Howe lived a life without restraints  —  The police are saying that Steve Howe wasn't wearing a seatbelt when his pickup truck rolled over early yesterday morning in Coachella, Calif., which should surprise no one who knew the guy.  —  Howe died tragically, though it is not at all clear …

Pujols supplies thrills in loss  —  The game's outcome had been decided far earlier, with Washington torching Cardinals starter Jason Marquis for seven runs in three innings, but Albert Pujols took a swing at history Friday night before the Nationals clinched their rout at Busch Stadium.

Sox already deep into draft prep  —  ANAHEIM — Scouting director Duane Shaffer has seen about 45 potential candidates for the White Sox's first pick in the June amateur draft.  —  And by this time next month, Shaffer estimates he will have seen from 135 to 175 potentially high picks.

Griffey, Lopez among Reds on ballot  —  Slugger Dunn also eyes first trip to Midsummer Classic  —  CINCINNATI — In the past two seasons, Reds left fielder Adam Dunn has piled up at least 40 home runs, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored.  —  One of the few things Dunn hasn't scored yet is an invitation to the All-Star Game.

Power Rankings: Watch out for the NL Central  —  Two NL Central teams are shaking the foundation and another stormed its way into the top 10, but a solid 4-2 week did nothing to knock the White Sox from ESPN.com's Power Rankings pedestal.  —  While the White Sox are No. 1 for the second straight week …

Rocket's coming-out party was striking  —  It was 20 years ago today and relatively few Boston sports fans were paying attention.  —  On the night Roger Clemens set a major league record by striking out 20 batters in a nine-inning game, only 13,414 paid their way into Fenway Park.

Female massage therapist has earned her spot in Padres' dugout  —  SAN DIEGO (AP) — Here are a few things New York Mets broadcaster Keith Hernandez apparently didn't know when he dissed Padres massage therapist Kelly Calabrese for being in the dugout during a game:

When Big Players Do Big Things  —  Now that's a great way to kick off the latest foray into the house of pain.  —  Oh when Larry drove his latest dagger into the New York National League franchise you were sweating weren't you?  I'll tell you when I was sweating...I was sweating …

Notes: Who will take Harden's spot?  —  Flores recalled from Triple-A; Street throws side session  —  KANSAS CITY — The A's rotation has a big void to fill with right-hander Rich Harden out 3-6 weeks with a strained muscle in his back.  —  The A's put Harden on the 15-day disabled list …

Notes: Patterson placed on DL  —  Sore forearm sidelines right-hander; Day added to roster  —  ST. LOUIS — The Nationals placed right-hander John Patterson on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to April 22, with a right forearm strain and added right-hander Zach Day to the 25-man roster.

Painful big toe sidelines Mitre  —  MIAMI GARDENS — Sergio Mitre missed his scheduled start Friday night against Colorado because of an injured right big toe.  —  Marlins manager Joe Girardi said Mitre has turf toe, which has bothered him since his previous start on Monday against the Phillies.

Wright powers a Ted win  —  Third baseman's 2 homers, Pedro's solid seven innings lead Mets past Braves and Smoltz in series opener  —  ATLANTA - It appears the Mets have grown tired of repeating history.  —  This season, they seem more intent on making it.

What's up with the NL Central?  —  The neat thing about April is that you can find all sorts of goofy looking baseball statistics or situations.  For instance, take a look at the NL Central winning percentages.  If you prorated those winning percentages over 162 games, here's what the win totals would look like for the six teams:

Oswalt aims to beat the Reds  —  Houston (15-6) at Cincinnati (15-7), Friday, 6:10 p.m. CT  —  The Astros open their first series with the Reds on Friday, and who better to start things off than Roy Oswalt?  —  Not only is Oswalt the ace of the staff, but he's had a career-long dominance …

Mesa suspended four games; Morris, Righetti fined  —  NEW YORK — Colorado Rockies pitcher Jose Mesa was suspended four games by Major League Baseball on Friday for intentionally throwing at San Francisco shortstop Omar Vizquel.  —  Mesa appealed the suspension and was available for this weekend's series against the Florida Marlins.