Martin Has Earned Some Security  —  DENVER — Grady Little likes to give a cryptic answer when asked about upcoming roster moves.  —  "We'll do what gives us the best chance to win," the manager has said.  —  But when it comes to rookie catcher Russell Martin, the meaning is clear …

Cards Notebook: Reyes might get call  —  The Cardinals' top prospect, righthanded pitcher Anthony Reyes, is expected to skip his next scheduled start for Class AAA Memphis so he can be ready to start Saturday for the Cardinals in Kansas City.  —  With Sidney Ponson on the disabled list …

Mailbag: Big plans for new owners?  —  Beat writer Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … While there is no doubt that the Nationals need to rebuild the farm system and essentially start from scratch, don't you agree that they need to retain at least some of the good players on the Major League roster?

Bonds' chase gets a jolt from Springer … HOUSTON — Some day, once Barry Bonds' 714th and 715th homers are out of the way (assuming they ever are), no one will remember Russ Springer's role in this saga.  —  But on a crazy, history-free Tuesday evening in Houston, Springer vs. Bonds was your official DVR moment of the night.

Proper grip eludes pitcher  —  BALTIMORE — Because the Red Sox won, Curt Schilling said, he was assured of getting some sleep last night.  ''An hour or two, anyway," he said.  —  But the stuff that keeps Schilling up at night — and Sox fans wondering what happened to the guy who was so dominant …

A's smack Felix around  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The Mariners came into the season fairly confident that Felix Hernandez wasn't in over his head, pitching in the big leagues at 20.  —  It would be no surprise if that confidence had been shaken some in the first six weeks of the 2006 season.

RANGERS NOTES  —  Hicks still on Clemens' trail  —  NEW YORK - Rangers owner Tom Hicks is in New York for the quarterly Major League Baseball owners' meetings, which take place today and Thursday, and include an official vote on the sale of the Washington Nationals.

Hermida homers, poised for return  —  Jeremy Hermida appears ready to return to the Marlins this weekend after playing pain-free in his second consecutive extended spring game.  —  "It's been a long time waiting,'' Hermida said Tuesday in Jupiter after he went 1-for-2 with a home run. "

Kazmir, Rays topple White Sox  —  Starter strikes out eight over seven in fourth straight win  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Scott Kazmir just keeps getting better.  —  On Tuesday night, the Devil Rays' ace put together another solid effort to lead a 10-7 win over the White Sox in front of 11,566 at Tropicana Field.

Mets could clear way for Glavine's exit  —  Never mind that $12 million club option for 2007 that the Mets included in left-hander Tom Glavine's restructured contract: There is little chance the team will exercise it.  —  The Mets have agreed informally to decline the option if Glavine wants …

Notes: Lieberthal on the mend  —  Catcher could miss two more weeks  —  MILWAUKEE — The concerned look on Mike Lieberthal's face said it all on Sunday, as he anticipated his MRI scheduled for the following day.  —  Those concerns were valid.  —  The MRI confirmed what team doctor Michael …

Padres-Diamondbacks Preview  —  Arizona Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin believes the NL West race will be competitive this season.  His team's early play against the defending champion San Diego Padres is certainly one reason.  —  The Diamondbacks look to defeat the Padres for the eighth straight …

Lies, Damned Lies  —  Trouble in Wrigleyville  —  Three weeks ago this Wednesday, I did an in-studio radio gig with Dave Kaplan and Tom Waddle at WGN.  The Cubs were 12-7 at the time.  Derrek Lee had just been injured, but we couldn't help but look at the upcoming schedule …

KC: Where the wild things are  —  CLEVELAND — A wild thing can make your heart sink.  Just ask the Royals who, among their many other deficiencies, are on pace to set a modern record this season for wild pitches.  —  "They have come at bad times, too," pitching coach Bob McClure said.  "Why so many?

Willis takes another loss; Ramirez hurt  —  ATLANTA — After winning 22 games last season, Dontrelle Willis might wonder now whether he'll get even two wins this season.  —  And the Marlins might wonder if they'll ever hold a lead again.  —  Two outs away from nailing down that elusive second win …