Will Middlebrooks no overnight sensation  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Upon being drafted by the Red Sox [team stats] in the fifth round in 2008, Will Middlebrooks was a tall, fresh-faced Texan straight out of central casting for “Friday Night Lights.”  He even played quarterback at Liberty-Eylau High …

Yankees closer Rivera can't set date for surgery  —  Mariano Rivera's visit with surgeons yesterday was expected to result in a date for surgery to repair a torn right ACL.  —  However, things didn't go as smoothly as expected for the Yankees closer.  —  “We ran into complications,” agent Fernando Cuza told The Post.

Wedge is patient as young club improves  —  SEATTLE — Eric Wedge wants to make one thing clear: The Major League Baseball season is 162 games.  —  And that doesn't change yearly.  —  “I know everybody gets frustrated, but we're what, 30 games in or whatever it is?” the Mariners manager said.

On Pedroia, Gonzalez and perceptions  —  KANSAS CITY — Here's a little lunch time quiz for you.  —  Red Sox Player A: Is 13 of 33 (.394) with runners in scoring position this season with a .425 in-base percentage and .606 slugging percentage.  He has 15 RBIs this season.

Leyland thinks Hamels' suspension is light  —  SEATTLE — Tigers manager Jim Leyland is considered an old-school manager by many, but he considers Cole Hamels' move to hit Bryce Harper with a pitch anything but that.  Leyland told Tigers play-by-play broadcaster Dan Dickerson …

Teams Dig For Ways Around New International Rules  —  Whenever Major League Baseball changes the rules, people throughout the industry learn how to adjust.  —  As soon as MLB announced the new Collective Bargaining Agreement in November that will limit each team to a $2.9 million international bonus pool …

Jayson Werth: I'm motivated by Phillies fans  —  Jayson Werth underwent surgery on his broken left wrist Monday at the Mayo Clinic.  He will begin strengthening exercises within six weeks, the Nationals announced.  Players with his injury — a distal radius fracture — typically miss 10 to 12 weeks.

Weaver Goes 6 to Help Angels to 8-3 Win Over Twins  —  MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jered Weaver allowed three hits over six innings in his first start since no-hitting the Twins last week to lead the Los Angeles Angels to an 8-3 victory over Minnesota on Monday night.

Zambrano Tosses 3-Hitter as Marlins Top Astros 4-0  —  HOUSTON (AP) — Carlos Zambrano pitched a three-hitter for his first win of the season and Giancarlo Stanton extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a two-run homer, leading the Miami Marlins to their seventh straight win with a 4- victory …

10,000 days ago: Marge Schott becomes Reds owner  —  10,000 days ago, the Cincinnati Reds got a new owner: Marge Schott.  Her reign would prove to be one of the most controversial in the annals of recent American sports ownership.  —  As to the controversies around Schott (oh, wear to begin).

Crew needs to improve despite their injuries  —  MILWAUKEE — Blame the injuries all you want, but the simple fact is the Brewers have not pitched or hit well this season.  —  Losing two starting position players in Alex Gonzalez and Mat Gamel to torn ACLs over a matter of days is a big challenge to overcome.

Braves Miss Opportunities, Fall to Cubs 5-1  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Atlanta Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez wasn't around to see the final two innings from the dugout after being ejected in the seventh inning Monday night.  —  He wasn't sure after a 5-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs why he got tossed …

Lilly, Dodgers dispatch Giants in error-filled win … RECOMMEND  —  LOS ANGELES — New Dodgers co-owner Magic Johnson stepped up to a microphone set behind home plate and shouted: “It's time for Dodger Baseball!”  —  The Dodgers didn't disappoint.  —  Ted Lilly outpitched Barry Zito …

Penny cut by Japanese team after one start  —  Former major league right-hander Brad Penny has been released from his contract with Softbank Hawks of Japan's Pacific League, the team announced on Tuesday.  —  Penny has offers to pitch both as a starter and a reliever in the major leagues …

Rockies rescind option on Jhoulys Chacin, place him on 15-day disabled list  —  DENVER - The Colorado Rockies announced today that the club has rescinded the option to right-handed pitcher Jhoulys Chacin to Triple-A Colorado Springs and placed Chacin on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

Valdespin's First Career Hit Leads Mets Over Phillies  —  PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jordany Valdespin had a pinch-hit three-run homer off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth inning for his first major league hit, leading the New York Mets to a 5-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night.