Dodgers solve Santana, Angels

ANAHEIM -- It takes a team to win a game, and the Dodgers were in full collaboration Saturday afternoon.

Seven of nine players in the lineup either scored a run or drove one in, while three pitchers pooled their efforts to secure a victory in a place that has lately been tortuous for the Dodgers.

With a 6-3 advantage over the Angels on a sweltering and cloudless day at Angel Stadium, the Dodgers earned their third victory in their last four games, but only their second in their last 11 games in the Interleague Series against the crosstown Angels.

"It feels good. I know we got swept here last year. It is a big win," said Juan Pierre, who scored twice, including in the seventh as Russell Martin engaged the defense in a rundown. "The guy who was pitching is having a good year. We scraped our way to a victory."

The Dodgers hung the first loss of the season on Angels starter Ervin Santana (6-1), as rookie Blake DeWitt went 2-for-4 and belted his fourth home run of the year, and Martin went 3-for-4 to extend his hitting streak to six games.

But the mound also proved to be a bright spot on a day Los Angeles was forced to scratch Brad Penny from his scheduled Sunday start due to arm stiffness. He'll go Monday against the Reds, with Derek Lowe pitching the series finale against the Angels.

Taking the ball in a spot start Saturday was Chan Ho Park, who had been pitching exclusively from the bullpen, but was called to start his first game since April 30, 2007, and first for the Dodgers since Oct. 5, 2001.

The right-hander shook off a walk to the first batter and then cruised through three scoreless innings before running into trouble in the fourth that was extended by James Loney's throwing error.

Park allowed two runs, one earned, on three hits and two walks over four innings, and he went deep enough to bridge the gap to Hong-Chih Kuo, who came on in relief and tossed four scoreless frames. Takashi Saito allowed a run in the ninth.

"That is the second time he's done that. He came on and he dominated," manager Joe Torre said of Kuo (3-1). "Park did a great job. He just had to get too many outs. It was a long inning."

Torre had earmarked Park for 85-90 pitches on the afternoon, and the veteran ended up tossing 82, but the long fourth ended his day and likely cost him the victory.

Park hit Vladimir Guerrero with a pitch with one out in the fourth inning, and Garret Anderson followed with a single to right that advanced Guerrero to third. Casey Kotchman then hit a chopper to first that appeared to be a double-play ball to end the inning, but Loney airmailed the throw over the head of shortstop Chin-lung Hu, who was covering second.

"That's just experience," Torre said. "Normally, lefties don't have trouble with that throw, but it sailed on him."

Guerrero scored and Anderson went to third on the play, and he later scored on a similar ground ball by Maicer Izturis, with Loney making the throw for the sure out at second on the fielder's choice.

Robb Quinlan followed with a base hit and Jeff Mathis walked before Park got Erick Aybar to bounce into a fielder's choice to end the inning, but the hot day had taken its toll.

Martin said Park's command was sharp, but he was more effusive in his praise of Kuo, who gave up three hits, struck out four and did not walk a batter to pick up the win.

"Kuo comes out of the bullpen throwing 95 [mph] and hitting his spots," Martin said. "He gets himself in trouble, but when he's like that, he is a dominating pitcher."

DeWitt continued his impressive run through the first few weeks of his big league career, adding a two-out, two-run homer in the top of the second that also scored Andruw Jones.

A fan appeared to make an attempt to catch the ball at the top of the wall in right, but the ball fell to the ground. First-base umpire Gerry Davis immediately ruled the ball a homer, and Angels manager Mike Scioscia argued without success.

"Blake has been great. He has a personality and a calmness about him that doesn't fit," Torre said of DeWitt's maturity. "You say to him, 'You start the season at third base and we don't even want to know you're there. Just don't hurt us.' But he has done a lot to help us win games."

Keeping that never-say-quit attitude was the tandem of Pierre and Russell in the seventh. Pierre got aboard on an error by Izturis and stole second before advancing to third on Andre Ethier's fly ball to center.

Martin was walked intentionally, and with Loney at the plate and a 3-1 count, Martin took off on a hit-and-run -- except Loney froze and didn't swing. Martin was caught in a rundown, but forced the Angels to make four throws, and on the last, Pierre took off for home and scored.

"That is one of those things that is just instinct. Russell did a good job staying in the rundown," Pierre said. "Scoring a run without getting a hit, that is what I like to do. I like to make things happen."

