Wilkerson's still swinging  —  Since his introductory press conference, Brad Wilkerson and I have shared a special bond.  You might call it good, old-fashioned hate.  —  OK, hate might be a little strong, but he is, after all, a Florida Gator and I'm Johnny Georgia Bulldog.  It creates a little tension.

Zambrano Is Efficient but Ineffective  —  The usual problem with Victor Zambrano is that his pitches often do not find the plate.  Last night, for a change, they found too much of it, especially when the Atlanta Braves' Andruw Jones was at the plate.  Jones hit two-run homers in consecutive …

'Old' Maddux ... new contract?  —  LOS ANGELES — Contract extensions have been a hot topic for the Cubs this season.  So it wasn't surprising that when manager Dusty Baker was asked if the team would have to seriously assess re-signing Greg Maddux after the season, he chimed in with an earlier scenario.

Hernandez joins injury crowd  —  Anderson Hernandez was scratched after experiencing back spasms as he bent for a grounder during batting practice yesterday.  The second baseman joined Carlos Beltran (hamstring) and Cliff Floyd (rib cage) in the trainer's room.

Contreras key to 1-hit wonder  —  Goes 7 innings, gets help from 2 relievers; Konerko, Crede homer  —  Ken Williams admits he's a miserable person and rarely satisfied during the baseball season.  —  If Monday night's 9-0 victory over Kansas City didn't provide temporary relief …

Padres-Rockies Preview  —  Matt Holliday broke out of his slump and the Colorado Rockies stopped a two-game slide with one swing of the bat.  —  The third-year major leaguer will look to continue his game-winning form as the Rockies (8-6) meet the San Diego Padres in the series-deciding third game on Wednesday.

Notes: Guillen sore after taking BP  —  His left oblique still hurting, but he may play Wednesday  —  PHILADELPHIA — Outfielder Jose Guillen took three rounds of early batting practice on Tuesday afternoon and swung the bat freely, but he still felt some soreness in his left oblique …

Reds can't cool hot Marlins  —  Milton struggles en route to his first loss  —  CINCINNATI — It seemed like every time a Marlins hitter made contact against Eric Milton on Tuesday night, Reds center fielder Ryan Freel got more exercise.  —  Within two innings of a 12-6 loss to Florida …

Nationals close to finding new owner  —  Decision could be made as early as next week  —  A decision to choose the new owners of the Washington Nationals is coming down to its final days, with an announcement possible sometime next week, a source familiar with the negotiations said on Tuesday.

Mariners Notebook: Eddie not blown away  —  Closer able to shake off dismal ending in Boston  —  Eddie Guardado got at least one good review after blowing Monday's game in Boston.  —  The Mariners closer's family was in the stands at Fenway Park and saw him surrender a two-out …

Freel: Enjoying the challenge  —  I enjoy being a utility player — a utility player who plays every day, for the most part.  I think it's one of the toughest roles on a team, because you're playing different positions.  It's all about preparation and being ready when you're called upon.

Vero Would Be 'Heartbroken'  —  As the Dodgers pursue the possibility of moving their spring home to Arizona, the city of Vero Beach, Fla., could face a future of Dodgertown without the Dodgers.  —  "We would certainly be heartbroken," Vero Beach City Manager James Gabbard said Tuesday.