Dingers are a recipe for disaster  —  After Papi, Lowell go deep, Schilling squanders three-run lead  —  NEW YORK — When you stake Curt Schilling to an early three-run lead, that is normally an all-but-certain recipe for victory.  With 197 career wins, Schilling has obviously mastered …

Ruth's kin watching Bonds from a distance  —  HARTFORD, Conn. - Barry Bonds is one longball away from tying for second place on the all-time home run list.  If and when No. 714 comes, some of Babe Ruth's relatives don't plan to share in the celebration.  —  "In my heart, it's hard for me …

Brewers-Padres Preview  —  Their winning streak is over, but the San Diego Padres are still feeling better about themselves than they were last month.  —  The Padres (17-16) look to bounce back after their first loss in 10 contests when they continue a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers (17-16) Wednesday at Petco Park.

Rusty outing for Nats pitchers  —  Hernandez, bullpen have a lackluster game  —  CINCINNATI — Livan Hernandez offered no excuses.  The right-hander understood what had happened on Wednesday to him and the Nationals in a 9-6 loss to the Reds that, though he didn't record the loss himself, he'd contributed to it.

Perez Is Sent to the Bullpen  —  Odalis Perez returned Tuesday from visiting his ailing mother in a Dominican Republic hospital only to be hit with more bad news.  —  Aaron Sele had replaced him in the starting rotation.  —  Perez, who hasn't pitched out of the bullpen since 1991 …

Knuckled under  —  Angels pounce early, wreck Haeger's debut  —  For every problem, there's an opportunity.  —  In the case of the White Sox, Brandon McCarthy made the most of his chance Wednesday night after Charlie Haeger struggled in his major league debut in a 12-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels at damp U.S. Cellular Field.

Heilman penned  —  Though he would like to start, Randolph says his value is in relief role  —  PHILADELPHIA — It was not exactly surprising that the Mets picked Jeremi Gonzalez, a minor-league journeyman, to start Friday's game against the Brewers at Miller Park.

Jim Bowden Self-Serving Statements O' The Week  —  Our good friend Trader Jim is back at it, with his weekly Examiner column.  This week is right in his wheelhouse, focusing on trades, which is a bit like asking me to write about being a crank — it's just what we do.

Phenom Hamels to be called up to Phils  —  Lefty to start in Cincinnati on Friday; Madson sent to bullpen  —  PHILADELPHIA — The International League may throw as big a party as the Phillies faithful, who have been waiting for this day.  —  Cole Hamels is leaving the baffled hitters …

Here comes Chris Snelling (again)  —  Chris Snelling was back in town Tuesday, and faster than a 6-4-3 double play, the conversation whipped around to Tibetan monks.  —  With Snelling, direction and outcome are rarely knowable.  —  The young Australian outfielder, whose health history resembles …

Notes: Tough road trip ahead  —  DeRosa earns playing time; Rangers prepare for Astros  —  ARLINGTON — The Rangers get a day off on Thursday.  They need to enjoy it, because the next 10 days after that are not going to be easy.  —  The Rangers will spend those 10 days on the road playing …

Pelfrey sharp in home debut  —  Top draft pick gets another no-decision  —  BINGHAMTON — For most of his first start at NYSEG Stadium, Mike Pelfrey was as good as advertised.  —  The Binghamton Mets' offense came alive to back him up.  —  Pelfrey, the Mets' 2005 first-round draft pick …

Prospectus Matchups  —  Load-Bearing Units  —  Best Matchup (opponents with best combined Prospectus Hit List rankings): Boston Red Sox (8th) @ New York Yankees (1st)  —  Sorry to be so predictable but the Matchups are not made subjectively.  Besides, with the buckage these two throw at their payroll …

Further Notice  —  Feel better?  —  Before tonight's game, I told Joshua "Tom Glavine is going to throw a no-hitter tonight."  Emily rolled her eyes.  Joshua wanted to know what a no-hitter was.  (See, he's already a Met fan.)  So I told him, and then I decided to offer a twist on my usual no-hit ritual.