Padres-Cubs Preview  —  Mike Piazza isn't putting up numbers like he used to, but the All-Star catcher has certainly made a difference for the San Diego Padres against the Chicago Cubs during their weekend series.  —  The Padres look to complete a season sweep of the Cubs on Sunday …

Red Sox, Rangers washed out again  —  BOSTON — For the second straight day and the third time this month, heavy rains have washed out a game at Fenway Park.  —  The Mother's Day contest was postponed due to the weather system that has parked itself over New England, dumping over five inches of rain in many areas.

Notes: Gonzalez called up from Triple-A  —  Catcher summoned from New Orleans to cut down on steals  —  ATLANTA — In need to have a catcher who can throw out would-be basestealers, the Nationals purchased the contract of Wiki Gonzalez from Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday …

'That's not how I operate'  —  Kevin McClatchy says he has no immediate plans to step down from his post as managing general partner of the Pirates.  But he also does not want to grow old and gray on the job.  —  "I don't think I'll own the team in 15 or 20 years," he said.  "If I did, I think it would kill me.

Indians send RHP Karsay to Athletics  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cleveland Indians traded right-hander Steve Karsay to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday for an undisclosed amount of cash.  —  Karsay, signed to a minor-league contract in December, has a career record of 31-39 with 41 saves …

The Incredibly Shrinking NL East Lead  —  There may be hope for Willie yet...  What were the odds of this?  —  Xavier Nady, 0-17 on the season with two outs and runners in scoring position, came to bat in the top of the 9th against Mr Automatic Bobblehead with two outs and Delgado perched on third, the Mets down by a run.

White Sox Coach Gets Nothing but Results  —  WHILE the Yankees struggle with their aging, injured and flawed corps of starting pitchers, the Chicago White Sox flourish with theirs.  And who can they thank for helping build their corps?  The Yankees.  —  The Yankees, impatient and dissatisfied …

Notes: Bannister throws simulated game  —  Righty could be ready to return as soon as Thursday in St. Louis  —  MILWAUKEE — Brian Bannister pitched five innings in a simulated game on Saturday, and the team was encouraged by his performance.  —  Depending on how he feels in the coming days …

Colorado squeaks past Houston  —  Rockies snap seven-game losing streak at Minute Maid Park  —  HOUSTON — Rookie reliever Ramon Ramirez hadn't experienced much of the Rockies' messy history at Minute Maid Park.  But he knew enough to get that sinking feeling when the Astros' Craig Biggio connected …

Rick Hummel's Around The Horn: Herzog laments Royals' plight  —  No, Whitey Herzog said he hasn't heard from the Kansas City Royals about performing any consulting duties and no, Royals owner David Glass, who has suggested sweeping changes, says he hasn't called Herzog.

Show Dusty the door if he can't do more  —  It's not a matter of if but of when Dusty Baker will be offered a contract extension that will keep him managing the Cubs beyond what is shaping up to be an awful 2006 season.  —  General manager Jim Hendry seems poised to make the move as soon …

Lima Has Searched for Excuses, Not in Mirror  —  MILWAUKEE, May 13 — A twinkle of kindness, ever so briefly, flashed in José Lima's steely green eyes.  The subject was Prince Fielder, the strapping young first baseman for Milwaukee.  Lima has known Fielder for years, first as a smiling …