1.   And batting practice!

2.   ANAHEIM - Angels reliever Kent Mercker had just entered the clubhouse after batting practice Saturday afternoon when a reporter asked him if there was anything special about the day.

3.   Before batting practice Wednesday, first baseman Will Clark made a prediction of sorts.

4.   Before batting practice, Martinez diplomatically answered three questions about Benitez.

5.   Beck, too, has had a couple of outings in which he seemed to be pitching batting practice.

6.   Before batting practice, Luis Sojo disclosed that Rivera had told the Yankees they would win during a rare two-minute address.

7.   Before batting practice, Johnson spoke to Dodger all-stars Kevin Brown and Gary Sheffield.

8.   Before batting practice, Luis Sojo disclosed that is what Rivera said during a two-minute address.

9.   Before batting practice, the players convened and held a frank discussion where, among others, Alex Rodriguez took turns talking.

10.   Blauser is scheduled to work out before batting practice today before the Braves make a decision.