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Hanley's deal signals bright future

MIAMI -- As the news of shortstop Hanley Ramirez's six-year, $70 million deal becoming official trickled through the Marlins clubhouse before Saturday night's game with the Royals, Florida players were brimming with optimism for their star shortstop, the franchise -- and themselves.

"I'd just like to congratulate him, because he definitely deserves it," outfielder Cody Ross said. "I think he's the best player in the game right now, and he's worked hard to get to this position."

Ross's hope is that the Marlins, who came into Saturday's game tied for first in the National League East despite having lost four straight, can use the good news to create momentum.

"The way the organization is moving, it's exciting to sign him, and build around him -- and it's definitely a stepping stone, since it's the largest contract in club history," Ross said.

"It definitely gives everybody else hope that they're starting to build toward the future. Whether that's with guys up here, or guys down in the Minor Leagues, you never know what's going to happen. You think they'd like to keep this core group together, but nobody knows that. We were talking about it earlier that if you trade Miguel Cabrera, anybody's tradeable."

Second baseman Dan Uggla is excited that, through 2014, if he too remains a Marlin, he and Ramirez's up-the-middle double-play combination will remain intact.

"Everybody is excited for Hanley. It's a good move on the club's part," said Uggla, who has been on an offensive tear of late, hitting .400 with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs in his last 16 games. "Who knows what they're going to do with me -- or anybody else -- but obviously, they've made strides with Hanley, which leads you to believe that they're going to do that with a few more guys. But we have to wait and see. He's one of the best players in the game, and he makes me a lot better, so obviously I would love to play next to him for a long time."

Manager Fredi Gonzalez said Ramirez, a five-tool player whose accolades include Rookie of the Year Award honors in 2006 and a franchise-record 125 runs scored in 2007, is maturing at a steady pace. Ramirez is already among the league leaders in most offensive categories this season.

"I don't think he needs to do any better," Gonzalez said. "He's not the type of guy that needs to steal 40 bases all the time or something. He's fine the way he is."

First baseman Mike Jacobs, along with Uggla, have played in the infield with Ramirez for the last three years. They played their rookie season together in 2006, and have gotten to know one another off the field as well as their playing styles.

"I think we've benefited this year, especially from playing together for the last three years and, hopefully, we can stay intact for a long time," Jacobs said. "There's a lot of guys here who are arbitration eligible, so we know what they like to do and don't like to do, so hopefully, [Ramirez's deal] is a sign of things to come."

Closer Kevin Gregg is in his second season with the Marlins, but is happy for the young man from the Dominican Republic who is normally securing the shortstop position when he takes the mound with the game on the line.

"He just got $70 million -- who wouldn't be happy for him?" Gregg said. "He's definitely one of the premier players in the game right now and he got what he worked for. The owner has committed some money to a player who obviously we can build around, which shows that we're moving forward in baseball and we think we can compete.

"He's been given this contract on how good he's been, but also on the potential of how good he's going to become."

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A-Rod to play in St. Pete on Saturday

NEW YORK -- Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Alex Rodriguez had yet another "good day" working out on Friday. His best possible day -- for now -- should come Saturday, as the three-time American League MVP will be cleared to get back on the playing field.

Rodriguez will play in an extended spring game on Saturday at the Yankees' Minor League complex in St. Petersburg, Fla., logging four or five at-bats and playing third base in a game that will also feature Tampa Bay pitching prospect David Price. Barring any setbacks, Rodriguez could rejoin the Yankees in New York on Tuesday against the Orioles.

Rodriguez has not played since April 28 in Baltimore, when he strained his right quadriceps running out a ground ball. He was placed on the disabled list April 30 and could have been activated last Thursday, but the Yankees wanted to be cautious after Rodriguez aggravated a pre-existing injury by returning after just three games last month.

New York is 6-9 in the 15 games since Rodriguez went on the disabled list. He worked out in front of Yankees manager Joe Girardi on Thursday at Tropicana Field, running the bases at an estimated 95 percent. Rodriguez is to simulate baseball activities on Sunday and play in another extended spring game on Monday before traveling to New York.

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Chuck: A column about nothing

Ten years ago, the most influential sitcom since "I Love Lucy" came to an end. The final episode of "Seinfeld" aired on May 14, 1998 and with it ended a series that may not have exhibited the best acting you will ever see, but certainly some of the greatest and most creative writing. And, viewed from this corner of the universe, some of the greatest baseball references ever on a television show.

