Around the Horn - 4/4

The Nationals had a chance to go to 4-0 yesterday, but blew a 6-1 lead to the Phillies. They would eventually lose in 10, on a bases loaded walk, 8-7.

The Pirates nipped the Braves in 10, 4-3, on Xavier Nady's RBI single. The Braves also lost Mike Hampton yet again. Hampton was originally slated to start Thursday's game, but instead ended up with a strained pectoral muscle and landed on the 15-day DL. This guy should get together with Carl Pavano.

The Cards' Brian Thompson and 3 relievers blanked the Rockies 3-0.

The Padres took 3 of 4 from the Astros, finishing it off with a 3-2 win on Thursday. Trevor Hoffman notched career save #526.

The Cubs salvaged the final game of their series with the Brewers with a 6-3 win. Kerry Wood earned his first major league save.

The Reds beat the Diamondbacks 3-2 behind rookie phenom Johnny Cueto. The 22-yr old had an MLB debut to remember - 7 innings of 1 hit ball and 10 strikeouts. He retired the first 15 batters he faced.

The Royals completed a 3 game sweep of the Tigers as Zack Grienke out pitched Jeremy Bonderman, 4-1. The Tigers loaded lineup was without Curtis Granderson for all 3 games, and Miguel Cabrera for the last one, but that still doesn't explain the complete lack of punch.

The Angels beat the Twins 5-4 to take 3 of 4 in their opening series. Torii Hunter gave his old fans a treat with his first home run of the year. K-Rod, despite a loss in velocity due to an ankle induced adjustment, picked up his 2nd save.

The White Sox managed to take the final game of their 3 game set with the Indians, 2-1. John Danks and Jake Westbrook hooked up in a good pitcher's duel, but Joe Crede was the hero with a game winning home run in the 8th.

The Rays-Orioles series finale was rained out.

The Royals are likely to be without David DeJesus this weekend due to his injured ankle. No word yet if it will land him on the DL.

The Tigers will have Miguel Cabrera back in the lineup at DH tonight after missing Thursday's game with a sore quad. Gary Sheffield ripped a tendon in his finger, but should be able to avoid the DL.

The Indians are optimistic that Victor Martinez, who left the first game of the season with a strained hamstring, will be back in at catcher tonight. He was able to pinch-hit in Thursday's game.

The Twins were expected to recall Francisco Liriano after 2 starts in the minors, but they may revamp that plan after yesterday's season debut. Liriano gave up 4 runs in 5.1 innings to Class 'A' hitters.