Smoltz may be facing shoulder surgery  —  Braves expected to discuss veteran's future at news conference  —  ATLANTA — John Smoltz has said that he'll be content if he never throws another pitch.  Now, just two days after he attempted to alleviate stress on his shoulder with a move to the bullpen …

Mock Draft 2008  —  With 24 hours to go before the selections begin, the draft remains a muddled mess, making the process of doing a mock a series of hedged wagers.  “This is easily one of the most unpredictable first rounds I've ever seen,” said one team official.

Hoping to avoid surgery, Ortiz is cast in uncertainty  —  The sight of David Ortiz standing in front of his locker yesterday afternoon, clad in a green T-shirt and hard black cast, gave those in the clubhouse a glimpse of just how long this summer might be.  While it is possible that doctors …

Early miscues doom Perez, Nats in loss  —  Lefty leaves with tendinitis in twice rain-delayed game  —  WASHINGTON — By the 16th pitch of Tuesday's game with the Cardinals, starter Odalis Perez and the Nationals were in big trouble.  —  Perez hit one batter and gave up a three-run homer and an RBI double …

JOBA IS STOPPED FOR JAY-WALKING  —  CHAMBERLAIN'S STARTING DEBUT BRIEF; YANKS FALL FLAT  —  It wasn't very pretty for Joba Chamberlain.  It was simply disappointing.  —  With back-page hype and a sellout Bronx crowd on hand, Chamberlain's starting debut was far from a huge success last night.

Newest Yankee Just Tries to Blend In  —  Dan Giese had never been to Yankee Stadium before Tuesday, when he showed up five and a half hours before game time.  Giese wanted to see the sights, and he noticed a group taking a tour of the ballpark.  He tagged along a few feet behind, careful not to step out of line.

Sorry, Mac, but it's time for Mariners to release Sexson  —  LISTENING TO JOHN McLaren dutifully protect Richie Sexson, I wished I had the Mariners manager on my side in the principal's office after I broke a school window.  Not only would the episode shift from intentional to accidental …

Marlins option Tankersley to reduce 'pen  —  Reliever was 0-1 with a 7.16 ERA in 23 appearances this season  —  ATLANTA — The Marlins on Tuesday night optioned left-handed reliever Taylor Tankersley to Triple-A Albuquerque.  —  The team has been carrying 13 pitchers …

Zell on Cubs, Leno in last leg of tour  —  Tribune Co. expects to retain a minority interest in the Chicago Cubs when it sells control of the major league ballclub.  It also wants to talk to top-rated late-night comedian Jay Leno, whom NBC plans to replace next year as host of “The Tonight Show.”

Hawpe's sore hamstring not hurting Smith's shot  —  In manager Clint Hurdle's estimation, Seth Smith needs to improve his throws, outfield routes and base-running.  But, he said, “he has always hit at every level.”  The Rockies are determined to get a long look at Smith …

Nats to become even more ‘green’  —  Club to host program for environment on Wednesday  —  WASHINGTON — Major League Baseball's most eco-friendly park will get a little more so on Wednesday when the Washington Nationals host “Get Your Green On,” a one-night program encouraging their fans to be more environmentally conscious.

Marlins hoping for repeat vs. Glavine  —  Florida (31-26) at Atlanta (31-28), Wednesday, 1 p.m. ET  —  ATLANTA — A part of Cody Ross can't help but wonder how things would have turned out if both teams had something on the line.  —  Instead, the Marlins played the role of spoiler in the 2007 season finale.