Fickle winds blow hard for Chicago baseball teams  —  The Chicago White Sox debated long this offseason and ultimately decided they didn't want to become the Chicago Cubs.  —  The Chicago Cubs, after hiring Theo Epstein as president in October, determined they no longer wanted to be the Chicago White Sox.

Dodgers place Kemp on 15-day DL  —  Castellanos promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque  —  LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers called up infielder/outfielder Alex Castellanos from Triple-A Albuquerque on Thursday to replace outfielder Matt Kemp, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

Clemens trial: Ex-manager said Clemens got better as he aged by getting smarter  —  WASHINGTON — Roger Clemens lost something off his fastball in his 40s but still succeeded by pitching smarter, his former manager testified today.  —  “He continued to have great success, but for different reasons …

Yankees catcher Russell Martin blasts umpire Laz Diaz  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yankees catcher Russell Martin lashed out at home plate umpire Laz Diaz after last night's 6-5 victory over the Angels.  After the two argued over balls and strikes, Martin said the umpire refused to let him throw …

Mock Draft: Projecting the whole first round  —  Appel remains top choice for Astros over prep outfielder Buxton  —  It's time for the whole enchilada, the whole kit and caboodle, the whole ball of wax, the whole ... you get the point.  —  The First-Year Player Draft begins Monday night …

A's send right-hander Ross to Triple-A  —  MINNEAPOLIS — A's righty Tyson Ross was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Thursday.  —  No corresponding move was made at the time of his demotion, but it's likely outfielder Yoenis Cespedes will take Ross' roster spot when activated from the disabled list Friday in Kansas City.

Simmons replaces Pastornicky at shortstop  —  ATLANTA — Andrelton Simmons has passed all of the necessary tests at the Minor League level and will now begin what the Braves hope is a long reign as their starting shortstop.  —  After Wednesday night's 10-7 win over the Cardinals …

Signs of trouble keep piling up for Orioles  —  If you're one of the Orioles skeptics who has been sitting at home the past two months waiting for the wheels to come off this suddenly competitive team, it looks like it might be time to shake your head condescendingly at all the cockeyed fans …

Max Scherzer on His High BABIP and K-Rate  —  Max Scherzer is having a Jekyll-and-Hyde-type season.  The Detroit Tigers right-hander has the highest strikeout rate (12.0) of any American League starter, but he also has the highest BABIP (.394) and has a 5.67 ERA.

Rockies designate veteran Moyer for assignment  —  DENVER (AP) — Jamie Moyer has been designated for assignment by the Colorado Rockies, the move being made about six weeks after he became the oldest starting pitcher to win a game in major league history.  —  The 49-year-old Moyer …