Schilling says he was willing, just not able  —  CLEVELAND — He never had thrown this many pitches in a Red Sox uniform, or for anyone else in almost six years.  In 534 big-league starts going back 19 seasons, he'd thrown more pitches just 16 times in his career.  In April?  Just twice, back in 1998.

Cordero gets win, Blalock gets save for Rangers  —  ARLINGTON - The Rangers won in the bottom of the ninth again Tuesday.  —  This can't go on forever.  —  As much fun as it's been for the Rangers to dogpile on a chosen hero - Tuesday, Hank Blalock got the honor when his single gave …

Diamondbacks-Padres Preview  —  The starting pitchers for the Arizona Diamondbacks had their problems.  That was before they arrived at Petco Park.  —  The Diamondbacks look for their first series sweep in San Diego in nearly seven years on Wednesday when they send veteran Orlando Hernandez to the mound to meet the Padres.

Mets blast back at Barry  —  Nady, Floyd answer Bonds' 710th  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Barry Bonds took a step toward history.  Steve Trachsel took command after that, as the Mets beat the Giants, 4-1, last night.  —  Xavier Nady's homer to left to lead off the seventh - over the glove …

New Nationals Owner  —  9 News has learned Major League Baseball has selected the new owners of the Washington Nationals.  9 Sports Director Brett Haber has confirmed that the Lerner Group will be named in a news conference that could come as soon as Friday.

Greer hopes to coach  —  Former Ranger takes office job with an eye toward a coaching role  —  ARLINGTON - Former Rangers outfielder Rusty Greer wants to manage.  —  Although Tuesday's announcement that Greer has signed a personal services contract with the Rangers has him in the front office …

Enchanted April no more  —  Pitching in 39-degree weather, Dontrelle Willis experienced his first loss in April in 10 decisions and first loss at Wrigley Field.  —  kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com  —  CHICAGO - Who says these young Marlins can't show us things we've never seen before?

Morris will start today; Schmidt shifted to Friday  —  To keep Matt Morris sharp, the Giants juggled their rotation by assigning the right-hander today's start against the New York Mets.  —  Jason Schmidt, initially scheduled to pitch today, instead will start Friday's series opener against Arizona.

Jim Bowden: Different ways to make your pitch  —  WASHINGTON - I've had plenty of e-mails from fans suggesting if we had an owner we could have kept Esteban Loaiza and signed A.J. Burnett, Kevin Millwood and/or Jarrod Washburn.  So, for a mere $35 million for this year alone …

Rodriguez looks to win finale and series  —  Los Angeles (10-11) at Houston (14-6), 7:05 p.m. CT  —  The Houston Astros will have a quick turnaround for their homestand finale Wednesday after a four-hour, 48-minute, 14-inning game the night before that ended in a 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

For Nipper, it would be classic reunion  —  CLEVELAND — Roger Clemens's decision should come soon, Al Nipper said yesterday, probably within a couple of weeks, if not days, of the 20th anniversary of his 20-strikeout game against the Seattle Mariners in Fenway Park, which is Saturday.  —  Retirement?

Notes: Guzman set for debut  —  Right-hander will make first start against Florida  —  CHICAGO — Angel Guzman has waited a long time for Wednesday.  —  "I'm excited because I've been working pretty hard to get to this point," said the 24-year-old right-hander, who will make his Major League debut …

Traber Digs a Hole And the Nats Fall In  —  Washington Spots Reds 4 Runs in 1st: Reds 6, Nationals 5  —  He once equated his comeback to an endless slog uphill, and Billy Traber thought he could finally see the apex last week.  It took 948 days without a major league start …

Mets notes  —  While the topic of moving Lastings Milledge up has circulated through the Mets clubhouse, it was their top pitching prospect who got a bump Tuesday.  —  The Mets promoted Mike Pelfrey, their No. 1 pick from last year's draft, from the St. Lucie Mets, their high-A affiliate …

Former All-Star outfielder Brett Butler hospitalized with chest pains  —  LANCASTER, Calif. (AP) — Former All-Star outfielder Brett Butler was hospitalized with chest pains after managing in a minor league game late Monday night, the Antelope Valley Press reported Wednesday.