Mets beaming with confidence  —  NEW YORK — Maybe this is some crazy, alternate universe that's swallowed up New York.  The Mets rule the National League, if not the city itself, while the Yankees are losing just as often as they win in April.  —  Sure, it's a dozen or so games, a small sample.

Kubel's fears realized with ticket to minors  —  Jason Kubel knew the news was coming, but that didn't make him feel better when he got it.  —  Twins general manager Terry Ryan told the reserve outfielder he was being sent to Class AAA Rochester.  —  Ryan broke the news to Kubel …

Padres-Rockies Preview  —  The Colorado Rockies pounded the San Diego Padres just over a week ago in a three-game sweep at spacious Petco Park.  Now the Rockies get another shot at them at Coors Field.  —  The Rockies continue their nine-game homestand Monday night when they meet the Padres in the opener of a three-game series.

Delgado, Brian add up  —  3-run shot helps rook to 2nd 'W'  —  Carlos Delgado took a sip of water.  Then, after a delay, he finally popped out of the dugout to take his curtain call (no prodding from Julio Franco required).  —  "I didn't think it was for me," Delgado said.  "It's always loud."

50 Years On, Robinson Remembers  —  MIAMI, April 16 — His first major league at-bat was 50 years ago Monday, but Frank Robinson can remember it clear as day.  Robinson, playing for the Cincinnati Reds, faced Wilmer "Vinegar Bend" Mizell, the left-hander-turned-congressman who then pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Greatness of Albert Pujols  —  Albert Pujols hit three home runs in yesterday's Cardinals victory over the Cincinnati Reds.  I was actually surprised to see it was only the second three home run game of his career; he's such a great hitter I thought he'd have more.

Yanks Stop Road Woes With Homers and Wang  —  MINNEAPOLIS, April 16 — Calmly and with barely a moment of thought, Yankees Manager Joe Torre considered the question as he sat in the visitors' dugout early Sunday afternoon: Had he ever been as agitated about a loss in April as he was about Saturday night's 6-5 defeat?

Drese's MRI reveals flexor tendon strain  —  Righty will avoid surgery, could return in four to six weeks  —  Nationals right-hander Ryan Drese had an MRI on his right elbow and it was revealed on Monday that he has a flexor tendon strain and surgery is not needed.  Drese is expected to miss four to six weeks of action.

Knee Shelves Griffey As He Goes on DL  —  CINCINNATI — Ken Griffey Jr. went on the 15-day disabled list Monday night after a test found inflammation in a tendon behind his right knee.  —  The Cincinnati Reds center fielder missed his fifth straight game with the injury, getting a magnetic resonance imaging test instead.

Up or down?  That's the question for Pie  —  Cubs must decide if 21-year-old prospect is ready for the big time, writes Paul Sullivan  —  PITTSBURGH — When Dusty Baker brought up Felix Pie's name Saturday night as a possible replacement for injured outfielder Angel Pagan …

Under The Knife  —  Pitch Counts and Complete Games  —  There's been a lot of talk about pitch counts recently.  Most of it centers on another unnecessary and overly simplistic dichotomy.  It's possible to advocate a progressive approach to pitcher usage and also want pitchers to complete games.

New Mets song "Our Team.  Our Time." to play at Shea during 2006 season  —  Song debuts tonight when Mets meet Braves; TJS Marketing Group and Breakthru Productions record new rallying cry playing off of 2006 Mets marketing slogan  —  FLUSHING, N.Y. — The New York Mets today announced …

Marlins place OF Jeremy Hermida, RHP Carlos Martinez on DL  —  OF Matt Cepicky selected, RHP Randy Messenger recalled from Triple-A Albuquerque  —  MIAMI — The Florida Marlins today announced they have placed outfielder Jeremy Hermida (right hip flexor) and right-handed pitcher Carlos Martinez …

Mailbag: What lies ahead for Nationals?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nats fans' questions … Do you believe that general manager Jim Bowden has destroyed team chemistry by giving up outfielders Terrmel Sledge and Brad Wilkinson for left fielder Alfonso Soriano?

Notes: Maroth's elbow improving  —  Left-hander has 'slight bit of tenderness' after playing catch  —  DETROIT — As if Sunday wasn't a big enough performance for Mike Maroth, Monday made him feel even better.  —  Though Sunday's seven scoreless innings suggested Maroth was the picture of health …

Fuson realizes the value of walks  —  ATLANTA - How many games will Padres minor league teams win this year?  —  Grady Fuson declined to predict, but the first-year farm chief is confident about one element of offensive performance: "I guarantee that you will see our walks go up at every level."

Cardinals notebook: Edmonds may miss series in Pittsburgh  —  Edmonds may miss series in Pittsburgh  —  Manager Tony La Russa does not expect center fielder Jim Edmonds to play in the three-game series that starts today at Pittsburgh, and instead "we'll have him ready for Chicago (the following series)."

Barry Bonds' Long, Sagged Limp Home  —  After seeing Barry Bonds play in person at Dodger Stadium over the weekend, we have a confession: We don't have the gumption to boo him anymore.  It's not that we don't think he's a jerk anymore, or don't feel betrayed that he broke countless baseball records …