Braves' staff is better than Phillies'  —  Atlanta has far more depth behind its big arms than Philadelphia does  —  It might have been the biggest story of the offseason: The Philadelphia Phillies collected four arms that collectively would challenge the best rotations in the history of the game.

Firing Hendry would be wrong move  —  If Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts wants to fire general manager Jim Hendry at the end of the season, that's his absolute right.  —  The Ricketts family paid $845 million for the Cubs, Wrigley Field and 25 percent of Comcast Sports Net Chicago in October 2009.

Mike Wilson to be called up by the Mariners  —  The Mariners will make a roster move before Tuesday's games in Baltimore.  Outfielder Mike Wilson will be called up by the team.  Wilson didn't play in today's game in Tacoma, which was a little odd since he's been one of the Rainiers best hitters in recent weeks.

Cardinals' La Russa headed to Mayo Clinic  —  • rhummel@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8196 and DERRICK GOOLD  • dgoold@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8285 |  Loading...  Manager Tony La Russa will use today's Cardinals off day to visit the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Jeter Finds Power Stroke, and Texas Pays  —  ARLINGTON, Tex. — Divining the key to Derek Jeter's success over 17 seasons is not difficult.  He abides by a simple credo, believing that keeping things uncomplicated is the only way to live.  As his Yankees teammates and coaches hailed his revival …

Falling BABIP  —  Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABIP) fell through the floor this season:  —  Batting Average on Balls in Play by season.  (Hits-HR)/(AB-(HR+K)) Click for a larger image.  —  Note that it has fallen to the 1987 level, which was at the time considered an outlier year for offense.

Hurdle, The Bunt, The Book And Dan Fox  —  This is in relation to Charlie's post about Hurdle deciding to bunt with McCutchen on Friday, but there are enough other points that I thought it was worth a separate FanPost.  I was in Hurdle's office and specifically asked him about the bunt situation and a bunch of other things.

Sox's Konerko endures discomfort in left wrist  —  Paul Konerko hits a double against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning.  (Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE, US PRESSWIRE / May 8, 2011)  —  SEATTLE — Paul Konerko's sore right thumb has been well-documented, but the White Sox …

Espinosa picking up slack in the field  —  MIAMI — Danny Espinosa impressed the Nationals with his potent bat during a September callup last season, but the rookie second baseman is also turning heads with his glove.  —  The 24-year-old made several outstanding defensive plays in Saturday night's 5-2 win over the Marlins.

Martinez shines in Bandits debut  —  Johnny Rodriguez said there was still a little chill in the air Saturday when the Quad-Cities River Bandits took the field at Wisconsin.  —  That changed in the first inning after Carlos Martinez brought the heat.  —  The hard-throwing 19-year old …

Bryce Harper Is The Dread Pirate Roberts  —  Twitterer @jwilhidejr sent this in to us.  It is Bryce Harper adjusting to the rigors of manhood by carrying a pink bat and sporting a stache like the Dread Pirate Roberts.  Fantastic.  He also threw in this pic of Harper pimping his pink cleats and pink bat for Mother's Day.

Adrian Gonzalez Homers, Red Sox Beat Twins 9-5  —  BOSTON (AP) — Adrian Gonzalez homered, Kevin Youkilis scored four runs and Daisuke Matsuzaka settled down to pitch six innings after a rough first, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 9-5 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Kendrys Morales to visit specialist  —  Injured first baseman will not begin running, as was announced by the team Friday  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Contrary to what was announced Friday by Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, Kendrys Morales has not restarted a running program on a treadmill …