Notes: Tracy happy with Pirates  —  Ex-Dodgers manager to face former team in home opener  —  PHILADELPHIA — Jim Tracy was on the speaker phone on Sunday morning from Cincinnati, his Pirates still winless but his spirit unbroken.  —  It's been six months since his five-year stint as Dodgers manager ended.

Gagne's Surgery Is Quick and Easy  —  PHILADELPHIA — Eric Gagne's elbow surgery Friday was "a very simple little thing," according to Dr. Frank Jobe, and the All-Star closer could be back by late May.  —  Jobe and Dr. Ralph Gambardella removed a sensory nerve that caused pain when Gagne threw …

Yankees power past Colon  —  Out-of-sorts ace exits in third as Angels miss chance at sweep  —  ANAHEIM — It may be early for concern, but Bartolo Colon is not himself.  —  Two starts into the season, Colon has yet to show the form that garnered Cy Young Award honors a year ago and he's looked less than ordinary in the process.

Sullivan tags two triples in an inning  —  Colorado center fielder is first to achieve feat since 1951  —  SAN DIEGO — Rockies outfielder Cory Sullivan tripled twice in the fifth inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Padres, tying a Major League record.

Orioles add reliever Morris, cut Chavez  —  BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Orioles expanded their thin pitching staff to 12 players Sunday, purchasing the contract of reliever Cory Morris and designating catcher Raul Chavez for assignment.  —  The Orioles started the season with the theory …

Game 4 (7-6) and Game 5 (11-8)  —  Friday and Saturday's Reds games were similar in the fact that the Reds starters pitcher well enough to keep a struggling opponent stymied long enough for the offense to build large leads that the bullpen struggled mightily to hold.

Baseball to tell Mets and Nationals to 'just play ball'  —  Baseball to tell Mets and Nationals to 'just play ball'  —  NEW YORK (AP) — After a series in New York that included seven hit batters, Major League Baseball is telling the Mets and Washington Nationals to be on their best behavior …

Notes: Soriano making outfield strides  —  Nationals slugger working to change throwing technique  —  HOUSTON — Nationals slugger Alfonso Soriano has made significant strides in left field since Spring Training.  Thanks to the coaching he has received from first-base coach Davey Lopes and Jose Cardenal …

Chipper, Giles injured in Braves' loss  —  Jones sprains ankle, hurts knee; second baseman strains quad  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Atlanta lost half its infield to injuries in Sunday's 6-5 defeat at the hands of San Francisco, with third baseman Chipper Jones' knee and ankle much more worrisome …

Penny, Dodgers earn twin bill split  —  Righty tosses seven strong innings, drives in go-ahead run  —  PHILADELPHIA — A year ago, Brad Penny was on the disabled list, his arm still weak from injury and his career prospects uncertain.  —  On Sunday, he looked like a staff ace.

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. "

Notes: Relievers put bad inning aside  —  Giants start oldest outfield in history; Alou provides quips  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The top half of the seventh inning Friday was a car wreck for the Giants bullpen, as the Braves pushed across eight runs on just two hits en route to their 14-6 win.

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 …

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.

Red Sox follow familiar path for win on road  —  BALTIMORE — Who would have thought a quick trip to Kinkos would result in another win for the Red Sox?  —  After all, last night's 2-1 win over the Orioles was a virtual carbon copy of the Sox' 2-1 victory over the Rangers Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.