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.

25. B.J. Upton, SS, Tampa Bay Devil Rays (21)  —  The Devil Rays are employing people such as Ty Wigginton, Nick Green and Damon Hollins in their everyday lineup, so it's fair to speculate about why they're leaving B.J. Upton in Durham.  On the one hand, Upton's defense at shortstop …

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 …

Johnson Doesn't Know What Hit Him  —  TORONTO, April 18 — Your team is down by four runs with one out in the top of the first inning.  When you finally come to bat, a future Hall of Famer will be facing you.  What are you thinking in the home dugout?  —  "You figure it's over," …

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.

Martinez may miss season  —  Rookie's elbow has ligament damage  —  What reliever Carlos Martinez thought would be nothing serious has turned into a possible season-ending injury.  —  According to a club official, Martinez's MRI Tuesday revealed significant damage to a ligament in his right elbow.