Notes: Confidence in Cabrera  —  Perlozzo says right-hander is still growing into his body  —  BALTIMORE — It was ugly, but it was just one game.  The Orioles aren't reading too much into Daniel Cabrera's seven-walk performance on Friday night, preferring to treat it as an aberration.

Commentary: Rookies often lost on road in big leagues  —  The elevator doors opened, and there was Eric Reed, the Marlins' pint-sized center fielder, an oversized suitcase in each hand, fumbling into the lobby of the Arlington Hilton.  —  "I couldn't stop laughing,'' veteran infielder Wes Helms said. "

Padres closing out homestand  —  Colorado (3-2) at San Diego (1-3) 1:05 p.m. PT  —  While PETCO Park has gained the reputation as being a pitcher-friendly ballpark in its two-year history, it has been rather unfriendly for the Padres pitching staff for the last two games.

Jim Salisbury |  10 years later, Maier reaching for his dreams  —  It has been nearly 10 years since that October day when Jeffrey Maier, young, innocent and eager, elbowed his way into the baseball world.  —  Close your eyes and you can still see the 12-year-old kid with the black glove …

Rickey's tips helping Reyes  —  Every step he takes, every swing he makes, they'll be watching him.  —  Jose Reyes has a manager who was a model of precision at the plate and in the field, and a spring training instructor who personified patience at the plate and science on the bases.

Nats Stage a Big Comeback  —  Soriano, Vidro Lead the Way After Washington Falls Behind 5-0 Against Oswalt : Nationals 12, Astros 8  —  HOUSTON, April 8 — They were the center of the controversy all spring, the newcomer who wanted to play the elder statesman's position …

Lee HR highlights Cubs' big day  —  A few more days should bring an agreement on a long-term contract extension for Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee.  —  The deal is expected to be in the range of five years for what might be as much as $13 million annually, given the market for first basemen set …

Notes: Williams to face former mates  —  LaRue feeling good after testing knee  —  CINCINNATI — When he was a member of the Pirates, Dave Williams used to sit around with other pitchers as they talked about how they might get their teammates out if they ever had to face them.

Critics just blowin' smoke  —  First the humidor arrived at Coors Field.  Then came the lower scores.  —  The connection is inescapable, to say nothing of wonderful and ironic.  On its fourth anniversary, the humidor came full circle Thursday night.  Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Chad Tracy threatened …

Carpenter overcomes pain  —  CHICAGO — Chris Carpenter gave the Cardinals a quality start in Saturday afternoon's 3-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs, but manager Tony La Russa and pitching coach Dave Duncan arrived at Wrigley Field unsure if Carpenter would give them a start at all.

Defense, Not Bat, Is Rescuing Hernandez  —  When Anderson Hernandez singled in the second inning of Friday's game against the Florida Marlins, he notched his first hit of the season and doubled his career total over 34 at-bats.  —  Batting eighth in a powerful lineup, Hernandez …

Ervin's magic tops Johnson, Yanks  —  Santana allows one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings  —  ANAHEIM — Ervin Santana may have had to change his jersey, but he didn't change his resolve as he helped the Angels beat Randy Johnson and the York Yankees, 3-2, Saturday night before 44,044 fans at Angel Stadium.