Baseball … Wright and Nady Hit.  Wagner Saves.  Mission Accomplished.  —  A sellout crowd of 54,371 endured a raw chill and the threat of thunderstorms to watch the Mets defeat the Washington Nationals, 3-2, on opening day.  Afterward, fans filed out chanting, "Let's Go Mets."  More Photos >

Jump start  —  Red Sox get off on right foot against Texas  —  ARLINGTON, Texas — In seven spring games against assorted minor leaguers, Boston College, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, not a single Curt Schilling pitch eclipsed 94 miles per hour, and few even touched that number.

Lackey signs through 2009  —  Pitcher says, 'It is nice for them to show the confidence in me.'  —  SEATTLE — John Lackey signed a $17.01 million, three-year deal with a club option for 2009 on Monday.  —  The right-hander avoided arbitration in January when he signed a one-year deal …

Notes: Nomar out with ribcage strain  —  First baseman likely to go on disabled list to recuperate  —  LOS ANGELES — The latest injured Dodger is first baseman Nomar Garciaparra, felled even before the season's first pitch with a strained intercostal (ribcage) muscle.

Pirates GM Littlefield gets contract extension through 2008  —  PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pirates and general manager Dave Littlefield agreed Monday to a one-year contract extension through 2008, the second time in three seasons he got a new deal on opening day.  —  Pittsburgh has gone through 13 straight losing seasons.

Under The Knife  —  Play Ball  —  Baseball's back.  Kind of.  I'm writing this as the Sox/Indians game is delayed by rain, so I'm not sure if we'll have an official game, but we do have an official injury.  —  The coverage early by ESPN2 was dominated by talk of the steroid investigation.

The Talent Gap  —  Their starting catcher, Ramon Hernandez, is an established talent though not immediately an impressive figure.  Around the infield, though, this team is good.  Jim Thome at first base, Luis Castillo at second base, Alex Gonzalez at short, and Troy Glaus at third?

Many issues to ponder … So what do you think of Barry Bonds now?  —  Are you rooting for him to launch fastballs on majestic parabolas into McCovey Cove?  Are you hoping he leads the Giants to their first world championship since moving to San Francisco?

Cubs' plan: Keep Hendry  —  Extension for Baker probably would follow  —  CINCINNATI — The Cubs will begin negotiations Wednesday on a contract extension for general manager Jim Hendry, sources said.  —  A deal could be announced as early as Thursday.  —  It's no secret the Cubs …

Shelton, Rogers lift Tigers past KC  —  Veteran starter gets 19th career victory over Royals  —  KANSAS CITY — Joel Zumaya heard his name called to enter the game and thought, "Holy smoke!"  —  Funny, the Royals had a similar reaction.  —  After Chris Shelton homered down both foul lines …

Notes: Perez's release hits home  —  Teammates say they will miss fun-loving, energetic infielder  —  PHILADELPHIA — Word spread quickly through the Phillies clubhouse as if someone had died.  Lower lips quivered and tears welled in the eyes of teammates wanted to say goodbye to Tomas Perez.