Mets, Bartoszek group close to deal  —  The New York Mets' beauty contest is almost ready to crown a winner.  —  Team ownership has chosen a preferred bidder — the group led by former commodities trader Ray Bartoszek and investor Anthony Lanza — and have been in advanced talks since …

Black: ‘Room to talk’ on moving PETCO fences  —  SAN DIEGO — For whatever reason, the Padres have struggled to hit since returning home after scoring 55 runs in an eight-game road trip.  —  The problem for the Padres is, they aren't quite sure what's causing the offensive deficiency.

Pedroia's injury considered minor  —  Terry Francona makes the call to remove Dustin Pedroia, who injured his left leg in the eighth inning when he rounded second base and fell awkwardly.  Pedroia limped back to the dugout.  (Aaron Josefczyk/Reuters)  —  CLEVELAND — For a few moments last night …

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista converts some doubters but not all in MLB drug-testing era  —  Nearly two months into the season, it seems safe to say that Jose Bautista is not Brady Anderson, the ultimate one-year wonder.  But who is Bautista, exactly?

After A's lose, Brian Fuentes blasts Bob Geren  —  Brian Fuentes has been the A's closer all season.  Now he doesn't know what he is.  Thanks to manager Bob Geren.  —  “The games in San Francisco were unorthodox managing,” said Fuentes, who criticized Geren after Monday night's 4-1 loss …

Ankiel plays in Eastern League game  —  MILWAUKEE — Rick Ankiel went 0-for-4, striking out each time, for Harrisburg in a Monday night game on his rehab assignment.  —  Ankiel, on the disabled list with a sprained right wrist, batted leadoff in Double-A Harrisburg's 12-8 loss to Akron in an Eastern League contest.

Coke placed on 15-day DL with foot injury  —  Wilk recalled from Triple-A; prospect Oliver to slide into rotation  —  DETROIT — Phil Coke's ill-fated step coming off the mound Monday night will cost him at least the next couple weeks.  It will also push prospect Andy Oliver into the Tigers' rotation.

Talented bloodlines to be displayed in Draft  —  Sons of Smith, Dunston, and yes, Gretzky, anticipating big day  —  It's called the First-Year Player Draft, but with the early-summer date and the number of sons and brothers of former and current Major Leaguers in the mix …

Marlins designate Buente, recall Cishek  —  SAN FRANCISCO — In preparation for their three-game series with the Giants, the Marlins have added some bullpen depth at the expense of a starting pitcher.  —  On Tuesday afternoon, Florida designated Jay Buente for assignment and recalled reliever Steve Cishek from Triple-A New Orleans.

Brandon Webb has longest rehab start  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Brandon Webb took a step forward in his long journey back from shoulder surgery by going six innings in an Arizona Rookie League game on Tuesday, his longest outing since 2008.  —  The former NL Cy Young winner …

Rockies pitcher De La Rosa leaves with injury early vs. Arizona  —  Rockies starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa left with an injury in the third inning against Arizona on Tuesday at Coors Field.  —  De La Rosa was examined for soreness in his left elbow.  —  Greg Reynolds entered in relief of De La Rosa.

Iowa Cubs: Synder awaits something new as hit streak ends in loss  —  Oh, baby.  —  Iowa Cubs outfielder Brad Snyder is anxiously awaiting the day his wife, Susan, delivers their first child.  The couple is having a son, due June 4, and they're going to name him Gavin.