37)  —  Pitching: LHP Andy Pettitte (8-5, 4.85).  —  ORIOLES (41-50)  —  Roberts 2B  —  Markakis RF  —  Jones CF  —  Huff 1B  —  Mora 3B  —  Scott DH  —  Reimold LF

Guillen: ‘I suck’ and am 'embarrassed by the money I'm making'  —  When Royals outfielder José Guillen goes off, as he did Monday afternoon, he seldom minces words.  That didn't change simply because he chose to go off on the guy in the mirror.  —  “I hate making excuses,” he said.

Mitre will get more than one start for Yankees  —  Most Yankees fans probably don't know much about Sergio Mitre.  They probably will get more than one chance to find out about him.  —  Joe Girardi said last night that Mitre, 28, who will be recalled to start against the Orioles tonight …

Tuesday Dish: Carlos Torres, Ike Davis Updates  —  Carlos Torres struck out two batters and allowed one hit in his inning of work last Wednesday in the Triple-A all-star game.  It was a fitting stage for the 26-year-old righthander, who seems to have put all the pieces together this season with Charlotte.

Close play at home caps A's big comeback vs. Twins  —  OAKLAND (AP) — Michael Cuddyer came crashing into home and Michael Wuertz knew he had to cover the plate after his wild pitch.  The Oakland reliever reached out and did his best to make the play.  —  That's how this crazy slugfest finally ended …