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.

'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.

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 …

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 …

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.

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," …

On the Road with Jim Bowden  —  Reassurance is in order.  Suppan had a bad game.  It happens.  It's Supe; he'll work it out.  In the pitching preview I contributed over at Beyond the Boxscore, I called Supe the "'96 Honda Civic of pitchers," emphasizing his reliability and general lack of panache.

Ramirez (2 HRs) leads way  —  CINCINNATI — When Hanley Ramirez led off Tuesday's game with his first career home run, the Marlins probably were relieved just to score as many runs as they had in two of their past three games.  —  As it turned out, Ramirez's homer was just the start …

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 …

Glavine set to go against former team  —  Atlanta (7-8) at New York Mets (10-3), 1:10 p.m. ET  —  It doesn't go away.  Tom Glavine is a member of the Mets, but second reference often is "former Brave."  And — who knows? — he may be wearing a Braves uniform when he approaches his 300th victory, possibly next season.

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.

Youkilis lifts Sox late  —  First baseman's two-run double in eighth breaks deadlock  —  BOSTON — Perhaps Tuesday night was nothing more than the end of the worst beginning Manny Ramirez has ever had in his professional baseball life.  The star slugger of the Red Sox had a much-needed breakout …