Three-run Jacque lifts Cubs  —  Jacque Jones didn't exactly make an appeal Monday night for Cubs fans to love him.  But he did say it'd be nice if some of them quit hating him 18 games into a three-year contract to play right field at Wrigley Field.  —  After his three-run homer capped …

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."

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Betancourt, M's snap ChiSox's eight-game winning streak  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  SEATTLE — Yuniesky Betancourt wasn't concerned with getting the game-winning hit.  Or ending the World Series champions' eight-game winning streak.  Or stopping his Mariners' four-game skid.

Relocation?  Your Team's Not Going Anywhere  —  "Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is."  - German Proverb  —  On Sunday, March 25, The Kansas City Star ran several articles regarding two upcoming referendum votes for stadium improvements to the Truman Complex, which is comprised …

Political Correctness has reached the dugout  —  During the 1970's, it became common for female reporters to have access to baseball's clubhouses.  It took a court order, but it happened and quite frankly, we all got used to changing in front of our lockers and walking to the shower while there were women present.

Mets' Matsui Does Enough to Intrigue, but Not Enough to Impress  —  SAN FRANCISCO, April 24 — The images of Kazuo Matsui swatting homers, bumbling grounders and lying on a training table have blended to produce an enigmatic tableau.  —  In his short major league career …

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 …

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.

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 …

A Cruel April for Hernandez  —  Bad, bad, really bad Livan Hernandez gave up four runs by the time he got four outs against the Cincinnati Reds last night at RFK Stadium.  Then good, good, almost perfect Livan Hernandez pitched scoreless ball thereafter, getting 17 outs in the last 18 hitters he faced.

Kennedy Welcomes Kendrick's Arrival  —  It can be a little awkward when the guy who has been tabbed to take your job shows up at the office unexpectedly, all eager and excited to work, as second base prospect Howie Kendrick did Monday after the Angels called him up from triple-A Salt Lake City …