Baseball

The Mets got a strong start from Johan Santana and a big sixth inning that propelled them to a 5-2 victory over the Cubs. The win gives them their first series win of the season, as they took three out of four games against Chicago.

Insurance claims agents stand by. Baltimore, Boston, and Chicago are in need of disaster relief.

A tornado known as the Tampa Bay Rays has just laid waste to three stadiums in three different cities. Like a huge wrecking ball, the Rays have been demolishing anything in their path.

It doesn't look like it's going to stop any time soon.

Yesterday was indeed a weird day for the Yankees. First there was Alex Rodriguez ’s run-in with Oakland pitcher Dallas Braden after he stepped on the mound returning to first after a foul ball, then there was a triple play, and all of this happened in just barely over two hours.

Yes, a Yankee game lasted only two hours and seven minutes. Oh, and to make things weirder, the Yankees lost with CC Sabathia on the mound.

Dear Mr. Braden,

Congratulations on beating the Yankees Thursday afternoon and ending their winning streak at six games.

Now shut up.

You sound like a fool.

There are very few things the ultra-versatile Ben Zobrist can't do.  Later today, the list gets smaller. Scratch signing a long-term contract extension off the list, as Zobrist will sign on the dotted line keeping him with the Rays through 2015.

The former utility player had a breakout season last year, hitting .297, with 27 HR, and 91 RBI.  Questions abound as to whether that was a career year or if he could replicate the success.

Count the Rays as believers.

Grade A

David Aardsma, Mariners

Aardsma should be considered in the same class as the elite closers. With this being said, we need to see how he reacts after he gives up some runs and blows a save. Aardsma had two saves during the week and still has yet to give up a run. He deserves the top spot.

Matt Lindstrom, Astros

Here’s a look at some unheralded players who played well yesterday.

Randy Wolf, Milwaukee Brewers

Wolf threw six scoreless innings as the Brewers pounded the Pirates. He improved to 2-1 with a 3.70 ERA.

The Atlanta Braves media, team, and fans were absolutely giddy over Tuesday's dramatic come-from-behind 4-3 win in the opener of the three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution story during the series compared the arrival of rookie sensation Jason Heyward to that of when Earvin "Magic" Johnson joined the Lakers.

Whatever.

Atlanta writers were singing a different song following Roy Halladay's 2-0 shutout of the Braves on Wednesday, show courtesy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Brewers' offense had a huge day. Ubaldo Jimenez continues to look like the best pitcher in the game. Jay Bruce is waking up. Let’s look at these stories and all the rest from yesterday’s games:

Hitters: