Baker hoping for the best from Wood  —  SAN DIEGO — Cubs manager Dusty Baker refused to commit to Angel Guzman as his starting pitcher Friday at Wrigley Field against the San Diego Padres.  After seeing Guzman struggle in another loss Sunday against the Padres, Baker was vague about his alternatives …

It's no time for Rangers to panic  —  ARLINGTON — There was a runner on second and nobody out in a game a few days ago when a Rangers hitter — we won't embarrass him by naming him here — rolled his wrists over and pulled a weak ground ball to third against a fastball pitcher.

Buehrle labors, but Crede saves day  —  For a pitcher who prides himself on fuel efficiency, Mark Buehrle sure is acting like a gas guzzler lately.  —  Buehrle threw so many pitches Sunday against the lowly Kansas City Royals that his tank was empty after six innings and he was unable …

Won't trade future for arm  —  Minaya doesn't want to deal top young talent for a big-name starter  —  Mets higher-ups are saying behind the scenes that no matter how desperate their starting pitching situation may seem, they are determined not to trade what they are calling their "core players."

Rincon says he will undergo surgery  —  Cards would be left looking for another left-handed reliever  —  ST. LOUIS — It appears likely that Ricardo Rincon is headed for shoulder surgery.  It is all but certain that if Rincon has an operation, he will be out for the season.

Beckett adds drama to already pulsating stage  —  This year we start up the whole thing at the Stadium with Josh Beckett, the Yankee killer the Red Sox got from the Marlins, against Randy Johnson, who unfortunately killed the Yankees in Game 3 against the Angels last October.

Tough times for Marlins — and their fans  —  Tony Gwynn & Jeff Passan: These teams turn it around Can Bonds catch Aaron?  —  MIAMI (AP) — The vendor climbed the steps in the stands behind home plate, searching for customers amid the empty seats during the Florida Marlins' latest loss.

Mailbag: Nats new owners to rebuild  —  Beat reporter Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … With the Lerner group expressing the need to rebuild the Nationals' farm system, I have the following question: How bad is the farm system?  — Mike E., Springfield, Va.  —  Mike, it's not very good.

Sheff gets rest of the story  —  Ten to 14 days off should heal his wrist; Melky likely to move up  —  When Gary Sheffield went to get a second opinion on his bruised left wrist yesterday, he feared the worst-case scenario, a season-ending injury, according to a friend.

Off Mound, Mets' Ace Loosens Up in His Garden  —  For two hours on the days Pedro Martínez is scheduled to pitch at Shea Stadium, he is alone with his pale yellow daffodils, his purple petunias, his cotton-candy-colored hyacinths, the flowers that make his property look like a botanical garden.

Agent expects Bonds to have a go at 2007  —  Expect Barry Bonds back next year to battle all his aches and pains, and, of course, to chase Hank Aaron's home run record.  —  Bonds, 41, has sent mixed signals publicly about whether he plans to return for another season, but Jeff Borris …

A conversation with GM Doug Melvin  —  Melvin offers his views on the pitching staff, others  —  SAN DIEGO — Mark Attanasio and Doug Melvin sat glumly in the back of the press box on Sunday afternoon, looking like someone had just stolen their Dodger Dogs.

Reyes keeps them smiling  —  Shortstop's youthful demeanor keeps clubhouse loose  —  It's a few hours before a night game on the West Coast, and Mets shortstop Jose Reyes is in familiar form.  —  He's sitting in the clubhouse, he's smiling and, of course, he is chatting up a storm on his cell phone …