Mets in talks to sell minority share  —  The New York Mets said they have entered into exclusive talks with investment firm executive David Einhorn for a $200 million minority stake in the team that could help solidify its shaky finances.  —  A definitive agreement is expected by late June, according to the team.

Coffey gets warm welcome from Brewers  —  MILWAUKEE — Nationals reliever Todd Coffey was touched by the warm welcome he was given by the Milwaukee Brewers and their fans when he entered Wednesday's 6-4 loss in the seventh inning.  —  The crowd of 34,419 cheered loudly while Coffey sprinted …

Orioles use 8-run 4th to beat Royals 9-2  —  BALTIMORE — Adam Jones had two hits and two RBIs in an eight-run fourth inning, and the Baltimore Orioles beat the Kansas City Royals 9-2 Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory.  —  Baltimore sent 13 batters to the plate in the fourth …

After 19 Innings, Phillies Strecth to Beat Reds, 5-4  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Wilson Valdez acted like a seasoned closer.  —  He hit 90 mph on a fastball to Joey Votto.  He shook off catcher Dane Sardinha.  And he showed no fear.  —  “If he hits a home run, they're not going to say anything to me,” said Valdez, laughing.

Dustin Pedroia dives in  —  Bad ankle and all, he kick-starts Red Sox bats  —  CLEVELAND — It took only five pitches for Dustin Pedroia [stats] to dispel any lingering concerns about his left ankle.  —  Pedroia twisted his ankle Monday night and briefly lost feeling in his surgically repaired left foot …

Frank McCourt tells MLB he expects to meet Dodgers' payroll next week  —  If so, Dodgers owner could stave off prospect of Major League Baseball's seizing the team.  —  Dodgers owner Frank McCourt could buy more time to secure a potential broadcast deal with Fox if he makes the team's payroll on Tuesday.

Marlins Run Over Posey, Giants 7-6 in 12 Innings  —  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Scott Cousins went to college at the University of San Francisco.  He lives in the Bay Area, and he had almost a dozen friends and family at AT&T Park on Wednesday night to witness the biggest moment of his professional career.

Florida Marlins ace Josh Johnson plays catch but might not return by June 1  —  Josh Johnson played catch today for about five minutes at 60 feet.  He said it went well and he felt good.  —  Still no word yet on if he'll pitch June 1, but it sounds like the team is leaning toward having …

Young's bat, glove help Diamondbacks edge Rockies  —  DENVER — Ian Kennedy tossed eight crisp innings, centre-fielder Chris Young robbed Ty Wigginton of a game-tying homer and the surging Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Colorado Rockies 2-1 on Wednesday night.

The Classic Second-Guess  —  “If Jose Valverde is not better in the ninth inning than Rick Porcello after eight innings, and Jose Valverde's a top closer, then we might as well not have a closer.”  —Jim Leyland  —  “Never is (Colon) your best chance, because on his best day, he's never as good as Rivera.”

Homers From Hunter, Callaspo Lead Angels Past A's  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Torii Hunter and Alberto Callaspo hit back-to-back homers, Ervin Santana allowed one run in six solid innings, and the Los Angeles Angels beat the Oakland Athletics 4-1 Wednesday night for their fourth win in six games.