Prominent names mentioned as possible Cubs' buyers  —  CHICAGO — Tribune Co. said it plans to sell the Chicago Cubs at the end of the 2007 baseball season, putting one of its most valuable assets on the block as it simultaneously announced Monday that real estate magnate Sam Zell was acquiring the media conglomerate.

Dodgers' offense limited in opener  —  LA starter Lowe struggles in four innings of work  —  MILWAUKEE — For the first time in franchise history, the Dodgers opened the season in Wisconsin on Monday and played like strangers in a strange land.  —  They did nothing particularly …

38 not so special  —  KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Worse than Ellen DeGeneres's first night hosting the Oscars.  Worse than Arsenio Hall's first shot at late-night television.  Worse than Patriots coach Clive Rush's first press conference, when he was nearly electrocuted.

8th is enough for Randolph  —  Willie shrugs off unnecessary bullpen gamble  —  ST. LOUIS - In case you're wondering, Willie Randolph did know it was the eighth inning.  He did know that was rookie Joe Smith, less than a year removed from pitching for Wright State University, and not Aaron Heilman, on the mound.

Mr. Clean  —  He's young!  Rich!  Handsome!  Able to throw out a runner at first while flashing a killer smile!  David Wright is the perfect New York sports star—almost too perfect.  —  D  —  avid Wright is not a very good bowler.  He would like you to know this …

Cleveland 12, Chi White Sox 5  —  CHICAGO (AP) — Grady Sizemore set the tone for the Cleveland Indians with his first swing.  —  Sizemore homered off Jose Contreras on the game's second pitch, and the Indians added four more runs in the first inning on their way to a 12-5 victory …

Marlins find plenty of positives after season's first win  —  WASHINGTON — Big hits. . . . Big smiles all around in the Marlins' clubhouse.  —  Coming off his Rookie of the Year season, shortstop Hanley Ramirez grinned when informed that he's on a pace to steal 324 bases.

Twins 7, Orioles 4  —  Notes from Game 1 of 162 ...  - Johan Santana appeared to be in midseason form for the first few innings, but eventually ran into some trouble and continued his annual tradition of starting the season slowly by giving up four runs over six innings.

Sticking around  —  Rockies GM, manager get two-year extensions  —  DENVER (AP) — A summons from the general manager 23 years ago was bad news for Clint Hurdle, who was released by Seattle an hour before the season's first pitch.  —  This time, it was good news.

Opening Day at RFK Brings Smiles, Gripes  —  As the Washington Nationals began a third season yesterday, the sky was cloudless, but neither the home team nor the ballpark seemed quite ready for Opening Day.  —  On the field, the Nats fell behind early and eventually lost their first game of 2007 to the Florida Marlins, 9-2.

Dukes shows promise on big stage  —  Rookie's first home run comes on Opening Day in Bronx  —  NEW YORK — Elijah Dukes made the most of his Major League debut on Monday.  —  Playing in baseball's most famous arena, the Devil Rays rookie started in center field and did not wilt under the immense aura of Yankee Stadium.

Prospectus Hit List  —  Preseason Edition  —  If it's Opening Day, it's time for the first edition of the Hit List.  Few things in baseball generate as much controversy as preseason predictions, particularly when they contrast with what happened the season before.

D-backs rally late to win 2007 opener  —  Byrnes' clutch hit in eighth inning helps seal Arizona's victory  —  DENVER — Two pitches into what proved to be the game-deciding at-bat, Eric Byrnes looked like he was in trouble.  —  And so were the D-backs, trailing 6-5 with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth.

Game 1 4/2/07 @ KC  —  Not sure where to even start.  Two words sum it up best, no command.  Can't remember a game where I couldn't make adjustments but today was certainly one of those.  Not so much the secondary pitches but no fastball command is not something that happens much, if at all …