Franco Embraces His Role as Diplomat in the Dugout  —  After Carlos Beltran broke his season-opening 0-for-9 slump by hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals on Thursday, he was in no mood to celebrate.  But after some coaxing by Manager Willie Randolph and the reserve Julio Franco …

Ecstatic Schilling set to face O's  —  Boston (3-1) at Baltimore (2-2), 4:35 p.m. ET  —  The last few days have likely gone slowly for Red Sox ace Curt Schilling.  When he pitches like he did in Monday's opener against the Rangers, all Schilling wants to do is take the ball again.

With or without deal, Lee ending talks today  —  Cubs officials always have bristled in any contract negotiations at imposing deadlines, but Derrek Lee surprised them by setting one for himself and the organization after Friday's game without first telling them of his intentions.

Klesko to miss 2-4 months for shoulder surgery  —  SAN DIEGO — Padres first baseman Ryan Klesko will have surgery on his left shoulder Monday and expects to miss two to four months.  —  Klesko has been bothered by soreness in his throwing shoulder since late in spring training and started the season on the disabled list.

Sox's Cushy lead is gone in a flash  —  Garland stumbles, can't hold 6-run edge  —  KANSAS CITY — A makeshift offense did its part Friday night.  Unfortunately for the White Sox, Jon Garland failed to hold a six-run lead that would have seemed automatic in 2005.

Gagne surgery a success  —  Dodgers closer could return to action in two months  —  PHILADELPHIA — Friday morning surgery on Eric Gagne's right elbow nerve was termed a success by doctors and he could be back in action in two months, according to the Dodgers.

New bleachers a hit with fans  —  The renovations to the famed bleachers at Wrigley Field paid off nearly immediately for Cubs fan Kyle Peterson.  —  Peterson was sitting in the front row of the left-field corner when he snagged the first Wrigley home run of the year off a deflection.

On Chris Shelton  —  I feel like revisiting this, so here's Brian Graham: … Well, apparently it does.  Oops.  —  Shelton is no Albert Pujols.  But he's a solid slugger, far better than any hitter except the Pirates currently have except Jason Bay.  If the Pirates had kept Shelton …

Cubs send Cards to cold shower  —  CHICAGO — Cardinals third base coach Jose Oquendo's scouting report to manager Tony La Russa for Friday's series opener against the Chicago Cubs was succinct.  —  "Frio," relayed Oquendo as he re-entered Wrigley Field's visitors clubhouse dressed for polar bear.

Young slated for Padres debut vs. Rox  —  Colorado (1-1) at San Diego (1-1), Friday, 7:05 p.m. PT  —  After a two-game split with the Giants, the Padres are back in action Friday against another division rival, the Rockies.  —  Colorado pulled out a 3-2 victory in 11 innings over the Diamondbacks in its opener at home Monday.

Notes: Phillips' days with Tribe over  —  Infielder to net Indians cash or prospect from Cincinnati  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians found interest for Brandon Phillips from a handful of teams.  —  But it was clear from the time they designated him for assignment last Saturday that the value received …

Sheets strikes out five in rehab start for Double-A Huntsville  —  Sheets strikes out five in rehab start for Double-A Huntsville  —  PEARL, Miss. (AP) — Ben Sheets is getting back his confidence — and his fastball.  —  Regularly reaching the mid-90s on the radar gun …

Lowry placed on DL after straining muscle in start  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Giants left-hander Noah Lowry was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained muscle in his right side Friday, a day after he was hurt in the second inning of his first start of the year.