BOX SCORE  —  A second Mets player echoed that line of thinking.  —  “At some point you have to cut bait,” he said.  “You owe him a lot of money, but for what?”  —  Perez, whom the Mets banished to the bullpen two weeks ago, allowed three runs over two innings on Saturday after Fernando Nieve flopped in a spot start.

Forget about Dontrelle Willis  —  The Mets need pitching, but they don't need another headache, That eliminates Dontrelle Willis (1-2, 4.98) who was designated for assignment by the Tigers.  The dynamic young picther of a few years ago is gone and Willis needs time in the minor leagues …

Morales' injury may open a spot for Lowell in L.A.  —  BOSTON — The broken leg suffered by Kendry Morales Saturday might provide the Red Sox with a logical trading partner for Mike Lowell.  But to date there have been no talks between the Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels, sources with both teams confirmed Sunday.

Rockies send Dexter Fowler to Colorado Springs  —  His starting job gone and the team needing an additional utilityman, Dexter Fowler was demoted Sunday to Triple-A for more seasoning.  —  Fowler was the club's regular center fielder until three weeks ago when an extended hitting slump cost him a job.

Bits 'n Pieces  —  Rip Van Bisher has awakened.  Pardon my extended absence, but in the interim, I have been collecting a few gems that interest me, and may trigger yours.  Let me open with a few missiles from the thoroughbred track:  —  ****My friend Peter Blum has a long history of breeding …

Giving Beckham a break  —  Guillen benches scuffling infielder, feels his pain  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It has become a South Side trilogy: “The Sitting of Gordon Beckham Part III.”  —  White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's hope is that the latest benching of the second-year infielder won't unfold into a tragedy.

The many Mets moments on ‘Seinfeld’  —  On the 20th anniversary of the sitcom's debut, we break down the baseball references  —  “Entertainment Weekly” was kind enough this week to remind us that Monday marks the 20th anniversary of the debut of the television sitcom “Seinfeld.”

Laird changes jersey number  —  DETROIT — Gerald Laird has tried just about every adjustment he can imagine to try to spark his hitting.  Adjusting his jersey number can't hurt.  —  The Tigers opened up their homestand Friday night with Laird donning a new number.

Inbox: When will Salty, Davis return?  —  Rangers beat reporter T.R. Sullivan fields fans' questions … Is it just me or are the Rangers sending mixed signals to the fans?  Their motto this year is “It's Time” but when I look how they are giving Julio Borbon all this time and he hasn't produced …