As the Yankees currently drop further below .500, they need someone to look young Hank Steinbrenner in the face -- in the same manner that George Costanza addressed George Steinbrenner (voiced by the incomparable Larry David, but never seen on camera):

Mr. Steinbrenner: Nice to meet you.
George: Well, I wish I could say the same, but I must say, with all due respect, I find it very hard to see the logic behind some of the moves you have made with this fine organization. In the past 20 years you have caused myself, and the city of New York, a good deal of distress, as we have watched you take our beloved Yankees and reduce them to a laughing stock, all for the glorification of your massive ego!
Mr. Steinbrenner: Hire this man!

This news brought a response from Jerry, "Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle ... Costanza?"

By the way, Hank Steinbrenner told a reporter yesterday, "This is going to get turned around. If it's not turned around this year, then it will be turned around next year, by force if we have to."

Do you think it might be worthwhile to send Costanza to Kansas City to discuss the fact that the team has only hit 19 homers so far this season? Before we do we must make sure he is going through an abstinence period which increases his intelligence as exhibited in the batting instruction scene with Bernie Williams and Derek Jeter:

George Costanza: Guys, hitting is not about muscle. It's simple physics. Calculate the velocity, v, in relation to the trajectory, t, in which g, gravity, of course remains a constant.
[George then hits a home run]
George Costanza: It's not complicated.
Derek Jeter: Now, who are you again?
George Costanza: George Costanza, assistant to the traveling secretary.
Bernie Williams: Are you the guy who put us in that Ramada in Milwaukee?
George Costanza: Do you wanna talk about hotels, or do you wanna win some ball games?
Derek Jeter: We won the World Series.
George Costanza: In six games.

I guess in retrospect Roger Cl*m*ns wishes, instead of an encounter with a 15-year old country singer, that he had met Elaine for a date like Keith Hernandez did:

Keith: Elaine, you don't know the first thing about first base.
Elaine: Well I know something about getting to first base...And I know you'll never be there.
Keith: The way I figure it, I've already been there. And I plan on rounding second tonight at about 11 o'clock.
Elaine: Well, I'd watch the third base coach if I were you, because I don't think he's waving you in.

That was the same episode in which the Seinfeld crew parodied the Zapruder film.

Inspirational moments are still needed and treasured in baseball. The Padres and their major league worst 14-25 record should be doing things that inspire them, perhaps like going to visit a sick child in the hospital like Kramer did in a scene reminiscent of baseball movies of yore:

Kramer: That you Bobby?
Kramer: Well, I heard that you have a very uh, special birthday card with all the Yankee autographs on it.
Bobby: Sure do. Mister.
Kramer: Oh, that's it, yeah. Boy, Stubs sure went to town with this thing huh? Yeah, well, Bobby, uh, what if I told you a very important person at the New York Yankees needed this card back.
Bobby: Oh, no. I'd never part with this card for anything in the world.
Kramer: Well, uh, Bobby, uh, who's your favorite Yankee.
Bobby: Paul O'Neill.
Kramer: All right. What if I tell Paul O'Neill to hit a home run tomorrow, just for you.
Bobby: Would he? Paul O'Neill would do that?
Kramer: For you he would.
Bobby: Would he hit two home runs?
Kramer: Two? Sure kid, yeah. But then you gotta promise you'll do something for me.
Bobby: I know. Get out of this bed one day and walk again.
Kramer: Yeah, that would be nice. But I really just need this card.

The trouble was that Kramer then had to let O'Neill in on the deal:?
Kramer: Mr. O'Neill?
O'Neill: Yeah.
Kramer: Yeah, uh, look, you don't know me.
O'Neill: I can give you an autograph there, but my pen's kind of screwed up. You'd only like half a "P" or something.

Kramer: No, it's uh, not that see,. It's about a little boy in a hospital. I was wondering if you could do something to lift his spirits.
O'Neill: Sure, I could help you there.
Kramer: Sure, well I promised you would hit him two home runs.
O'Neill: Say what?
Kramer: You know, Klick! A couple of dingers.
O'Neill: You promised a kid in the hospital that I would hit two home runs?
Kramer: Yeah, well, no good?
O'Neill: Yeah. That's no good. It's terrible. You don't hit home runs like that. It's hard to hit home runs. And where the heck did you get two from?
Kramer: Two is better than one.
O'Neill: That, that's ridiculous. I'm not a home run hitter.
Kramer: Well, Babe Ruth did it.
O'Neill: He did not.
Kramer: Oh, do you say that Babe Ruth is a liar?
O'Neill: I'm not calling him a liar but he was not stupid enough to promise two.
Kramer: Well, maybe I did overextend myself.
O'Neill: How the heck did you get in here anyway?

