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.

Pitchers Schilling, Kazmir get their signals crossed up  —  ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Scott Kazmir and Casey Fossum were wandering around on their first day in Boston before last week's Red Sox-Devil Rays series when Kazmir spied Curt Schilling, the pitcher who as a 17-year-old he had watched …

Dodgers-Padres Preview  —  The San Diego Padres are desperate for some offense.  A win would also be welcome.  —  They'll look to end a five-game losing streak when they wrap up a three-game set with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park on Sunday.  —  The Padres (8-15) …

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.

Angry White Sox Beat Angels  —  Chicago Manager Guillen is mad at Scioscia after Escobar hits Pierzynski during L.A.'s 2-1 loss.  —  Did he or didn't he?  —  Did Angel pitcher Kelvim Escobar hit Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski on purpose on Saturday as payback for last year's American League championship series?

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.

Struggle may be thing of the past  —  CLEVELAND — During batting practice at Jacobs Field on Saturday, Rangers manager Buck Showalter watched Brad Wilkerson walk by and softly said, "He's coming around.  Knock on wood, but he had some of his best at-bats [Friday night]."

Notes: Mum's word with minor injuries  —  Club patient with De La Rosa; Rivera on a tear in Minors  —  CHICAGO — The Brewers are not the only team taking a "don't ask, won't tell" policy on minor injuries.  —  Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was scolded by manager Dusty Baker before the series …

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.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary: High-tech batter's helmet gets mixed reviews  —  Take a closer look at the batter's box this season and you might see hitters wearing headgear that looks more appropriate for H.G. Wells than Vernon Wells.  —  Ten years after catchers started wearing hockey-style goalie masks …

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 …