Texas-sized letdown: Ace misses his spots as Rangers rally  —  It wasn't where Josh Beckett [stats] wanted to be.  —  The Red Sox [team stats] starting pitcher would have settled for either end of the 17 inches that stretched across home plate, just not in the middle.

Notes: Perez to miss Sunday's start  —  Mets call up Pelfrey to take lefty's place in series finale in Philly  —  PHILADELPHIA — Perhaps Oliver Perez jumps too high when he makes his way to and from the mound as he avoids the foul line in a most conspicuous way.  Or, maybe it's just his turn to have a start postponed.

Penny's gem spoiled against Padres  —  Tomko yields two 12th-inning runs as LA falls two back  —  LOS ANGELES — Brett Tomko gave up two runs in the top of the 12th inning, putting the Padres up for good as they defeated the Dodgers, 3-1, on Saturday night at Dodger Stadium.

Pity the pinstripes  —  Future looks even worse than present  —  While the powers that be at Steinbrenner U. are undoubtedly in denial about this, the operative word on the 2007 Yankee season is officially this: fugettaboutit.  —  But that's not nearly the worst of it for Yankee fans.

Notes: Patterson heading to Canada  —  Frustrated Nats pitcher to have similiar treatment as A's Street  —  PITTSBURGH — A day after John Patterson completed his medical tour, four doctors came to the conclusion that the Nationals right-hander has nerve problems in his right elbow and biceps …

Lo Duca's Met days numbered  —  Vocal catcher gets support of mates, not front office  —  PHILADELPHIA - Omar Minaya had identical offers dangling to free-agent catchers Bengie Molina and Ramon Hernandez two winters ago when the Mets GM abruptly yanked both from the table.

Life in a Cage: Baby Sleeps, Mom Cooks, Dad Bats  —  When Amber Willits is cooking dinner — crack! — or putting the baby to bed — crack! — or trying to get a little sleep herself — crack! — she has to wonder why she ever agreed to live in a batting cage.  —  "I may have thought that a few times," she acknowledged.

Notes: Fuentes out as closer for now  —  Taveras out of lineup with quad pain; Fogg watch begins  —  HOUSTON — Brian Fuentes could hear Sunday if he's been chosen to his third straight All-Star Game, but he received less-positive news Saturday when Rockies manager Clint Hurdle told …

Yankees' frustrations boil over  —  Proctor takes out aggression on equipment as slide continues  —  NEW YORK — His temper already smoldering, Scott Proctor set off an inferno near the Yankee Stadium infield following Saturday's 7-0 loss to the A's, torching various items of his equipment in a smoky blaze.

Notes: Dye not frustrated, but not talking  —  Outfielder does not want to discuss contract situation  —  KANSAS CITY — The plan for the 2007 regular season involving Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, Tadahito Iguchi and the White Sox seemed simple and straightforward in theory when laid out during Spring Training.

DIGGING DEEP FOR BULLPEN HELP  —  The Yankees have promoted 26-year-old right-handed reliever Edwar Ramirez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, and he will report today to provide support for a bullpen that has been wretched.  —  Ramirez, who threw three scoreless innings and struck out six Friday night …

Gaudin, A's one-hit Yanks in Bronx  —  Bid for no-hitter lost in sixth inning; three homers lead offense  —  NEW YORK — On a beautiful Saturday afternoon in the Bronx, the A's finally enjoyed a day on which everything came up roses, rainbows, chocolate waterslides and animal balloons.

A big burden for Cubs bullpen  —  The Cubs are playing roster roulette with a shortened 11-man pitching staff, trying to make it through until they trade outfielder Jacque Jones or bring Ryan Dempster off the disabled list after the All-Star break, whichever comes first.

Cleveland 8, Tampa Bay 6  —  CLEVELAND (AP) — C.C. Sabathia has a dozen reasons why he should start the All-Star game.  —  Cleveland's ace left-hander became the majors' first 12-game winner and Grady Sizemore drove in three runs to lead the Indians to an 8-6 win over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays on Saturday night.