For those of you care about how that ended, Kramer watched the game with Bobby and O'Neill did indeed homer. In the bottom of the 8th, O'Neill slammed a shot into deep left field and scored on what appears to be an inside-the-park home run, but the official scorer rules it a triple and an error. Bobby won't give up the card, so Kramer promises that O'Neill will catch a ball in his hat the next night.

Maybe the Mariners and their 15-25 record need to talk to the Yanks or anybody about a trade. I only mention that because I recall the episode in which Steinbrenner had to inform the Costanzas that apparently their son George is dead. Here's how that phone call went:

Steinbrenner: My name is George Steinbrenner, I'm afraid I have some very sad new about your son.
Estelle: (crying) I can't believe it, he was so young. How could this have happened?
Steinbrenner: Well, he'd been logging some pretty heavy hours, first one in in the morning, last one to leave at night. That kid was a human dynamo.
Estelle: Are you sure you're talking about George?
Steinbrenner: You are Mr. and Mrs. Costanza?
Frank: (yelling) What the hell did you trade Jay Buhner for? He had 30 home runs, over 100 RBIs last year, he's got a rocket for an arm, you don't know what the hell you're doin'!
Steinbrenner: Well, Buhner was a good prospect, no question about it. But my baseball people love Ken Phelps' bat. They kept saying 'Ken Phelps, Ken Phelps'.

Now that interleague play is around the corner we should think back on "The Hot Tub" episode in which representatives from the Houston Astros visit New York and, as a representative of the Yankees, George entertains them. In the process, George picks up some Houston "colloquialisms." Inside an airplane, the Astros reps called George at Yankee Stadium:

George: Hello?
Clayton: uh...is that you, George?
George: (laughs) Yeah, it's me. Is this Clayton?
Clayton: Well listen, you son of a bitch! You know where we are? 30 000 feet above your head, you bastard! (the 3 laugh and howl)
George: What are they doin' lettin' you bastards on an airplane? Don't they know that's against FAA regulation?
Clayton: (to the other 2 men) Hey, hush up, now! I can't hear him!
George: Listen. I want you guys to send along those agreements the minute you land. Our boys can't wait to kick your butts!
Zeke: (to Clayton) When's that bastard comin' to Houston?
Clayton: Hey, Zeke wants to know when you Yankee bastards are comin' to Houston!
George: You tell that son of a bitch no Yankee is ever comin' to Houston. Not as long as you bastards are running things.
Clayton: Hey, uh, speak up, George, I can't hear ya!
George: (Mr. Wilhelm comes in and hears George yelling) You tell that son of a bitch no Yankee is ever comin' to Houston! Not as long as you bastards are running things!
(Mr. Wilhelm comes running, takes the phone from George and hangs up)
Wilhelm: George! George, get a hold of yourself!
George: Mr. Wilhelm...
Wilhelm: What's the matter with you?!
George: Well I-I...

There was the episode in which Elaine is ejected from Yankee Stadium, George has the team switch to cotton uniforms:

Wade Boggs: What a fabric! Finally we can breathe.
Luis Polonia: Cotton is king.
Paul O'Neill: I never dreamed anything could be so soft and fluffy.

But the cotton uniforms shrunk, leaving the Yankees "running like penguins," and then George wore an authentic Babe Ruth jersey and wiped strawberry-stained hands on it in an attempt to get fired. Unfortunately for George, Steinbrenner has no problem with it, saying the team's gotta "tear down the past" and that Ruth was "nothing more than a fat old man, with little-girl legs."

Remember when Kramer claims he saw Joe DiMaggio and when he brushed back Mickey Mantle at a Fantasy Camp?

I'm sorry, did you imply that this column about nothing has gone on too long?

I don't think I like your attitude.

NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!

Bill Chuck is the creator of Billy-Ball.com and, with Jim Kaplan, is the author of the book, "Walk-Offs, Last Licks, and Final Outs - Baseball's Grand (and not so Grand) Finales," with a Foreword by Jon Miller, published by ACTA Sports, and available worldwide.

Autographed first editions are available by contacting, Bill@billy-ball.com or order directly from Acta Sports, http://www.actasports.com/detail.html?&id=3427 or from your favorite bookstore.

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Gillick perplexed by big deals

PHILADELPHIA -- The list of young players who have signed long-term contracts this season despite limited big league service time grew by another significant name Thursday, when 2007 National League Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun inked an eight-year, $45-million deal.

