Lopez decides to retire after being cut  —  Veteran catcher told he won't be part of Opening Day roster  —  VIERA, Fla. — Javy Lopez's dream to return to the Braves was crushed early Saturday morning, when he learned that he wouldn't be part of their Opening Day roster.

Cabrera set to ink Tigers' biggest pact: $153.3 million … KISSIMMEE, Florida — Miguel Cabrera and the Detroit Tigers reached a preliminary agreement Saturday on an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension, a source close to Cabrera told ESPNdeportes.com on condition of anonymity.

Red Sox compete in Far East division  —  TOKYO - They did everything to make it feel like home.  Played the theme song from “Cheers” and sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and subjected the poor locals to “Sweet Caroline” in the eighth inning.  Were this anywhere but Japan …

Niemann sent down to Triple-A Durham  —  Leaves Rays with four options to fill three spots in rotation  —  ST. PETERSBURG — Jeff Niemann has been optioned to Triple-A Durham, leaving four pitchers to fill three slots in the Rays' starting rotation.  —  “I felt like I threw the ball pretty well …

Sky's the limit for Ramirez  —  TOKYO - It was quite likely with a glint in his eye that Sean Casey leaned in and made the suggestion.  What about 800?  He wasn't serious, not really.  But with Manny Ramírez predicting 600 home runs for his career, then 700, where else was the next place to look?

Cantu, Wood the winners  —  Looks like the Marlins have themselves a new third baseman.  Jorge Cantu is the guy after the Marlins placed Jose Castillo on waivers and didn't pull him back when the Giants claimed him.  —  As recently as a week ago I think the Marlins were giving serious thought to carrying both Cantu and Castillo.

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.

Wells, Nearing 45, Is Not Ready to Walk Away  —  He's 44, and will be 45 seven weeks into the season; he's chubby, always has been, and he's a free spirit and outspoken.  He's also unemployed.  —  Teams are always complaining that they can't find enough pitching.  David Wells can presumably still pitch.

Morgan Ensberg's $5,000 Pitch for No. 14  —  Morgan Ensberg wants to wear No. 14 with the Yankees so badly that he offered his teammate Wilson Betemit $5,000, but Betemit would not relinquish it.  —  “Tough league,” Ensberg said.  —  Because Ensberg has decided that he does not want to wear No. 21 …

RAGGEDY ANDY  —  BACK SPASMS FORCE PETTITTE TO MISS START  —  Andy Pettitte's rocky spring hit another pothole today when he was scratched from a start for the second time in 10 days.  And while the veteran pitcher and club brass sincerely believe back spasms won't keep him from hurling …

Indians break out big lumber vs. Mets  —  Starter Lee allows four hits in five scoreless innings  —  INDIANS 5, METS 2  —  Indians at the plate: The Indians got homer-happy against Oliver Perez on this gloomy, rain-filled afternoon, in which the game was called after seven innings.

Breaking news: Pettitte being skipped  —  LHP Andy Pettitte (back spasms) will not pitch today.  But the Yankees are hopeful he will make his start on Thursday and be ready for Game 2 against Toronto in the Bronx on April 2.  —  Pettitte had been scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game today.

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.