--RHP Mark Melancon was optioned to Class AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for C Kevin Cash. 

--C Jose Molina was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left quadriceps. 

A-Rod's homer in his first at-bat of the year led to a Yanks win Friday. 

Amid all the chatter about his steroid use, hip injury, Madonna and big-money contract, one thing about Alex Rodriguez is indisputable: his ability to play the game of baseball at the absolute highest level. 

ST. 

May 8, 2009 (AOL Weblogs delivered byNewstex) --by Tom Herrera Poppin' out the box scores and right into your cubicle, the Roto Rush is your double espresso shot of fantasy Baseball advice every weekday. 

May 8, 2009 (Baltimore Sun delivered byNewstex) --Alex Rodriguez got booed furiously by the crowd at Camden Yards when he came to bat in the first inning. 

May 8, 2009 (Baltimore Sun delivered byNewstex) --CC Sabathia went all the way tonight, giving up just four hits and striking out eight on the way to a 4-0 victory at Camden Yards. 

--3B Alex Rodriguez is expected to come off the 15-day disabled list and rejoin the Yankees on Friday. 

--LHP Andy Pettitte gave up a career-high four homers in the Yankees' 8-6 loss to the Rays on Thursday. 

One of the few constants as the Yankees have regressed in stature over the past nine years has been the brilliance of closer Mariano Rivera. 

One of the few constants as the Yankees have regressed in stature over the past nine years has been the brilliance of closer Mariano Rivera. 

1993 

All through spring training, theMilwaukeeBrewers' starting pitchers were bashed, battered, pounded, pummeled, raked and roughed up. 

By MARC TOPKIN