Martínez Savors Milestone Victory  —  When the spirit moves him, Pedro Martínez transforms his index fingers into guns and pretends to fire them.  He aims at fans, at teammates, at mascots, at just about anyone, and he usually does so with a broad grin on his face.

Backstop's backside an issue  —  When Jason Varitek grounded a ball to second baseman Jose Lopez in the second inning yesterday and Lopez bobbled it, Varitek had a chance to beat it out.  But one look at the Sox catcher — limping up the line — indicated he not only would be out on the play but could be out for some time.

Nationals GM Bowden arrested, charged with DUI  —  WASHINGTON — Nationals general manager Jim Bowden was arrested and charged with driving under the influence while in Florida during his team's series against the Marlins last weekend.  —  The Nationals released a statement from Bowden …

Giants trainer Conte subpoenaed to testify in probe  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The head athletic trainer for the San Francisco Giants was told to appear before a federal grand jury investigating whether Barry Bonds lied about his connection to the BALCO steroids scandal.

Pirates Notebook: La Russa discards last year's messes  —  Tony La Russa yesterday could offer no reason why any animosity should have existed between his St. Louis Cardinals and the Pirates last season.  —  Not when he examined the issue at its root, that being the spikes-up slide …

Drese Will Return From Elbow Injury  —  MIAMI, April 17 — Washington Nationals right-hander Ryan Drese received a much better-than-expected diagnosis of the injury to his right elbow on Monday, and he won't have to undergo season-ending surgery as was originally feared.

Rehab assignment up next for optimistic Wood  —  LOS ANGELES — Kerry Wood looked as close to normal as he has since last season, Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Monday after Wood threw a 35-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium.  —  Rothschild said Wood's slider was especially impressive.

Brewers can't hold on to late lead  —  Three home runs not enough as Astros surge in seventh  —  HOUSTON — The Brewers knew they were in for a tough road when they headed out to St. Louis, New York and Houston for their first trip of the season.  —  Who knew it would be this tough?

Under The Knife  —  Injuries and Taxes  —  I spent most of yesterday with my taxes, so no room for an intro.  Let's just be powered by a good accountant and get on to the injuries:  — This is the worst-case scenario.  Jeff Kent is scheduled to see an ophthalmologist due to blurred vision.

Notes: Small getting closer to return  —  Righty throws four scoreless innings in hamstring rehab outing  —  TORONTO — Aaron Small took a big step toward a return to the Yankees on Monday, throwing four innings in an extended Spring Training game in Clearwater, Fla.

At tipping point of game, Cabrera stands his ground  —  Half the time he looks like a future All-Star.  Half the time he looks like a future minor leaguer.  We're left with one question to ponder: Can an arm suffer from multiple-personality disorder?  —  If you were worried about Daniel Cabrera …

My Fandom Only Goes So Far...  I'm sitting here typing and because I'm not that good a typer I am watching my fingers and can see my Mets watch on the wrist of my right hand.  My cell phone rings with the 1962 "Meet The Mets" theme song.  I forced myself to drink Rheingold beer during it's resurgence …

Notes: Kent shaking off plunking effects  —  Robles promoted, Ross reassigned; Nomar nears return  —  LOS ANGELES — Jeff Kent survived his Sunday night beaning, but not unscathed.  —  "I've been hit in the head a few times," said Kent.  "That one hurt.  I should have retired.  One pitch too late."

Veterans having their day for Phils  —  THEY ARE the face of the Phillies, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley, and maybe that's how it should be.  They are young, talented power hitters, destined to anchor the lineup for years to come.  —  For now, though, the cornerstones make the team go.