Another home-groan loss  —  ARLINGTON - The Rangers' 8-5 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday left them with three thoughts about what needs to happen for them to make the playoffs:  —  They have to find a way to win more often at home.  They are 10-14 at Ameriquest Field in Arlington …

A-ROD CONFRONTS MIRABELLI  —  May 25, 2006 — BOSTON - According to several Fenway Park sources, Alex Rodriguez called Doug Mirabelli over late yesterday afternoon and challenged the Red Sox' backup catcher over what Mirabelli said about A-Rod's actions at the plate Tuesday night …

Womack could be at 2nd base by weekend  —  MIAMI — It wouldn't be surprising to see Tony Womack show up at Wrigley Field this weekend as the Cubs' starting second baseman against the Atlanta Braves.  —  "I'm hearing good reports on him,'' manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday. "

Julio may be only one suprised by trade  —  Jorge Julio's turbulent stay with the Mets concluded yesterday when he was traded to the Diamondbacks for Orlando Hernandez.  It was a fitting end for Julio, who never really had a role in the revamped bullpen once Aaron Heilman became a reliever again during spring training.

Notes: Carpenter scratched from start  —  Cardinals cautious with ace, injury believed to be minor  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Cardinals scratched Cy Young winner Chris Carpenter from his scheduled start on Wednesday due to an inflamed bursa sac on his right side, below his shoulder.

Notes: Injuries ravage prospects  —  Pitchers drafted by Pittsburgh find way to DL  —  PHOENIX — In retrospect it is safe to say that the Pirates have focused hard on building a pitching staff largely through the First-Year Player Draft.  —  That strategy has worked, but not quite with the pitchers that the team expected.

Girardi uses 'abrupt' measures  —  MIAMI GARDENS — The Marlins defeated the Cubs in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday night, but the most memorable play wasn't Mike Jacobs' two-out, game-winning hit.  —  ESPN repeatedly showed manager Joe Girardi grabbing pitcher Scott Olsen by the jersey …

Cabrera can forget Boston blues  —  Has breakout game at scene of costly gaffe  —  BOSTON - Fenway Park was the symbol of Melky Cabrera's rough initiation into the majors last season.  Last night, the 21-year-old erased his dismal memories of the Red Sox home with his finest game as a big leaguer.

Notes: Demaria out, Mabeus in  —  Manager convinced pitchers are shouldering extra pressure  —  CINCINNATI — The Brewers continued to make it clear that their slumping pitchers are on a short leash.  —  Following a 6-2 win over the Reds on Wednesday night, the Brewers made their third roster move …

Booed again, Damon takes it out on ex-mates  —  Maybe they'll boo Johnny Damon for the rest of his days in uniform.  Maybe Red Sox fans are out there right now, laminating their "Demon Damon" signs for perpetual use.  —  That's OK.  The prodigal center fielder discovered last night …

Phils blow lead again  —  Fall 5 games behind Mets  —  NEW YORK - Frustration filled an otherwise quiet Phillies clubhouse last night at Shea Stadium.  —  Charlie Manuel expressed his concern about everything, but especially about his hitters who just cannot seem to put away anybody.

Griffey fires back at critics  —  Career center fielder angry about suggestions he switch positions  —  Reds center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. decided to talk to the media again Wednesday - largely to explain why he didn't talk to reporters Monday and Tuesday.