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 …

Notes: Prior makes more progress  —  Throws 30 pitches in bullpen session on Tuesday  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior threw 30 pitches off the bullpen mound at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, including some breaking balls at the end, and is making good progress in his rehab from a strained muscle in his right shoulder.

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.

Pena's entrance lacked grace  —  The cheers that filled Fenway Park on the final two outs of the eighth inning in yesterday's 5-3 win over the Blue Jays were — contrary to the view of Wily Mo Peña, who called them ''incredible" — either in relief or in jest.

Rockies spoil D-Backs' home opener  —  Counsell's three-run triple highlights offensive attack  —  PHOENIX — When he faced the Rockies last week at Coors Field, Diamondbacks starter Orlando Hernandez was at his craftiest.  —  The veteran right-hander threw from different arm angles …

The Real Chase  —  One of the biggest, most-hyped storylines of the 2006 season is Barry Bonds' pursuit of Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, and the all-time home run record.  Throughout spring training Bonds made headlines for whatever he did, and sometimes even for what he didn't do.

Lies, Damned Lies  —  Neighborly Baseball  —  One of the underlying themes behind the aggressive approach that Kenny Williams and the White Sox took this off-season is that the Sox are competing not only with their AL Central rivals, but also against the Cubs for the hearts, minds …

Hough defends Dickey  —  Old-timer checks up on demoted knuckleballer, tells him to stay upbeat  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - Charlie Hough understands the predicament in which R.A. Dickey finds himself.  It's hard to be loved when you are a knuckleballer.  —  Hough, who called Dickey last week …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Rangers leading by bad example  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Rangers entered Tuesday having scored fewer runs per game (3.63) than every other team in the major leagues.  —  It's an unfamiliar position for them, as they usually rank at or near the top in scoring.