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.