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.

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.

Some Bucs fans, but not too many, leave their seats in protest  —  One of baseball's time-honored traditions is the seventh inning stretch and the singing of "Take me out to the ballgame."  But last night at PNC Park, some paying customers left their seats innings earlier, a disgruntled way of saying, "Take me out of the ballgame."

Tigers acquire Capellan from Brewers  —  Righty reliever adds depth to Detroit's depleted bullpen  —  DETROIT — The Tigers added another reliever to the mix of their depleted bullpen, acquiring right-hander Jose Capellan from the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday for Minor League left-hander Chris Cody.

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: 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.

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 …

Vin Scully, Voice of the Dodgers, speaks to you  —  L.A. institution is in his 50th year in Los Angeles, and he's still having that one-on-one conversation with us that we hope never ends.  —  It's 50 years now that Vin Scully has been the best friend we've never met.

2007 All-Stars to Be Announced at 4pm ET  —  TBS will air the Major League Baseball All-Star Game Selection Show at approx. 4pm ET, or at the end of the Marlins/Braves game if it should run longer today.  The players selected will be on the roster for the 2007 All-Star Game to be played July 10th …

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: 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 …

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 …

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.