Scott Boras would "modernize" World Series

If Scott Boras had his way (and, let's face it, he gets his way all too often), he'd change the structure of the World Series.

"I'd modernize it, make it five out of nine games, with the first two in a neutral city. Announce the MVP and Cy Young awards at a gala held between the playoffs and a new World Series weekend. Move the home-run contest from the All-Star game to that week too.

"The gala and home-run derby would lead to Game 1 of the Series on Saturday, with Game 2 on Sunday. Then the Series would go on with the final seven games in the Series teams' cities. This way, different places get part of the Series. I want the World Series in Pittsburgh, Texas, Seattle. Teams in those markets would sell more season tickets. World Series weekend would be a major stage for corporate events; it could advance the game to the next level."

The economics of the game heavily favor the big spenders over the small-market teams despite the occasional exception to the rule like the Rays last year.

So, I love the idea. That being said, I still hate Boras.

The Hot Corner, 5/6 (PM) edition

Hey. Today is the 78th birthday of Willie "Say Hey" Mays.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says: "No Pedro, not right now. That's Kenny's decision, but right now that's not on my mind.''

When asked about the possibility of replacing Jim Thome with Barry Bonds if Thome's heel injury was serious, White Sox GM Kenny Williams responded via e-mail: "No." As we've seen with Brett Favre, "no" doesn't always mean "no."

Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb won't play catch for at least 10 days and his earliest return would be early June.

The Seattle Mariners have placed Shawn Kelley on the 15-day DL and recalled Garrett Olson.

Giants pitcher Randy Johnson, who is 19-7 all-time against Colorado, is seeking his 298th win tonight.

Marlins pitcher Andrew Miller feels good after first rehab start. “That’s what you want to get out of the first one, make sure you feel healthy,” Miller said. “I was able to accomplish that today. I was able to, once I got settled in, kind of pitch a little bit.”

Angels pitchers Ervin Santana and John Lackey had good back-to-back rehab starts: Santana in Class-A and Lackey in Triple-AAA. Both could be back next week.

The Twins have optioned Alexei Casilla and recalled Matt Tolbert.

Tom Ricketts' $900 million purchase of the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field and a 25-percent stake in Comcast SportsNet Chicago is "proceeding slowly, but proceeding."

A-Rod slides for first time

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be back on Friday. Unless he won't.

Initially, it was expected that A-Rod would make a return this Friday at Baltimore. But it's not "100 percent" certain.

Manager Joe Girardi said: "I'm not going to say 100 percent he's not going to be here -- or he is going to be here."

For the first time, Rodriguez slid during an extended spring training game. And he says "the slide was good...I feel good."

Rodriguez is scheduled to play six innings tomorrow.

The Hot Corner, 5/6 (AM) edition

The Brewers own the Pirates. Not since the Orioles beat the Royals 23 straight games from 1969-1970 has a team dominated another like the Brewers have with their 17th consecutive win over the Pirates.

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He'll be replaced by Francisco Cervelli on the active roster.

Boston Red Sox CF Jacoby Ellsbury left Tuesday's game in the fourth inning with tightness in his right hamstring.

Tigers Clete Thomas, in his first game this year, and Miguel Cabrera were each one hit shy of the cycle yesterday. Thomas needed a homer and Cabrera a triple.

The Dodgers tied the best home start ever with their 12th straight home win. The Tigers did it in 1911 as well.

Can Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay give the bullpen some rest tonight as they struggle a bit of late?

The Reds had five shutouts this season before last night's game. Now, they have six.

Phillies ace Cole Hamels, who says he's ready to pitch on Friday, puts his recent injuries in perspective. "I'd rather have these sort of injuries than, say, take one off the face, blowing your arm out, or blowing your knee out," he said. "I only missed one start, and I didn't have to go on the disabled list."

Giants reliever Merklin Valdez is now the primary set-up man (over Bobby Howry) per the San Francisco Chronicle.

Will Evan Longoria, last week's A.L. player of the week, struggle tonight against A.J. Burnett? As ESPN's Tristan H. Cockcroft points out, Longoria is 2-for-13 against Burnett with seven strikeouts.