Fick's pinch-hit heroics lift Nats in 12  —  Veteran singles home Byrd with winning run to sink Phillies  —  WASHINGTON — Robert Fick is the least used position player on the Nationals because he is the backup catcher and manager Frank Robinson likes to save his No. 2 guy in case something happens to Brian Schneider late in the game.

Mets trade 2B Matsui to Rockies for Marrero  —  DENVER (AP) — The New York Mets traded slumping second baseman Kaz Matsui and $4.5 million to the Colorado Rockies for utilityman Eli Marrero on Friday.  —  The cash represents the remaining difference in the players' salaries, Met assistant general manager John Ricco said.

Wood placed on 15-day DL  —  Due to shoulder stiffness, fireballer out temporarily  —  CINCINNATI — Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 7, because of stiffness in his right shoulder.  —  "I'm not injured, I didn't hurt anything," Wood said Friday.

Johnson Loses Control, Then Temper  —  In a crowded ballpark, long before the rain came, the ranting of one angry pitcher pierced the air.  Randy Johnson's fury could be heard in the second deck of Yankee Stadium last night, and his distraction was obvious to everyone.

Lawyer Says U.S. Halted Bonds Figure in Inquiry  —  The lawyer for Kimberly Bell, Barry Bonds's former companion, told George Mitchell yesterday that she has been advised by federal authorities not to cooperate with Mitchell's investigation into steroid use in baseball because of "the pending criminal proceeding."

Notes: Thames takes on Majors  —  Leyland's brother gave outfielder rave reviews  —  TORONTO — If Marcus Thames keeps going like this, Jim Leyland's brother might have to be nominated for Tigers Scout of the Year.  —  Thames' future as a Major League hitter was up for debate going into the season.

Beltran, Delgado homer twice to lead Mets past Diamondbacks  —  CBS SportsLine.com wire reports  —  PHOENIX — New York manager Willie Randolph had a frightening observation for the rest of the National League after the Mets hammered five home runs to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-6 Friday night.

Royals revoke credentials from two radio reporters  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Two reporters who asked contentious questions at a news conference introducing Dayton Moore as Royals general manager had their credentials revoked Friday.  —  Bob Fescoe of WHB and Rhonda Moss of KCSP …

Notes: Lieberthal may go back on DL  —  Catcher battling strained left hip, won't play this weekend  —  WASHINGTON — Mike Lieberthal still can't run, and he knows that likely means a return to the disabled list.  —  "It's more than likely," Lieberthal said.  "This isn't something I can play through.

Willingham to miss time because of sore hand  —  · Turns out Josh Willingham's back is fine.  The problem is his left hand.  —  Back stiffness was the official reason the Marlins scratched Willingham from Wednesday's lineup at San Francisco, but an MRI showed that he has a strained tendon in his hand.

Papelbon recovers to win it for Boston  —  After closer's first blown save, Sox strike back to beat Rangers  —  BOSTON — Undeterred after finally seeing his save streak stopped at 20 in the eighth inning on Friday night at Fenway Park, dazzling rookie Jonathan Papelbon had a rare opportunity for a do-over in the ninth.

Defense saves Anderson  —  Thanks to his glove, outfielder to stay  —  Before announcing on Friday night that Brian Anderson would remain with the White Sox, the team explored several options.  —  One was a trade, which was dismissed as too difficult.  The others were playing Rob Mackowiak …

Bonds could return to lineup today  —  Giants notebook  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds wasn't in the lineup for the third consecutive game Friday, although he said before the game that his sore left side has improved and that he's fit to play.  —  Before taking batting practice …

Eric Gregg  —  1951-2006  —Eric Gregg, on his controversial performance in Game Five of the 1997 National League Championship Series  —  Former major league umpire Eric Gregg passed away on Monday, a day after suffering a massive stroke.  He was just 55 years old.

Trainer refutes report linking him to Grimsley  —  A personal trainer and former employee of the Kansas City Royals who works with Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols refuted an Internet report that links him to the investigation of pitcher Jason Grimsley.  —  Chris Mihlfeld told the Kansas City Star …