Robinson questions one pitch in loss  —  Manager criticizes Rauch, Schneider for Mets' go-ahead homer  —  WASHINGTON — The tension was heavy in the home clubhouse after the Nationals lost to the Mets, 3-1, in front of 37,732 at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Heaven and Hell  —  In the dugout before Sunday's game, Kim Jones, the beat reporter for the YES network, asked Yankee manager Joe Torre if Jared Weaver made him of think of Weaver's older brother and former-Yankee, Jeff Weaver.  "It's hard not to," said Torre.  "He's got the same look, the same willowy body.

Cubs marriage: Can it be saved?  —  DENVER — Veteran Dustyologists may one day look back on the final months of Dusty Baker's tenure as manager of the Cubs and discover hidden clues that ultimately led to his departure.  —  But for now it doesn't take a lot of digging to theorize that Baker …

Dave Duncan: Change is on the way  —  PITTSBURGH — Jason Marquis presumably kept his oar in the water Sunday to remain in the Cardinals' rotation, even when lefthander Mark Mulder returns from his shoulder problems, by holding the Pittsburgh Pirates to three hits — two of them second-inning home runs …

Movin' on up  —  South Siders make up 4½ games in 6 days  —  Now it really gets interesting.  —  It's the Tigers' turn to check their psyches, feel the breath of the charging champions on their neck and sweat the small stuff after their hope of a runaway season was shattered by a White Sox sweep.

Notes: Nixon swings in cage  —  Ortiz rests with series vs. Tigers and Yankees on horizon  —  BOSTON — Wily Mo Pena is becoming a fan favorite in Red Sox Nation, keeping the seat holders at Fenway on their toes by rocketing balls into the stands with cartoonish-like power and helping the Red Sox in their playoff push.

Former Phillies' star gets metaphysical  —  Former All-Star catcher Darren Daulton has been spending his time spreading his message — and it has nothing to do with baseball.  —  A popular Phillies player during his baseball career, and the leader of the 1993 World Series team …

Cabrera continues hot streak  —  Miguel Cabrera had two hits, including a home run, and drove in four runs to lift Florida.  'To do what he's doing, he's in a different league now.' Wes Helms said.  `He's a special kid.'  —  kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com  —  PHOENIX - Wes Helms has played …

Rangers relying on youth in bullpen  —  ARLINGTON - The Rangers have been relying more on a trio of young relievers lately — lefty C.J. Wilson and right-handers Wes Littleton and Josh Rupe.  —  That's in part out of necessity, with Francisco Cordero now pitching for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Third baseman a new man since return from Omaha  —  Being sent to minors was a major setback in his career, but Teahen has come back swinging and is enjoying success with the Royals.  —  Mark Teahen broke out of another slump last week, and, be honest, did you even know he was in a slump?

Criticism Doesn't Worry A-Rod  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez hit another undramatic, ninth-inning home run, a two-out solo job that pulled the Yankees within three runs of the Los Angeles Angels.  —  Told some would probably say it was a meaningless home run, Rodriguez had some fun.

Millwood earns rare home win  —  ARLINGTON - Kevin Millwood understands the scrutiny.  When he signed a free-agent contract with the Rangers in the off-season, he shrugged at the notion that Ameriquest Field was a tough park for pitchers.  —  Both pitchers had to pitch in the same place, he said.

Wells may not return this week  —  Results of MRI on starter's injured left foot are due today  —  ARLINGTON - Rangers starter Kip Wells will not make his scheduled start Thursday.  And the club is uncertain whether he'll be healthy enough to pitch Saturday.  Edinson Volquez is now the scheduled starter in Detroit on Thursday.

Bat shards nearly injure Olivo  —  PHOENIX — Arizona center fielder Eric Byrnes has a penchant for slamming his bat on the ground in frustration when he makes an out.  —  On Sunday, Byrnes' antics almost caused a serious injury to Marlins catcher Miguel Olivo, who was struck in the face …

Cantu still feels effects of collision  —  OAKLAND, Calif. - First there was the fractured left foot that forced Jorge Cantu to miss six weeks.  For the past two weeks, he has been bothered by a stiff and sore neck.  The result has been a constantly painful and increasingly frustrating season …

Pirates Notebook: Young relievers rocket through system  —  By Dejan Kovacevic, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette  —  Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen?  —  Wrong and wrong.  —  Those two former first-round draft picks have spent all year with their respective Class A teams and, by all accounts, will not move up by season's end.