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 …

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.

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. "

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 …

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.

Notes: Kinsler expected Thursday  —  Left thumb healed, rookie nearing return to second base  —  ARLINGTON — Second baseman Ian Kinsler, sidelined since April 12 with a dislocated left thumb, is rejoining the Rangers, and he's expected to be activated before Thursday's game with the Oakland Athletics.

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.

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 …

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.

Owens making progress  —  BINGHAMTON — Henry Owens returned to the mound on Wednesday afternoon and will be continuing his rehab in Florida this weekend  —  Owens, the Binghamton Mets' reliever who's on the disabled list with an elbow injury, pitched a pregame session in the B-Mets bullpen.