Braun, who debuted on May 25, 2007, gained financial security in exchange for putting off free agency for two seasons. Braun likely would've been eligible for arbitration after the 2009 season.

Cole Hamels is likely arbitration-eligible after this season as a "Super Two" player, beginning what would be four potential years of hearings. Teammate Ryan Howard started that process before this season, and was awarded $10 million, a record judgment for a first-year arbitration player.

The risks and rewards regarding locking up players to long-term contracts have been well-documented.

"I don't know why they're locking him up," general manager Pat Gillick said. "[Braun] isn't going anywhere. Eight years is a long time, no matter who it is. It might come out all right. But if the guy goes in the tank, they're sitting on a contract they can't move."

The Brewers, a small-market team, can see the value in securing their best player for the long term. The Rays also recently locked up James Shields (four years guaranteed at $11.25 million, but could be worth $38 million if the team exercises three option years from 2012-14) and Scott Kazmir (three years guaranteed for $28.5 million deal that includes a $13.5 million option for 2012.

Evan Longoria (six years/$17.5 million guaranteed, with options for $30 million in three option years) and Troy Tulowitzki (six years/$31 million, plus a $15 million option for 2014) also took security.

Gillick, who plans to retire after this season, thought these signings were indications to counter the effects of arbitration, with Howard's award possibly setting a new standard. Though they've given Chase Utley a seven-year, $85-million contract before the 2007 season, they seem to be willing to go year-to-year with Howard.

What about Hamels, the team's ace who is beginning his second full season? The lefty was disappointed this spring when the team renewed him for $500,000. Though he graduated from the same Draft class as Kazmir, he's a year behind in terms of service time.

Could the Phillies secure him now? Either way, Hamels can't become a free agent until after the 2012 season.

"At some point, we'll entertain a multiyear contract," Gillick said, without specifying how soon that might be. "We're not afraid to pay. [But] we don't need to talk extension. We've got the guy for another five years [including the rest of '08]. Maybe when I'm not here it might happen. But right now it isn't going to happen."

While Gillick isn't opposed to long-term deals when it comes to star players like Utley, he's leery of doing the same with pitchers. Despite Hamels' talent and worth, he has yet to play a full season in the big leagues.

"I'm not afraid, myself, to go year-to-year on guys," Gillick said.

For now, so might Hamels and Howard.

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A-Rod given go-ahead to begin rehab

ST. PETERSBURG -- Alex Rodriguez pushed his strained right quadriceps around the bases at an estimated 95 percent on Thursday, satisfying the Yankees that the three-time MVP will be able to play in rehab games this weekend.

Rodriguez is expected to be cleared to play in extended Spring Training games and remains on track to rejoin the Yankees on Tuesday in New York.

"You want to get better every day," Rodriguez said. "It's an injury that heals with time and right now it's just getting my confidence and getting some games in, and getting some at-bats under my belt. We'll go from there."

Rodriguez simulated his normal running movements in an afternoon workout at Tropicana Field, starting at home plate with phantom swings, legging out six singles, two doubles and going from first base to third base without trouble.

"He looked fine. I didn't see anything where he was dragging his leg," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "That's how I would expect him to run."

Rodriguez called the test "a relief," but said it was about what he expected. He has been on the disabled list since April 30 with a Grade 2 strain that has since improved markedly. He will go through a light workout Friday and would play third base on Saturday at the Yankees' Minor League complex, logging four to five at-bats.

The Yankees do not have an extended Spring Training game on Sunday, so Rodriguez would simulate that action before playing in one more game on Monday -- a final test before his possible activation on Tuesday vs. Baltimore.

"If everything comes out fine, it's very realistic," Girardi said. "We're being very cautious, because if you have a setback now, you're talking about four weeks."

The Yankees' main concern is the first aggressive burst Rodriguez would make after jumping out of the batter's box at game speed, which was how he aggravated the injury in Baltimore.

Rodriguez sustained the injury running out a ground ball on April 20 at Baltimore. He aggravated the quadriceps when he returned to the lineup after missing three games, and has not played since April 28.

"At some point, you've just got to trust it and go all out," Rodriguez said. "That's just the way I've always played the game. That's why I think the doctors took an extra three or four days to make sure we get this thing healed up so we can go."

In other injury updates, catcher Jorge Posada (right shoulder tendinitis) threw from as far as 75 feet on Thursday with better velocity, and Girardi said Posada is "going in the right direction." Posada remains on track to rejoin the Yankees sometime in early June.

