Mets take Amazing turn  —  Blank Braves, increase lead to 7  —  ATLANTA - The Mets won only one game in Atlanta all of last season.  They had not won a three-game series here in four years.  —  But maybe these Mets really aren't aware of the historic heartbreak at Turner Field.

Pujols has >no equal: Close call: A record month  —  Up next: 1:15 p.m. today vs. Washington, KPLR (Ch. 11)  —  When he reached Roger Dean Stadium this spring, Albert Pujols and Cardinals hitting coach Hal McRae agreed that, MVP or not, the Cardinals' first baseman could improve on his 2005.

Tracy on Freddy Sanchez  —  Anyone who doubts that Jim Tracy is just Lloyd McClendon redux needs to check out today's Post-Gazette: … Got that?  Maybe the way to get players to hit is to play them less.  Granted, there's no good evidence whatsoever to support this hypothesis, but it still sounds pretty awesome.

Peoria likely to get a look at rehabbing Wood  —  The Peoria Chiefs could strike gold for a second consecutive year.  —  The Midwest League club seems to be in perfect position to host Kerry Wood's first minor-league rehabilitation start if it takes place May 7.

O's lose a lead and 4 players … It was still just a two-run deficit yesterday when the Orioles took the field for the top of the seventh inning with an infield arrangement more suited for Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in early March than Camden Yards in late April.

Dodgers-Padres Preview  —  The slumping San Diego Padres try to avoid a season-high five consecutive losses when they host the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday.  —  The Padres (8-14) were shut out for the second time in three games and only managed two hits in a 3- loss to the Dodgers on Friday …

Beltran's return rates as feel-good event  —  ATLANTA - Carlos Beltran, out since pinch-hitting nine days ago because of a tight hamstring, went 1-for-3 with a walk in his return to the lineup last night.  —  "The good thing about it is I played the whole game and my hammy didn't feel tight," Beltran said.

Cohen places!  —  Gary's style picture perfect on the tube  —  When SportsNet New York suits hired Gary Cohen to be their Mets play-by-play voice, many knee jerks raised a non-issue.  It was this: Could Cohen make the transition from radio to television?  —  Stupidity has no limits.

D.C. Tries to Force Comcast's Hand  —  Council Will File Emergency Legislation to Get Nationals Ballgames on TV  —  D.C. Council members Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) will submit emergency legislation on Tuesday aimed at compelling Comcast to carry Washington Nationals games …

TOUCHING THE IVY AT WRIGLEY FIELD  —  Growing up in Alabama, I always watched the Cubs on cable TV.  What I remember the most as a kid is they always sang Take Me Out to the Ballgame in the seventh inning.  That, and the ivy on the wall.  It was pretty cool riding up to Wrigley Field for the first time in the cab.

Undefeated Chacin meets Mussina  —  Toronto (12-10) at New York (12-10), 1:05 p.m. ET  —  The only two pitchers in the Majors with perfect 5-0 records are Greg Maddux and Pedro Martinez, who have seven Cy Young Awards between them.  That exclusive pair could have company come Sunday …

Hillenbrand injured in loss to Yanks  —  First baseman ailing after collision with Sheffield  —  NEW YORK — Shea Hillenbrand had to exit Saturday's game against the Yankees in the fifth inning after a collision with Gary Sheffield during a play at first base.

No beasts in the East  —  Not much standing in Mets' way...so far  —  Amid all the moaning over Victor Zambrano, Jorge Julio and Kaz Matsui, and the questions about Carlos Beltran's mettle, this much we know about the Mets and the task that lies ahead for them: The National League East …

Notes: Boston bats stranding Sox  —  Hits with runners on base proving few and far between  —  ST. PETERSBURG — On Saturday, the Red Sox ended their longest losing streak so far this season.  —  Entering Saturday, that unlucky number stood at three, and though it was too early to nitpick …