Wagner makes it bit of a wild finish  —  WASHINGTON - Billy Wagner's velocity was up, but his control was off.  The closer hit 96 mph while walking three batters in the ninth inning against the Nationals.  —  "It's ugly, but I've had uglier games," he said about yesterday's 31-pitch appearance.

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 …

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 …

Injured Anderson Making Big Plays  —  With a week left in spring training, it seemed doubtful Garret Anderson would be ready to open the season with the Angels, let alone play left field.  —  But Anderson, who missed three weeks of exhibition games because of a strained arch in his left foot …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.