Era

Baseball Baltimore Orioles -- Traded IF Rene Gonzales (.214, 1 HR, 12 RBI 48 games) to Toronto Blue Jays for P Rob Blumberg (13-4, 2.16 ERA with Class A Myrtle Beach) and assigned him to Class AA Hagerstown.Cleveland Indians -- Signed C Joel Skinner (.252, 2 HRs, 16 RBI) to three-year contract ($550,000 this year, $700,000 in 1992 and $750,000 in 1993). He made $280,000 last season.Detroit Tigers -- Signed free-agent P John Cerutti (9-9, 4.76 ERA with Toronto) to one-year contract for $800,000.

Orioles closer Jim Johnson has been named Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Month for May, given every month to the top reliever in the game.   He becomes the first Orioles pitcher to win the award since it was first given out in 2005. Johnson converted all nine saves in May, pitching to a 1.42 ERA in 12 2/3 innings.  Johnson, who is tied for the AL lead with 17 saves this season, has converted his past 25 save opprtunities dating back to last season. On the season, Johnson has allowed just 2 earned runs in 12 innings, pitching to a 0.78 ERA.

The Baltimore Orioles avoided salary arbitration with pitcher John Parrish, signing the lefthander to a one-year, $615,000 contract Thursday. Parrish, 27, went 6-3 with one save and a 3.46 ERA in 56 games in 2004. After posting a 5.65 ERA in April, he compiled a 2.93 ERA over his final 47 outings beginning in May. Parrish is the last of the Orioles' eight arbitration-eligible players to agree to terms. February 18, 2005, 3:25 PM EST

TWINS: Minnesota has been outscored 51-8 in the seventh inning. . . . Minnesota pitchers have a 6.33 home ERA and have allowed 26 homers at the Metrodome.

Quote: "Right now, we think we can beat anybody. I think it just takes awhile to prove to the fans and especially the media that we're for real." - Chicago pitcher Jim Parque on comments about the White Sox a "fluke." It's a fact: The Indians failed to homer yesterday for the first time in 20 games. Who's hot: Pedro Martinez's 1.19 ERA is a major part of the Red Sox' 3.55 team ERA, which leads both leagues. Boston has not led the majors in ERA since 1914. Who's not: Mariners reliever Jose Mesa has had a tough May, allowing 15 earned runs in 11 1/3 innings for an 11.91 ERA. On deck: The hot White Sox will play 19 of 29 games after Aug.30 at Comiskey Park.

GAME 1 New York (Mussina, 2-0, 1.38 ERA) at Arizona (Schilling, 3-0, 0.67 ERA) 7:30 p.m. today GAME 2 New York (Pettitte, 2-1, 2.18 ERA) at Arizona (Johnson, 2-1, 1.88 ERA) 7:30 p.m. tomorrow GAME 3 Arizona at New York 8 p.m. Tuesday GAME 4 Arizona at New York 8 p.m. Wednesday GAME 5* Arizona at New York 8 p.m. Thursday GAME 6* New York at Arizona 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 GAME 7* New York at Arizona 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 TV: Chs 45, 5 * if necessary

The Orioles claimed lefthanded pitcher Brian Burres off waivers today from the San Francisco Giants. Burres, 24, went 9-6 with a 4.20 ERA in 26 games for Double-A Norwich in 2005. He went 5-2 with a 2.11 ERA in 11 games in May and June. Burres was selected by the Giants in the 31st round of the 2000 First Year Player Draft. He was named to the California League All-Star team in 2004, going 12-1 and leading the league with a 2.84 ERA. Burres has spent 5 seasons in the minor leagues and compiled a 32-21 record with a 3.84 ERA. January 6, 2006, 5:21 PM EST

May 17, 1984: The Orioles released Hall-of-Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, who was 0-3 with a 9.17 ERA on the season.

Astros: Houston is a major-league-best 78-0 when leading after eight innings. Expos: This was Montreal's first doubleheader of the season. Pirates: Kris Benson, who leads NL rookies in ERA, innings pitched and strikeouts, is 1-5 in his past five starts despite a 3.73 ERA. Kevin Young is batting .421 against the Astros this season (16-for-38).