Nationals Lack Luster  —  Offense Listless, Crowd Lethargic, Defeat Sluggish: Mets 7, Nationals 1  —  When all the fans settled into their seats under the sun, long after Vice President Cheney had skipped his ceremonial first pitch into the dirt in front of Washington Nationals catcher Brian Schneider …

Jeter Provides Fireworks That Cap Home-Opening Victory  —  At the start of spring training, Johnny Damon said the Yankees were Derek Jeter's team.  Politically, it was a wise move by Damon, the pricey free agent deferring to the team captain.  But it was also accurate.

Kinsler suffers dislocated left thumb  —  Rookie second baseman likely headed to DL  —  ANAHEIM — Rangers rookie second baseman Ian Kinsler is probably headed for the disabled list after dislocating his left thumb in a game against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday night.

Lofton Just About Ready for Return  —  PITTSBURGH — Center fielder Kenny Lofton endured a grueling pregame workout without pain in his calf, and the Dodgers plan to activate him from the disabled list in time to begin the homestand Friday against the San Francisco Giants.

Sore shoulder lands DeJean on disabled list  —  Phoenix - If the Rockies want to call bullpen member Mike DeJean, they will have to reach him on his cellphone.  —  What had become increasingly clear in his mind for two weeks became impossible to ignore as DeJean flew back to Denver …

Philadelphia Phillies  —  It's a little early for scoreboard watching, but it was impossible not to keep tabs on some of the out-of-town action yesterday, particularly the fray out in Cincinnati, where the Reds hosted the Pittsburgh Pirates.  —  Though they were not opponents on this day …

Ramirez shows his worth  —  Josh Beckett gave the Boston Red Sox another outstanding start Tuesday, and Mike Lowell went 4 for 4 in his Fenway Park debut.  But the key player obtained by the Marlins in that big November trade, shortstop Hanley Ramirez, gave South Florida baseball fans a taste of why he was so coveted.

Mariners Notebook: Borchard in jeopardy  —  Lawton's return likely will drop OF from roster  —  CLEVELAND — Joe Borchard's time with the Mariners might not last past today.  —  Borchard is the likeliest of the Mariners to be moved off the roster to make room for Matt Lawton …

At 3rd, Crede 2nd to none  —  White Sox teammates believe he's worthy of a Gold Glove  —  DETROIT — The White Sox improved their hitting in the off-season when they traded for slugger Jim Thome from Philadelphia and they fortified their starting rotation when they acquired Javier Vazquez.

Second stent puts Brocail's return on hold  —  MIAMI - Padres reliever Doug Brocail underwent a second angioplasty yesterday after recent tests discovered a coronary blockage separate from the one that required surgery March 11.  —  Manager Bruce Bochy said Brocail reported feeling heartburn …

Rainout not welcomed  —  THEY'LL PLAY TWO COME THURSDAY  —  The Giants joined the rest of the Bay Area in complaining about the weather after Tuesday night's game against Houston was rained out.  —  The game will be made up as part of a day-night doubleheader Thursday, since this is the Astros' only visit to San Francisco.

Wright could play his way into Cooperstown  —  That Mets third baseman David Wright appears to be toe-deep in a Hall-of-Fame career shouldn't come as much of a surprise.  —  Long before Wright was drafted in 2001 with the 38th overall pick, insiders were aware of his astounding potential.