Nationals Prevail in a Washington Marathon  —  The course of events took more than five-and-a-half hours.  It all began with rain, continued with an offensive explosion, deteriorated into a colossal collapse and then dragged on as last night turned into this morning, as certain victory turned into near-defeat.

Nuts-and-Bolts Ballplayer for a Space-Age Infield  —  PHOENIX, June 9 — In the city where Jason Grimsley lives, on the campus where Barry Bonds went to college, a new bionic ballplayer is fielding grounders.  —  The player is best described as a machine — cameras for eyes, tires for legs …

Struggling Alfonseca on way out  —  Quick start at Frisco, Oklahoma gives Corey chance to prove himself  —  BOSTON - Antonio Alfonseca's tenure with the Rangers appears to be over.  —  Texas designated the 34-year-old for assignment Friday.  Former Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Bryan Corey …

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.

President  —  Game 58: June 9, 2006  —  Scene: The All Farm Party convention where Trot Nixon officially confirms that he will run for president of Red Sox Nation and announces his running mate.  Signs like "A Nixon You Can Trust," "Hometown Hero," and "Hats Off to Trot," …

Womack takes over as leadoff man  —  CINCINNATI — Cubs manager Dusty Baker made a switch at the top of his lineup Friday, putting Tony Womack in the leadoff spot and dropping Juan Pierre to the second slot.  —  "I put Tony at the top because Juan was having trouble getting on base," Baker said.

Brewers fall as Cardinals come back  —  De La Rosa placed on DL with blisters on his pitching hand  —  MILWAUKEE — The Brewers invited their No. 1 draft pick to take in a game at Miller Park on Friday night.  They gave right-hander Jeremy Jeffress a uniform and seats next to the dugout …

Rockies get Mets' Matsui, sign pick  —  The big picture and immediate future might have brightened for the Colorado Rockies on Friday.  —  The Rockies traded Eli Marrero to the New York Mets in exchange for Japanese infielder Kaz Matsui and cash.  The club also secured one of its top draft picks …

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.

Grimsley no longer getting paid  —  Jason Grimsley will not receive the remainder of his $825,000 salary from the Diamondbacks this season, and if the players union wants to file a grievance, so be it, said Ken Kendrick, the club's managing general partner.  —  "It's the moral thing to do," Kendrick said Friday.

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.