Ned Yost might argue like his mentor, Bobby Cox, but he hasn't won like him. Al Tielemans/SI

Three more managers besides McLaren who could be under fire ...

1. Ned Yost, Brewers. Oddly enough, Milwaukee didn't announce that it picked up Yost's extension after last season. Yost seemed to implode the last week of the season when he was tossed out of three games (looks like he picked up mentor Bobby Cox's worst habit), and now his young team is off to an uneven start. He seems well supported by his bosses, though, perhaps more than he should be.

2. Ron Washington, Rangers. He appeared to be in some jeopardy early. But considering this is only his second season in Texas, in fairness it's too early to consider a change. Plus, the team has rallied strongly in recent weeks. The best of their pitchers won't be ready for at least a year, maybe more.

3. Willie Randolph, Mets. The Mets are only 76-75 since June 1 of last year, and the heat is definitely on -- though the two-game sweep of the Yankees has to be a major relief. He's getting surprising heat from the fans while Mets bosses were expecting more, as well. But the guess is, he still gets the year. Would the Mets have allowed him to be an All-Star coach at Yankee Stadium if they planned to fire him before then?

Around the Majors

• The Padres could be the first team dead and buried now. If Jake Peavy's elbow issue keeps him out (he's only said to have to miss one start so far, Monday's start), that could be their death knell.

• Good for the Astros that they lead the majors in come-from-behind wins. But their pitching is questionable to begin with, and now there's concern now for ace Roy Oswalt, who left his last start with what was thought to be groin pain but was late determined to be hip pain.

• And now the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that John Smoltz may not be back in late May, after all. There seems to be an epidemic involving star right handers in the NL.

• Though it obviously hasn't gotten to Brandon Webb, who's an amazing 9-0.

• I can't decide on Shawn Chacon. That could be because he's started nine games, and gotten a no-decision in all nine.

• That Yankee lineup without Alex Rodriguez and Jorge Posada is a last-place lineup. And a Golden Thong isn't going to change that.

• All that focus on the Mets lately has obscured the reality that the Yankees are actually worse off. About the best thing they have going for them is that the wild card may not require 90 wins. And that they've started like this before, and made it back to the playoffs.

• As if Carlos Delgado (.230) isn't having enough troubles, he doesn't need umpire Bob Davidson taking away a home run from him. Davidson, who's always sure of himself but often wrong, over-ruled third-base umpire Mike Reilly, who originally made the correct home-run call on Delgado's drive that ricocheted off the foul side of the left-field foul pole.

• How is it hat beefy Livan Hernandez is indestructible and a workhorse while brother Orlando, who outworks everyone, is always hurt?

• Boston's offense is pretty awesome. At .295 now, they are at least 24 points better than everyone else.

• Is there a player more under appreciated than Kevin Youkilis (.329 batting average, .605 slugging), who's almost as great at first base and third base as he is in the batters' box?

• Manny being Manny is all good now. That high-five Ramirez gave to a fan at Camden Yards before completing a double play was a thing of beauty.

• Incidentally, I see nothing wrong with A-Rod taping a congratulatory call to Manny for homer No. 500.

• Freddy Garcia will throw off a mound this week. The rehabbing pitcher (shoulder) has drawn interested from the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and several other teams.

• It's uncertain whether Ken Griffey Jr. would agree to waive his no-trade clause, but one scout says, "He'd be better off as a DH. He's below average in the outfield now.''

• It's not even June, and I'm Joe Morgan'ed out already.