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 …

Nats Get 4th Win in 5 Games  —  Players, New Owners Meet Before a Victory Over Astros: Nationals 5, Astros 1  —  That the Washington Nationals are different than any other team in baseball has been apparent ever since they moved to town, what with players wondering when and if they would meet …

'Lucky day' for Wainwright as Cards win  —  SAN FRANCISCO  —  Listed to take place at AT&T Park, the Cardinals' series finale Wednesday against the San Francisco Giants could just as easily have been scheduled for the intersection of Disaster and Calamity.

Rangers' Kinsler expected to return today  —  ARLINGTON - Rookie Ian Kinsler is expected to be in the lineup at second base when the Rangers open a four-game series against Oakland tonight at Ameriquest Field.  —  Kinsler has been out since dislocating his left thumb sliding into second base against the Angels on April 11.

Mets deal for El Duque  —  Reliever Julio sent to D'backs for struggling starter  —  NEW YORK (AP) — The pitching-thin Mets acquired Orlando Hernandez from Arizona on Wednesday, welcoming El Duque back to New York and hoping he can help them now — and maybe later, when even more is at stake.

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 …

Stadium bill to be signed Friday  —  Governor to do the honors at 7:05; start time pushed back  —  MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty will sign the Twins-Hennepin County new ballpark legislation in an on-field ceremony before Friday's home game against Seattle, the club announced Tuesday.

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. "

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.

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.

Braves-Padres Preview  —  John Thomson and Chris Young look to continue the trend of strong starting pitching in this series when the Atlanta Braves meet the San Diego Padres in the finale of their three-game series at Petco Park on Wednesday.  —  Thomson (1-3, 2.76 ERA) …

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.