A Crisp feeling in the air: Coco working toward a Monday return  —  Coco Crisp headed off to Fort Myers last night to kick off a whirlwind of rehabilitation games that the center fielder hopes will land him back in the Red Sox starting lineup on Monday night in Toronto.

Mets acquire lefty Williams from Reds  —  New York sends non-roster pitcher Manuel to Cincinnati  —  NEW YORK — One day after bolstering their starting rotation with Orlando Hernandez, the Mets continued to add veteran pitching on Thursday, picking up left-hander Dave Williams from the Cincinnati Reds.

Try To Forget This...Try To Erase This  —  I was going to go to the game today...really I was.  But the combination of general laziness, tending to a cat who's currently on the DL, and wondering what to get for Mom's birthday tomorrow hence keeping myself available for an emergency trip to the mall, kept me home.

Notes: Walker home on the road  —  Reliever appreciates two-fold opportunity in Kansas City  —  KANSAS CITY — The Tigers have had a successful series in Kansas City and nobody has enjoyed the last few days more than reliever Jamie Walker.  —  Besides the positive developments on the field …

Robinson tearful after win  —  Frank Robinson is as stoic as they get.  Rarely does the Washington Nationals manager and baseball legend let his guard down and offer a glimpse into his softer, emotional side.  —  Make no mistake, though, it's there.  Fifty years in this game hasn't …

Griffey opens up to media after stand-off  —  A local sports radio program had riled the center fielder  —  CINCINNATI — Switch positions?  Reds center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. doesn't want to hear it.  He'd probably prefer that you don't even think it.  —  Griffey, now fully recovered …

Webb gives hitters that sinking feeling  —  Why is Brandon Webb pitching so well this year?  Well, he has a very loose wrist, and is a loose and relaxed pitcher.  His elbow and arm really unfold which allows him to spin the ball and get exceptional movement.

Wood, Prior weigh shoulder problems  —  Cubs hurlers deal with temperamental injuries  —  CHICAGO — Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood has had surgery on his elbow and on his shoulder, and if he had to pick one, he'd definitely skip any further shoulder operations.

Pujols harms his reputation by bonding with Bonds  —  It was awfully nice of Albert Pujols to take time out of his busy schedule to go on a humanitarian mission in San Francisco, where he continued to express unconditional and unapologetic public support for Barry Bonds.

Ten Things I Learned from Hit Tracker  —  Baseball followers have long wondered how long the long ball goes.  Even during the days of infrequent home runs, fans would ooh and ahh every long-distance whack.  Baseball Almanac has a great article by William Jenkinson about the history …

Too many Joneses  —  Young struggles against Atlanta's two star sluggers  —  Padres newcomer Chris Young has been a dependable pitcher, turning in only one clunker in 10 starts.  The clunker came last night, and the Braves took advantage for a 10-6 win at Petco Park that was last-place San Diego's seventh defeat in nine games.

Gazing at the stars  —  Marlins rookie right-hander Josh Johnson, unbeaten in four starts, is enjoying his 'awesome' view of some of baseball's top pitchers.  —  kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com  —  You know what Josh Johnson loves most about being in the major leagues?  The view.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION  —  If San Jose or another Bay Area city is willing to donate the land and pay for related road improvements, Oakland A's owner Lew Wolff will build a stadium and deliver a Major League Soccer team to replace the departed Earthquakes.

Under The Knife  —  Lounging Around  —  I know I have some extreme positions on Barry Bonds and I've ceased trying to persuade anyone with fact.  Still, let me give you an example of how this has been handled.  You'll probably remember how the media took Bonds to task for having his own leather lounge chair in the clubhouse.