Schmidt: Mets know Phillies are better than them  —  NEW YORK (AP) — In a pep talk via e-mail, Mike Schmidt reminded the Philadelphia Phillies of their big comeback to win the NL East last season and said “the Mets know you're better than they are.”  —  With the Phillies opening a crucial …

Never trust online directions  —  Piniella, Sinatro take a wrong turn on the way to Cincinnati  —  CINCINNATI — Where's Lou?  —  That was the question in the Cubs' clubhouse Friday.  Lou Piniella and first-base coach Matt Sinatro decided to drive from Chicago on Friday morning to Cincinnati.

Dodgers blast past Diamondbacks into first place  —  L.A. takes over lead in the NL West by pounding Brandon Webb again.  Manny Ramirez has five RBIs in the Dodgers' seventh win in a row.  —  The Dodgers dismissed another Arizona ace with relative ease this afternoon …

Yanks deny Morrow a no-no in opener  —  Betemit picks up Bombers' first hit in eighth with RBI double  —  SEATTLE — Brandon Morrow's first Major League start was one that he will never forget.  Neither will anyone who was present at Safeco Field, though the Yankees certainly will try.

Longoria returns to Rays for stretch drive  —  TORONTO (AP) — Evan Longoria was activated off the 15-day disabled list Saturday after the Tampa Bay slugger said he felt “almost 100%” following 30 swings with a regular bat.  —  “I don't know how much better it could get,” Longoria said.

Science Answers Why Frozen Ropes Freeze Outfielders  —  Almost all outfielders have had fleeting moments of panic when balls are hit straight at them.  How far away is the ball?  How fast is it going?  When will it get here?  And most important, where should my glove be when it arrives?

Injury updates, etc.  —  There is injury news about three Red Sox, all seemingly pretty good for Boston.  Right fielder J.D. Drew thinks he might be back in time to play the Rays, Kevin Youkilis's back is feeling good enough to play while everything is fine at home, and David Aardsma will pitch …

Scully will return for 60th season  —  Dodgers broadcaster, 80, will continue with same workload  —  LOS ANGELES — Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully said Friday he will return to the Dodgers for a 60th season at the microphone in 2009.  —  Scully, whose current three-year contract runs through 2008 …

Postgame notes: Melancon doesn't pitch.  Again. … Yesterday in Pawtucket, Melancon had his back wrapped, but when I asked about it he said it wasn't an issue.  Sounded more precautionary than anything, and maybe it is, but it is a bit odd that he hasn't pitched these three games.

Big Unit scratched from start with sore shoulder  —  LOS ANGELES—Arizona's Randy Johnson, six wins shy of 300 career victories, was scratched from Sunday's start against the Los Angeles Dodgers because of a sore left shoulder.  Johnson, who turns 45 on Wednesday, will be replaced by right-hander Max Scherzer.

Pavano Is Coming to Terms With Painful Miscalculations  —  SEATTLE — The scar still looks fresh, 15 months later, on the inside of Carl Pavano's right elbow.  Usually, after Tommy John surgery, it settles into a flesh-colored zipper, visible but not so obvious.

Aceves replaces Rasner in Yankees' rotation  —  SEATTLE - Alfredo Aceves is taking over Darrell Rasner's spot in the Yankees' starting rotation.  —  Rasner gave up five earned runs in just 1 1/3 innings in Thursday's loss to the Rays.  Aceves replaced him and allowed just one earned run …

All Pedro, All of the Time—Can I Have My Law Degree Now?  —  The hearing for Grievance No. 2008-11 (August 15 deadline) begins on Wednesday, and to an outsider, it looks like an open and shut case.  The grievance, as filed by the union against MLB, accuses the Commissioner's Office …

Quentin has only himself to blame  —  Without ever cracking a joke or smiling, Carlos Quentin was funny.  —  Watch the crazy baseball player work himself into a lather over a strikeout.  Look at him want to smash his helmet after a groundout.  See those eyes glaring.