Hernandez is second to none  —  WASHINGTON — The Mets expected a clear-cut winner to emerge in the fight for the second baseman's job by the end of spring training.  They were off by about two weeks.  —  When Kaz Matsui, as usual, was KO'd by an injury, this time a right knee sprain …

Wells, Sox halted by Jays  —  Southpaw not sharp in first start; Sox winning streak snapped  —  BOSTON — When David Wells enjoys his post-playing life a year from now, Wednesday night does not figure to be an outing the left-hander will reflect back to.  In fact, expect Wells to wipe …

Vidro, Tavares Argue About Dimensions at RFK Stadium  —  Jose Vidro was quite clear.  He feels RFK Stadium is unfair to hitters.  He thinks the club should have moved in the fences during the offseason.  He said so on Wednesday night.  And he didn't back down yesterday …

Big questions on Unit's exit  —  'Stiff' Randy leaves after fifth  —  In his three starts this season, Randy Johnson has felt like he has been "in complete control."  But after mostly cruising through five innings against the Royals yesterday, Johnson rediscovered that his control is hardly total …

Big-bat attack does trick  —  Sox's 15-hit barrage aids scuffling Garland  —  DETROIT — The White Sox returned home Thursday with a four-game winning streak and a tailwind of relief.  —  The relaxation came from an offense that bailed out Jon Garland with a relentless attack to hold off …

Sources: Grand jury looking at whether Bonds lied about steroid use  —  SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN) — A federal grand jury is considering whether to indict San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds for perjury because of testimony he gave to another grand jury in 2003, CNN has learned.

Low Payroll and High Hopes for Brewers  —  TOM HICKS and Mark Attanasio have conducted business deals with each other, but it is a deal Hicks did on his own for which Attanasio owes Hicks a large thank-you.  Hicks, the Texas Rangers' owner, fired Doug Melvin as his general manager in 2001 …

Wood may be nearing minor-league rehab  —  Kerry Wood could begin a minor-league rehabilitation assignment in about 10 to 12 days.  If Wood's strong comeback from shoulder surgery last August continues in a simulated game Saturday in Mesa, Ariz., the usual routine would be one more simulated game …

Boy Who Helped Yankees Is a Hit Again  —  Jeffrey Maier, a senior at Wesleyan, had two doubles against Bates on Wednesday to reach 170 hits.  He hopes for a career in baseball.  —  MIDDLETOWN, Conn., April 12 — The pitch was a fastball on the outside part of the plate …

Brazelton shelled again  —  Marlins rough up Padres starter for eight runs in four-plus innings  —  MIAMI - The Padres hoped Dewon Brazelton could escape his trying past and stick as their No. 4 starter, but now that Brazelton has given up 17 earned runs in 6 1/3 innings, the waters are muddy.

Color them the A's  —  UNIFORM CHOICE SPEAKS VOLUMES  —  Inquiring minds want to know.  Inquiring, conspiratorial message-board minds with perhaps too much time on their hands.  —  Are the A's intentionally wearing the green road jerseys that say ``Athletics'' instead of the gray ones that say ``Oakland''?

Pulp friction  —  Home runs are up this year.  We peel away at the conspiracy that the ball is juiced.  —  Conspiracy theories about the "fly factor" of baseballs are a big hit, so to speak.  —  With balls flying out of parks at an early-season pace not seen since the suspicious heyday of 2001 …