Monday's first pitch

Leading Off
The Cardinals don't have the toughest lineup. But they do have Albert Pujols. Either way, Tony La Russa's squad couldn't come close to handling the Indians' Cliff Lee.
The reigning Cy Young winner took a no-hitter into the eighth during a dominant performance.
Despite a 4-6 record, Lee is having a strong season. He has collected a 2.88 ERA and has walked just 20 batters in 14 starts.
Regional Roundup

Have the Orioles turned a corner? And the Pirates enjoyed a wild night.

• Dave Trembly thinks the Orioles offense has shaken itself free of its prolonged slump. Also impressive was Brad Bergeson's start.


• Manny Acta's job appears to be in doubt. Jim Riggleman could replace him.


• Jim Salisbury says Jimmy Rollins should give the Phillies hope. Considering that he led the organization to the promised land, fans could treat him - and his woeful slump - with some patience.


• Dontrelle Willis couldn't find the strike zone. The Pirates capitalized. Andy Van Slyke ponders Pirate center fielders, traded and not.

Best of Rest

• Johan Santana's having problems. It starts with his velocity.


• There was almost a fight between Francisco Rodriguez and Brian Bruney before the Yankees-Mets game Sunday.


• Rafeal Furcal has turned his season around.


• How has Matt Cain's season put him in company with some Hall of Famers?


• The Angels' injury woes continue. Scot Shields is out for the year.


• Is Cecil Cooper still on the hot seat?


• The Royals swept the Reds but had to put Coco Crisp on the disabled list.

Batter's Eye

• The story of Yorvit Torrealba and his son's kidnapping is a horrific one.

Today in history
1938 -- Jimmie Foxx didn't get a chance to hit as the St. Louis Browns walked him six straight times. The Boston Red Sox won anyway, 12-8.

1991 -- Philadelphia rookie Andy Ashby struck out the side in the fourth inning against Cincinnati on nine pitches. It was the 12th time in National League history that it had been accomplished and the first time by a Phillies pitcher.

1991 -- Otis Nixon of Atlanta stole six bases against Montreal to set a modern National League record and tie the major league record set by Eddie Collins of the Philadelphia A's in 1912.

The Closer
Steroid allegations and whispers have really knocked Ivan Rodriguez' legacy. When people talk about performance enhanced players they rarely bring up Rodriguez. It's all Clemens, Bonds, Rodriguez, Sosa and McGwire. Of course, Manny has joined that list, alongside Raphael Palmiero.
But Rodriguez is a guy who was lionized as a winner when he led Florida to the 2003 World Series. And he wasn't a guy who was really known for his offense. Most of his career he was an outstanding defensive player who had a capable bat.
If that talent had been legit, he would have gone into the Hall of Fame.
However eight years into his career, his offensive numbers jumped and his name has been linked to several steroid stories since then.
In his next start, Rodriguez will replace Carlton Fisk as the player with the most games caught.
And, it seems, no one will care.