Ramirez, Reds victorious in D.C.  —  Spot starter has an 'E.Z.' time against the Nationals  —  WASHINGTON — Called up from Triple-A Louisville, Elizardo Ramirez made a spot start for a 4-2 Reds win over the Nationals on Monday that often seemed to go a lot like his nickname.  —  "E.Z."

Diamondbacks-Padres Preview  —  With Mike Cameron having joined the lineup and Josh Barfield showing promise, the San Diego Padres hope to get their offense rolling as they open a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday at Petco Park.  —  Cameron made his debut for the Padres …

Burnett has no structural damage, but no timetable for return  —  Burnett has no structural damage, but no timetable for return  —  TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays pitcher A.J. Burnett has no structural damage in his right elbow, but there is no timetable for his return to Toronto's rotation.

No-dancing zone  —  Up next: 7:10 tonight vs. Pittsburgh, FSN Midwest  —  CARPENTER GRINDS OUT WIN: Despite allowing an uncharacteristic five-hit inning,  —  the righthander picks up his third victory.  —  St. Louis Post-Dispatch  —  Albert Pujols came clean Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Giants stroll past Mets  —  Bonds is intentionally walked twice and Alou takes advantage, blasting a three-run homer and a two-RBI base hit  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Twice, Barry Bonds was walked intentionally.  And both times, Moises Alou held the New York Mets accountable for that decision.

Beltran nears trip to DL  —  Randolph hints Milledge might get the call-up if Carlos goes on disabled list Friday  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Mets have targeted Friday as the deadline to place Carlos Beltran on the 15-day disabled list and manager Willie Randolph suggested for the first time yesterday …

Braves unable to back Davies  —  Right-hander gives up three runs in seven solid innings  —  MILWAUKEE — Kyle Davies once again proved why the Braves believe he's something special.  As for the game of baseball, it reminded the young hurler it can often be cruel.

Notes: Ortiz out of rotation  —  Counsell should play Tuesday; Grimsley working hard  —  SAN DIEGO — If he is to work out his pitching struggles, Diamondbacks right-hander Russ Ortiz will have to do it from the bullpen.  —  Ortiz was removed from the starting rotation Monday …

Undecided Rocket won't pitch until June  —  Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers vie for righty; Astros lie in wait  —  HOUSTON — Roger Clemens remains undecided on whether he will pitch this season, but the seven-time Cy Young Award winner apparently will not be back on the mound before June in any case.

Rox make a playful pitch to land Clemens  —  There's a new team making a powerful bid in the Roger Clemens sweepstakes — the independent (and independent-thinking) Brockton Rox.  —  The minor league team announced yesterday it is pulling out all the stops to get Clemens's name on a contract …

Jones blasts HR, does same to fans  —  After hitting the game-winning, three-run home run against the Florida Marlins on Monday night at Wrigley Field, Jacque Jones unleashed some pent-up anger over the rough treatment he has received in his first month as a Cub.  —  "I'm angry right now, you know what I mean?"

Pierre, Willis set for friendly duel  —  CHICAGO — It was a ritual between two close friends in the three years they were Marlins teammates: On the days after he pitched, Dontrelle Willis would throw in the outfield to Juan Pierre.  —  Pierre, an outfielder, took it so seriously …

Mailbag: Are the '06 Nats competitive?  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers fans' questions … I love having Alfonso Soriano in the outfield.  Is there any chance he will sign a long-term deal with Washington and be happy playing the outfield?  — Brant B., Maurertown, Va.

Adkins' 'Swing' could be a big hit  —  Country star debuts new song at MLB.com  —  Trace Adkins is known for smart honky-tonk tunes with a little bit of attitude and a healthy helping of good, clean American fun.  —  That won't change any time soon, but it'll swing in a different direction with …

Salmon and Santana star  —  Outfielder homers, pitcher fans 10 in 3-0 win over Tigers  —  ANAHEIM — Tim Salmon found a wrinkle in time Monday night.  —  The Angels designated hitter delighted the hometown fans by drilling a solo home run in the second inning and driving in another run with a two-out single in the sixth.

Nationals' Fortunes Change Quickly  —  Majewski Gives Up Homer in Loss: Braves 3, Nationals 1  —  Gary Majewski was pumping fastballs to Wilson Betemit, pitches popping up at 93 and 94 mph on the scoreboard at RFK Stadium.  It is, by all accounts, his best pitch, a sinking fastball that stays down and away from a left-handed hitter.