Additionally, right-hander Jeff Karstens (strained groin) threw his final extended Spring Training tuneup on Wednesday, hurling 56 pitches in five innings. Karstens' next start will come on Monday for Class A Tampa of the Florida State League as he works toward a possible big league callup.

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Payton's slam sends O's past Red Sox

BALTIMORE -- He even takes curtain calls.

Daniel Cabrera saw a quality start turn into a victory Wednesday, when he trailed for most of the game and was redeemed by a late grand slam by Jay Payton. With the crowd cheering loudly and demanding a curtain call -- and with Payton unwilling to indulge them -- Cabrera came out and tipped his cap, congratulating himself for a 6-3 win over Boston.

"Nobody was really egging me on in the dugout to go," said Payton. "I wasn't really sure. I thought they were still celebrating the home run, but Daniel took it for me. He deserves it. He's been pitching great this year."

And for once, the numbers do him justice. Cabrera has thrown seven consecutive quality starts for the first time in his career, and the Orioles are 7-1 with one suspended game when he starts. And perhaps more importantly, the hulking right-hander managed to pitch well against his hard-hitting nemesis, the defending World Series champions.

Cabrera came into the game with some unsightly numbers against the Red Sox, a team that had battered him to the tune of a 1-9 record and a 7.84 ERA. Boston reached him for 10 hits Wednesday, but Cabrera (4-1) got three double plays. The road team scored in the first inning and didn't score again until notching solo home runs in the fifth and sixth.

And Cabrera, who had dominated Kansas City in his last start, said he felt more gratified by his latest win.

"This feels better, because we won against a hard team for me to pitch [against]," he said. "It's always a big challenge against Boston, because I've been struggling against [them] for all my life. I'm just happy we could get this win today."

Baltimore's starter pitched off his fastball for most of the game, taking advantage of his opponent's aggressiveness. Two of Cabrera's three double plays ended an inning, and the victory was his first positive result against Boston since 2005. And by the end, it was only fitting that he took the team's first curtain call of the season.

"I think he's pitched right in to what the philosophy of the team is," said Baltimore manager Dave Trembley. "Don't snap. Don't crack. Believe in what you got and go get it. Keep after it. Don't change anything [and] keep your poise."

"He's awesome," added second baseman Brian Roberts. "I think that's the guy we all expected him to be. I've told people many times [that] things click for different people at different times. Sometimes it clicks for guys in the first year, sometimes in the fourth. And that's not an knock on anybody, because I probably did a lot of the same things."

Boston catcher Jason Varitek came through with the first of the two homers -- a drive to center field -- and third baseman Mike Lowell followed suit in the sixth to give the Red Sox (24-19) a three-run lead. That looked like it may be enough for starter Jon Lester, who shut the Orioles (21-19) out for five innings before finally running into trouble in the sixth.

Lester gave up hits to the first two batters he faced in that inning, and Baltimore's first run came home on a groundout. Right fielder Nick Markakis singled to send the second run home, and Lester got two strikeouts to end the threat. The Orioles had also threatened in the fourth, but Manny Ramirez made a tremendous catch to keep them scoreless.

With one out and two men on base, Ramirez made a leaping over-the-shoulder catch at the wall. And as if that wasn't enough, he bounded up the wall, slapped hands with a spectator in the crowd and threw the ball back to the cutoff man. Dustin Pedroia, Boston's second baseman, took the relay and threw to first in time for a rally-killing double play.

"More times than not, that takes the wind right out of your sail," said Trembley, referring to the catch and probing his team's fragile psyche. "And you go, 'OK, here we go again.' You don't see that with these guys. You don't see it. They keep coming at it. They're going to keep coming at you. It's fun. That's what 40 games have been to me. It's been fun."

Baltimore loaded the bases in the eighth, thanks to a two-out hit by catcher Guillermo Quiroz and a walk drawn by Roberts. Boston went to southpaw reliever Hideki Okajima in that tight spot, but Payton drilled a hard liner over the left-field fence. That set the Camden Yards crowd into hysterics, and it took Cabrera doffing his cap to calm them down.

"Last year, when we played the Red Sox and even the Yankees, I think we were outnumbered at home," said Payton. "The last couple days have been nice. We dominated the crowd today, so I think that was a good thing for the fans."

"We have to earn the respect and get back people on board here," added Trembley. "People have every reason to jump ship or to feel the way they do, because for a long time here, it hasn't worked out the way they wanted.

"But all I'm asking is for people to give us a chance, and we're going to do everything we can to make sure we play it right, do it right, and earn what we get. I think the players understand that, too. They don't want it given to them."

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