NETTLES BATTLING CANCER  —  Cancer has invaded the Yankees' family again.  —  Former third baseman Graig Nettles is facing April 8 prostate surgery at Manhattan's Sloan Kettering Hospital.  —  “I was diagnosed the day before Thanksgiving,” Nettles told The Post yesterday.

Pitching decisions expected Monday  —  Piniella cites the center-field race as his most pressing concern  —  TUCSON, Ariz. — Opening Day starter Carlos Zambrano tuned up against a Minor League team, Kerry Wood's next appearance was delayed and Sean Marshall made his final push for a spot on the Cubs' roster.

Lopez mulls options after being reassigned to Braves' minor league camp  —  CBSSports.com wire reports  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Javy Lopez said he may retire after being reassigned to the Atlanta Braves' minor league camp on Saturday.  —  Jo-Jo Reyes and Brandon Jones were optioned to Triple …

Manny's comments  —  Yes, yes, I know I've been promising.  So, for all of you insomniacs out there, here are a few of the notable sayings from Manny Ramirez.  —  It's actually really interesting.  He's significantly more approachable this spring.  It all started back in the playoffs last season …

PEDRO UNLEASHED  —  NO PITCH COUNT FOR HEALTHY MARTINEZ THIS SEASON  —  The Mets aren't going to coddle Pedro Martinez this season.  —  Manager Willie Randolph saw enough from the three-time Cy Young winner in his second Grapefruit League start yesterday to proclaim an end to the pitch counts that handcuffed Pedro last September.

Leyland's gut says Tigers may make a trade soon  —  CLEARWATER, Fla.—Although he stressed the Tigers didn't have any trade in place as of this morning, manager Jim Leyland said today that he has a “gut feeling” that the Tigers could make a trade for a relief pitcher in the next few days.

Versatile Hinske stays in Rays outfield mix  —  Rays manager Joe Maddon, left, says Eric Hinske, the 2002 rookie of the year with Toronto, has performed well on defense in the outfield and likes the offense his left-handed bat provides.  —  Times]  —  TAMPA — Manager Joe Maddon …

Guthrie named Opening Day starter  —  Right-hander went 7-5 with a 3.70 ERA as a rookie last season  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Orioles manager Dave Trembley named Jeremy Guthrie his Opening Day starter today, ending weeks of speculation.  —  Guthrie and veteran Steve Trachsel appeared to be the two finalists.

Inge seeing time at shortstop  —  Versatile defender eyed as possible backup if Renteria injured  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — Shortstop Edgar Renteria was held out of Friday's game against the Blue Jays in order to give his aching back another day to heal, as well as give Tigers manager Jim Leyland …

Wang will start Opening Day for Yanks  —  Right-hander coming off back-to-back 19-win seasons  —  TAMPA, Fla. — One year ago, Chien-Ming Wang got his hopes up to pitch on Opening Day before suffering both an injury and ultimate disappointment, forced to watch from a Tampa apartment as his team went north without him.