Martinez finally gets his control  —  PHILADELPHIA — Pedro Martinez always has been considered the key to postseason dreams for the Mets, but with the back end of the rotation in turmoil, it seems even more so these days.  That's what made the first few innings of last night's 5-4 loss …

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 …

Notes: Loss of Patterson hurts  —  Bowden can go home again; Guzman out for year  —  CINCINNATI — Washington manager Frank Robinson estimates that the absence of right-hander John Patterson from Washington's rotation has cost the Nationals at least two wins and maybe three.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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 …

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.

Jim Bowden: Trading season could get off to early start  —  WASHINGTON - When a team gets off to a slow start as we have this year, trade discussions are initiated much earlier from other clubs.  With the trading deadline not until July 31, in normal years it is early June before teams start serious discussions.