Greg Maddux committed his first balk since Sept. 2, 2000 in his last start? Maddux had 22 balks in his first five seasons, but only five balks since.

Preston Gomez, Angels' special assistant to the general manager, is slowly pulling through after suffering a fractured skull in spring training. He is alert, responsive, and is ready to start talking again.

It was so windy at Wrigley Field Wednesday that the Cubs took down the ceremonial flags for Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo, along with the center-field pennants signifying the National League's divisional standings.

White Sox slugger Jim Thome ended his 43 at-bat homerless drought, and has 510 homers, just one shy of Mel Ott (511) for 21st place on the all-time list. Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews have 512.