Beckett, Sox roll to win over Yankees  —  Right-hander goes seven innings; bats rap 16 hits in victory  —  NEW YORK — It sure looked like Josh Beckett was laboring through the first inning Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium.  The hints to back such an assumption were 30 pitches and the blast …

Armas outstanding for Nationals  —  Washington hits season-high five home runs against Reds  —  CINCINNATI — Major League Baseball front-loaded a bunch of road games on the Washington Nationals' schedule, but they don't seem to mind.  —  In fact, they're starting to look as if they were named …

Bonds' future in doubt  —  SAN FRANCISCO — If the Giants want Barry Bonds to return for another go-round in 2007, they'll sign him to a contract extension and he'll take aim at Hank Aaron's 755 career homers in a San Francisco uniform.  —  If Bonds isn't physically up to playing another season, this is a farewell tour.

Philadelphia Phillies  —  There were two things you could always count on when assessing the National League East in March.  —  One was that, no matter how it appeared on paper, the Braves were going to win the division.  —  The other was that no matter how it appeared on paper in March, the Mets were not.

Even Francoeur walks  —  Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur entered the three-game series without a walk in 133 plate appearances.  But that streak didn't last long against a Marlins staff that has been averaging nearly five walks a game as Brian Moehler managed to do in the sixth inning …

Brewers-Padres Preview  —  Once again, the San Diego Padres are finding May to their liking.  —  The Padres (17-15) look to win their 10th straight game on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers (16-16) at Petco Park.  —  San Diego is on its longest winning streak since …

Hamels' debut could be Friday  —  The Phillies' top prospect appears to be on the fast track to the big leagues.  —  One of the most eagerly awaited Phillies debuts in recent history could take place Friday in Cincinnati.  —  Team officials met yesterday to discuss the future of pitcher Cole Hamels …

Kendall: MLB 'has turned into a badminton league'  —  TORONTO — Oakland Athletics catcher Jason Kendall ripped Major League Baseball after dropping his appeal of his four-game suspension on Tuesday.  —  Kendall was suspended and fined for charging Los Angeles Angels pitcher John Lackey in a game on May 2.

First Person  —  Dontrelle Willis, Marlins Pitcher  —  As told to Ben Reiter  —  On being 24 and having six younger teammates  —  I have a good time with these younger guys.  They tend to have more enthusiasm.  But it's not like I'm the wise owl or anything.  I'm still learning myself.

Nied to Know  —  I'm thinking at some point the Cards might need to win a game against a 1st place team in 2006.  Maybe I'm wrong, but probably not.  By the unofficial count of Manny, my homeless homey on Walnut Street, Los Birdo's have gone fer the last 5 and "looked flatter than that can of Vess …

AP Exclusive: Baseball's union could scrap new drug policy if no labor deal by August  —  AP Exclusive: Baseball's union could scrap new drug policy if no labor deal by August  —  NEW YORK (AP) — Major league players can scrap the sport's toughened drug rules if they don't have a new labor contract …

Contreras to DL —but don't panic  —  Sox ace's back better, but he'll sit until at least May 20 vs. Cubs  —  The twinkle in White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's eye spoke volumes Tuesday about his optimistic nature after it was announced pitcher Jose Contreras had been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 5.

You Own The Nationals.  Now What Happens?  —  29 owners...  It just never sounded right.  —  On Feb. 15, 2002, the other 29 owners purchased the Expos for $120 million from Jeffrey Loria and his minority partners in a deal that had Loria purchasing the Marlins and shortly thereafter having …

No-win situation for Nationals' Tavares  —  Tony Tavares received a call from Major League Baseball around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday.  The president of the Washington Nationals was told commissioner Bud Selig had decided to sell the Nationals to the Lerner family and that there would be a press conference …