No Walks, Little Talk, but Rookie May Have Right Stuff  —  WASHINGTON, April 11 — The Mets know what it is like to be teased by a young pitcher.  In the last two decades, they have watched several of their prospects climb through the minors before quickly slipping into mediocrity or oblivion.

From the Talk of the Town to Hardly Talking  —  THIS is about the day that George Steinbrenner almost talked to me.  —  George always used to talk to me, not to mention every other reporter who covered the Yankees.  Sure there were times when he didn't — wouldn't would be more exact …

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.

Notes: Stern thrust into spotlight  —  With Crisp sidelined, center fielder not packing for Minors  —  BOSTON — If Adam Stern had April 20 circled on his calendar, he can now find some white-out.  That date — originally when Stern would have been sent to Triple-A Pawtucket because it meant …

Lack of Minority Investors Is Weakening Lerner Bid  —  With Major League Baseball officials saying they now expect a decision on the new ownership of the Washington Nationals by the end of next week, there were strong indications yesterday that a paucity of local minority investors is hurting …

Delgado opts to stand far from Cheney  —  WASHINGTON - Carlos Delgado's opposition to U.S. military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan are well documented.  But the first baseman took a tactful approach when Dick Cheney visited the Mets' clubhouse yesterday, before the VP tossed out the ceremonial …

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 …

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 …

San Antonio 'very viable,' Loria says  —  Though he prefers South Florida, owner Jeffrey Loria reiterated that the Marlins will explore all relocation options, including San Antonio.  —  bjackson@MiamiHerald.com  —  Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said before the home opener Tuesday …

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.

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.