It looks like Toronto manager John Gibbons wins the war of words (and punches) with Shea Hillenbrand from a year ago. Hillenbrand, hitting .246 with three homers, is wearing out his welcome with another team rapidly, this time the Angels. He could be released when the Angels activate Maicer Izturis this week. … Orioles owner Peter Angelos long has steered away from Scott Boras clients but took Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters with the fifth overall pick this year — a move that some believe will be a prelude to an attempt to acquire the Rangers’ Mark Teixeira, another Boras client. He’s from nearby Severna Park, Md., and would be an ideal fit for Camden Yards. … The Red Sox were close to putting cancer survivor Jon Lester in their rotation before he got knocked out in the third inning last weekend in Triple A. They decided to give him a little longer at Pawtucket, but he should replace Julian Tavarez in the rotation before July. … When Giants rookie Tim Lincecum lost to Toronto, it marked the first time in 21 pro starts he had suffered a loss. He had been a combined 8-0 at four different levels. He wouldn’t have lasted until the 10th pick if he stood 6 feet 5 inches rather than 5-11. … Nothing has hurt the Reds more in recent years than the failed investment in left-hander Eric Milton. They signed him to a three-year deal after his 14-6 season with Philadelphia in 2004 and watched in amazement as he turned into a batting-practice pitcher. Milton, who always was battling injuries, compiled a 5.83 ERA over 66 starts, earning $1.59 million for each of his 16 victories with the Reds. He had elbow reconstructive surgery last Friday and will look to sign a make-good deal elsewhere. … Two veterans who are edgy about their playing time — the Pirates’ Jack Wilson and the Dodgers’ Nomar Garciaparra. Jose Castillo has become a favorite of Pittsburgh manager Jim Tracy. Garciaparra had only one homer in 238 at-bats entering the weekend, which is why he could wind up platooning with James Loney, who hit .380 at Las Vegas last year. … Astros pitchers will miss shortstop Adam Everett, who suffered a broken leg when Carlos Lee undercut him as he went back on a shallow fly Thursday. It’s another sign the Brewers, Cardinals or Cubs could win the Central with 85 victories.
