Agent: Crisp will crack Sox' lineup soon  —  PHILADELPHIA — Coco Crisp's return to the Red Sox lineup was set back when he required surgery last week to alleviate a painful kidney stone condition that developed complications.  But his agent said yesterday the center fielder has ''started …

Settled in: Cordero sets up 6-2 win  —  NEW YORK - When the Rangers finally decided to make "the switch" three weeks ago, they understood the difficulties.  The hard part of dumping a closer isn't the actual breakup.  It's getting him to remain a reliable friend.  —  So far, the Rangers have done the seemingly impossible.

Victorino is meeting Gillick's expectations  —  MILWAUKEE - Between the spring-training complex in Peoria, Ariz., and the glowing postseason report from Gene LaMont, new Phillies general manager Pat Gillick was sure Shane Victorino had this in him.  —  Entering last night …

After loss, M's need to talk — and they do  —  OAKLAND, Calif. — The Mariners had one for the record books Thursday.  —  Not the game — the 6-3 loss to the Athletics was fairly routine.  —  We're talking about the postgame meeting in the clubhouse, a talk-and-answer session that lasted a full 57 minutes.

Cordero Answers The Call  —  Nationals' Closer, Bullpen Salvages Finale in Chicago: Nationals 5, Cubs 3  —  CHICAGO, May 18 — With the tying runs on base and the winning run at the plate, Frank Robinson stepped out of the visitors' dugout Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field to pay a visit to his closer …

Notes: Bannister leaves rehab start early  —  Right-hander throws just five pitches before tweaking his leg  —  ST. LOUIS — Twenty-two days after he strained his right hamstring, and one day after he tried to pitch in game for the first time since the original injury …

Stewart's legend larger than blue ox  —  This week the variables fell into place.  The offense slumped, the home field didn't host many home runs, so the question flooded the e-mail inbox: When is the kid coming up?  —  Folks remember Ian Stewart in the same way they think of Paul Bunyan.

Money Is A.L.'s Thumb on the Power Scale  —  THE American League has won 7 of the last 10 World Series.  The American League has won the last 8 All-Star Games played to a decision and 14 of the past 17.  Last season, the American League gained a 136-116 edge in interleague games.  Do we see a trend here?

Dodgers: Martin catching on  —  Rookie proving he belongs in the majors  —  The Dodgers stand at the cusp of a monumental decision, one that could affect the direction of the franchise for years to come.  —  With the Angels coming in to renew the Freeway Series beginning tonight …

Former All-Star Belle arrested in stalking case  —  Former American League All-Star Albert Belle was arrested on a new stalking charge for allegedly making phone calls to a woman he already was charged with harassing.  —  The 39-year-old Belle was arrested by Scottsdale, Ariz. …

Angels' Loss Raises Tempers  —  Erstad is heard in clubhouse yelling at teammates to not point fingers after team blows two chances to win during an 8-4, 10-inning loss to Toronto.  —  The tensions of a highly disappointing season and the frustration of one of the most excruciating …

For Cameron, it's service with a smile  —  We interrupt the feel-bad baseball story of the year — a cumulative 25-11, three-game sweep by the A's in Oakland — to reminisce about the feel-good story of five years ago.  —  Really, there's no other way.  Given the cruelties of the present …

Going Deep: Mark Teixeira  —  If anyone is qualified to give a "draft preview" to this year's top prospects, it's Mark Teixeira.  —  In 1998, as a Maryland high school senior, Teixeira was considered first-round material, but after rumors spread about his soft body and signability he dropped to the ninth round.

Mounting Injuries Trump Wright's Outing  —  Willie Randolph called Joe Torre a few days ago, one New York manager reaching out to another.  Randolph was trying to congratulate Torre on his 1,000th victory with the Yankees, but Torre admitted he had not called back.

Pedro prediction on right track  —  ST. LOUIS — Not long after signing with the Mets, Pedro Martinez predicted his new organization might not be the second citizen in the Big Apple much longer.  —  "After this season, I don't know if we'll be second," the ace proclaimed at the team's winter caravan in January 2005.