--LHP Ryan Rowland-Smith (left triceps tendinitis) threw 33 pitches in a simulated game Tuesday afternoon in Arlington, Texas. 

First-year Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik spent the winter trying to build his team's roster based on good pitching and solid defense. 

Even though All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton was sidelined for more than two weeks, the Texas Rangers surged into first place in the AL West without him. 

A clutch homer from Josh Hamilton in his first game back from the disabled list wasn't particularly surprising. 

Josh Hamilton returned from the disabled list by hitting the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning and the Texas Rangers won for the eighth time in 10 games, beating the Seattle Mariners 7-1 Tuesday night. 

Josh Hamilton looked like a player trying to shake the rust off in his first three plate appearances Tuesday night. 

May 12, 2009 (The Seattle Times delivered byNewstex) -- 

May 12, 2009 (Baseball Musings delivered byNewstex) -- 

Although his arctic start won't cause the Red Sox to panic, replacing David Ortiz would be easier than you think, Ken Rosenthal says. 

--1B Mike Sweeney was unavailable to play Sunday after a recurrence of back spasms. 

The Mariners are getting a little closer to having the bullpen they envisioned at the start of the season. 

--DH Ken Griffey Jr. 

The dish 

For the third time in four years, theIndians have one of the worst bullpens in Baseball. 

May 11, 2009 (Newsday delivered byNewstex) --BY ADAM RONIS