Brown down. How now Brown? Brown frown.

[cubfan33]

No big speech, but this one's for the troops. The ones really
fighting, really putting it on the line, really being sent out to
protect oil and gas pipelines …

The big scary injury of the day was KEVIN BROWN. Once again, that
surgically repaired elbow pulled up short and Brown came out in the
first inning. Publicly, the Dodgers are saying nothing, but it
looked much more painful to Brown that it did the last time this
happened. He will be examined tomorrow as the team returns to Los
Angeles. Dan Evans is looking very smart for keeping OMAR DAAL
around.

ANDY PETTITTE made his second rehab start and this one wasn't as
positive. His planned 60 pitch outing was called off at 34 due to
what Pettitte called "fatigue." Sources indicate that muscle
weakness rather than muscle weariness may be more accurate. Pettitte
remains on his rehab plan, but owners should be watching his next
outing closely and preparing plan B.

Medical miracles never cease. Less than forty-eight hours after
elbow surgery, RICH AURILIA played catch at the BOB with team
trainer Stan Conte. Aurilia will likely hit off a tee by Tuesday and
a return from the DL on his eligibility (June 7th) may be in the
offing.

MATT MANTEI's return hit a roadblock during his time in Triple A
Tucson. Mantei was shut down after new pain in his elbow and will
rest for one week before resuming his rehab. At best, Mantei is
looking to mid-June rather than late May.

A trio of Tigers is healing and should be back in Comerica soon.
BRANDON INGE should be the first to return after a "separated
shoulder." Inge is reported to be getting his starting spot back
despite never having hit well at any level. DANNY PATTERSON should
be activated later this week and would be an immediate boost to the
aching Tiger pen, but unless he fixes his mechanics and quits
throwing the "Vulcan change" it is just a matter of time before he's
back in UTK. DAMION EASLEY has started his rehab assignment and
reports are he's doing well and should be back in two weeks.

The Brewers pen gets boosts when CURTIS "Don't Panic" LESKANIC and
CHAD FOX return in the next few weeks. Both are finishing up rehab
assignments and have thrown well. Those aching for saves might look
at these two, but a team has to win to get saves so any Brewer can't
be much help.

Lightning round of activations – DAVID ECKSTEIN wasn't on the DL,
but should return Tuesday after spraining his knee. PHIL NEVIN
returns to first base, moving RYAN KLESKO back to right field … or
some rumors have Nevin going to third once he shows he can make the
throw with SEAN BURROUGHS being sent down. CORY LIDLE returns for
the A's on Saturday. AARON HARANG will get another start before then
to try to save his spot in the rotation. WILSON ALVAREZ returns for
the Devil Rays and I'm sure that the two rabid Devil Rays fans in
the world are going wild at the prospect.

Quit asking. TIM HUDSON is not injured. He's just pitching poorly
and the team behind him isn't helping much.

FRANK CATALANOTTO took BP this weekend, but will likely not be
activated until next week with groin, back, and knee ailments. There
are rampant trade rumors all over the Rangers, so taking their time
with The Cat makes sense.

DENNY NEAGLE and BRETT TOMKO were both struck with comebackers this
week, but neither should miss a start. I knew a pitcher in college
that wore soccer style shin pads. Always seemed to make some sense.

FERNANDO VINA left today's game after getting plunked. He'd hit a
grand slam earlier in the game. He won't miss any time, but he may
get a "scheduled day off" according to He Who Can Not Be Named.

Bobby Valentine is a moron. The only reason you bring up plunking
ROGER CLEMENS is so that you have an excuse for not doing it. Big
Bad Bob Watson should suspend Bobby V on principle. The mustache
thing after getting tossed a couple years ago sums up Valentine so
well.

KELLY STINNETT was sent on a rehab assignment in order to buy time
for the Reds to figure out their roster. With a glut of good
outfielders, a popular and overpaid first baseman, three catchers,
and a pitching staff of retreads and ragarms held together by baling
wire and Don Gullett, there could be some interesting deals coming
out of Cincy.

TODD HUNDLEY is in Iowa as his rehab progresses. The Cubs have been
on the edge of significant decisions about their roster about three
times now and had fortuitous injuries. RON MAHAY's injury kept the
discussion about DELINO DESHIELDS from getting nasty, but Hundley's
imminent return will make some decisions necessary.

DAVE MLICKI strained a … yes, an oblique. He will be out as long as
a month, which happens just as WADE MILLER returns. TIM REDDING
keeps his rotation slot and Mlicki will likely not return to
the `Stros until after the ASG with rehab time.

Be sure to check tomorrow's weekly update on FOXSports.com and
expect a flash mid-day updating Kevin Brown. Until then, be sure to
check us out on Netshrine.com and check out some great discussion
about the effects of revenue sharing and a proposed salary cap,
Shawn Green's great weekend, and what should qualify for the Hall of
Fame. I'll be over there making my opinion known ...