Walking papers for Nats GM?  —  Buzz up!  —  So, what does Washington Nationals GM Mike Rizzo do for an encore after playing a key role in the signing of designated franchise savior Stephen Strasburg?  —  Would you believe lose his job?  —  Multiple sources insisted Tuesday that the Nationals …

Cards are set to add Smoltz  —  LOS ANGELES — Free agent pitcher John Smoltz will accept the Cardinals' offer to join the club as its fifth starter after clearing waivers at noon (St. Louis time) today, barring an unforeseen waiver claim, multiple sources said Tuesday.

One does it right, one does it wrong  —  Many of his teammates think he's goofy with some of the stuff he does, but if more were as dedicated and innovative as Adam Rosales the Cincinnati Reds might be better off.  Probably a whole lot better off.  —  While some are in the clubhouse laughing …

Alex Gordon's career would be in less trouble if this really was all about service time  —  You should believe two things about Alex Gordon's demotion to the minor leagues:  —  1. This is not primarily a ploy for the Royals to get an extra year before his free agency.

Pedro, Moyer combine to stifle D-backs  —  After rain delay, lefty tosses six scoreless innings in relief  —  PHILADELPHIA — Pedro Martinez thought about his night Tuesday at Citizens Bank Park and still smiled.  —  He hoped to take another step forward after pitching five innings Wednesday in his season debut against the Cubs.

Ryan Church calls comments by New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel a ‘low blow’  —  NEW YORK — Ryan Church made it clear: He didn't appreciate those recent comments by New York Mets manager Jerry Manuel.  —  After Mets slugger David Wright was hit in the head by a pitch last weekend …

Wakefield's return date still unknown  —  Knuckleballer will consult back specialist before next step  —  TORONTO — Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield feels well enough to pitch, but his return date is still up in the air.  Wakefield, who initially strained his lower back and then developed …

GARY DOESN'T EXPECT TO END YEAR WITH METS  —  THE Mets pulled Gary Sheffield off waivers last week when he was claimed by an unidentified team.  This means Sheffield cannot be traded for the remainder of the season.  He can be placed on waivers again, but this time, the Mets would not be able to negate a claim.

NY Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain told to relax on extra days … OAKLAND, Calif. - Joba Chamberlain escaped during the All-Star break, returning home to Nebraska and blocking out all talk about baseball.  It worked so well for the talented right-hander, who emerged from the hiatus …

Sheffield, Mets light up Lowe and beat Braves  —  NEW YORK(AP) When the Atlanta Braves handed Derek Lowe a four-run lead against an injury-depleted team, they figured they were in pretty good shape.  —  Turns out, those New York Mets backups had a big surprise in store.

How Much Did Your Team Spend?  —  Here's a look at how much each team spent on the top 10 rounds of the 2009 draft.  Complete draft budgets will not be available for several more weeks.  First-round pick Aaron Crow and supplemental first-rounder Tanner Scheppers are still eligible to sign …

Rangers reacquire Pudge  —  Rodriguez, 14-time All-Star, will be Texas' backup catcher  —  ARLINGTON — Ivan Rodriguez is returning to the Rangers to be a backup catcher.  —  The Rangers have completed a trade with the Houston Astros to reacquire the 14-time All-Star catcher for two Minor League players …

Seaver, Kooz and Ryan forever friends and champs  —  Game 1 of the 1969 World Series was winding down and a disappointed Tom Seaver stood in the dugout runway at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium next to Donn Clendenon.  The two were alone, Seaver lost in his thoughts.

Hampton to DL with strained left shoulder  —  Lefty unable to shake lingering injury; Astros recall Paulino  —  HOUSTON — The Astros placed left-hander Mike Hampton on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain and recalled right-hander Felipe Paulino from Triple-A Round Rock prior …