Tim Redding moved one step closer to returning to the major league club yesterday, when he pitched four scoreless innings during extended spring training.

Redding had off-season toe surgery and after signing with the Mets he attempted to rush back, resulting in a shoulder issue from over compensating for the toe.

Kevin Slowey was magnificent in spring training, but once the games actually counted, he seemed to lose the momentum he had gained in camp.

In both of his first two starts, Slowey gave up five runs while failing to record an out past the sixth inning.

After watching tape of his second start, Slowey worked to correct a mechanical flaw he had found and the results were nearly instantaneous.

After shutting down his second opponent in a row on Saturday, Slowey looks every bit the pitcher who cleaned up in the Grapefruit League.

It's amazing how quickly things can go south.

Just one out from a crisp 4-2 victory Friday night, Mariano Rivera surrendered a two-run homer to Jason Bay, and the New York Yankees went on to lose the first game of this three-game set against the Boston Red Sox.

Then, just one out from taking a 6-1 lead to the fifth inning Saturday afternoon, A.J. Burnett gave up a grand slam to Jason Varitek, and New York went on to lose a marathon 16-11 contest.

Before I even begin with this article, I will state what should be obvious: The ongoing battle between Milton Bradley and the Chicago media has nothing to do with the Cubs' four-game slide.

Sorry, Windy City press, but you play no role in determining what actually happens on the field.

And this larger, so-called "locker room split" is just the media's way of stirring things up. Chemistry is something that's developed throughout the season.  

Baseball's best and most classic rivalries. These are the best of the best. However there are few that receive honorable mention.

Cubs - Brewers Has been shaping up to be a nice rivalry ever since Milwaukee joined the National League Central.
Astros - Rangers is another nice inter state match up. Battle for the Silver Boot, Yeehaw !
Reds - Indians Th battle for the Buckeye State always provides a nice showdown between the two clubs from Ohio.
Orioles - Nationals While this is fairly new, nothing like a little friend competition in our Nations capital.

A dagger digs deeper into the hearts of the Minnesota Twins faithful each time Johan Santana authors another quality start for the New York Mets.

Santana, whom the Twins were forced to deal in February 2008 for four prospects, is off to a fast and furious start this season.

On Friday, the former American League Cy Young winner limited the Washington Nationals to one run over six innings while striking out 10. Thus far, Santana is sporting a 0.70 ERA with a gaudy strikeout-to-walk ratio of six to one.

With 396 home runs under his belt, Oakland’s Jason Giambi sits four home runs away from 400 for his career. Sure, it doesn’t carry with it the same mystique that Gary Sheffield’s recent accomplishment does, but still…it’s impressive.

Did Cubs manager Lou Piniella order common sense for his in-flight meal on the way to St. Louis?

Here is tonight's batting order for the first game of the series at the Cardinals:

1.      Ryan Theriot, SS

After 14 games, the Colorado Rockies' record sits at 5-9, and they're last in the NL West. The mark doesn't really surprise me, all things considered (I predicted them at 6-8 after their opening stretch), but how they have gotten there does.

Starting pitchers Aaron Cook and Ubaldo Jimenez, counted on to anchor the rotation, have ERAs of 10.22 and 6.00, respectively, through three starts apiece. Cook has lasted just 12.1 innings and allowed 22 hits and five homeruns; Jimenez has 16 strikeouts in his 15 innings, but also 13 walks.

Tampa Bay Rays (6-10) at Oakland Athletics (5-9)

BetUS MLB betting odds: Rays -135, Athletics +115, Total 8

Left-hander Scott Kazmir will take the mound for Tampa Bay, while righty-hander Trevor Cahill does the honors for Oakland.

Here are some of the MLB Baseball betting trends as they relate to this matchup:
(Numbers go back to last season)