PINKY WOE NO WORRY FOR JETER  —  Of course, he was fine.  Isn't he always?  —  After Derek Jeter was lifted in the third inning of last night's 4-2 exhibition win over the Marlins, the question was why.  —  “During batting practice a ground ball nipped his finger, the right pinky …

El Duque might start season on DL  —  MEMPHIS - Mets officials appeared to be leaning toward placing Orlando Hernandez on the DL to start the season, paving the way for Mike Pelfrey to make at least two starts, the first opposite Tom Glavine on Saturday in Atlanta, the Daily News has learned.

Dodgers' Pierre isn't happy about situation  —  Veteran outfielder, who will learn today whether he has lost starting job in left to Ethier, says he doesn't get management's thinking.  —  Juan Pierre will meet with Manager Joe Torre before the Dodgers' exhibition finale against the Boston Red Sox today …

Giants cut veterans Alfonzo, Kline  —  Roster spots likely to be filled by young relievers  —  SAN FRANCISCO — The Giants jettisoned a pair of veterans on Saturday, optioning catcher Eliezer Alfonzo to Triple-A Fresno and designating left-hander Steve Kline for assignment in a move that will officially be announced Sunday.

To Be Dealt: Bay, Nady, Marte, Morris, Wilson  —  A short but sweet article came out in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette this morning detailing the Pirates' five main trade candidates.  No new or surprising names appear on the list but it's a handy roundup for those not up to date on their Bucco news.

Ozzie reveals Opening Day lineup  —  Uribe to play second, Swisher to lead off against Sabathia  —  MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ozzie Guillen never has been one to hide the truth from White Sox fans, the media covering the team or anyone else in the general vicinity when he is holding court.

Brian Cashman answers your questions  —  We've had a lot of fun with the reader Q&A feature on the blog but this one is special.  —  We put the word out for questions for Brian Cashman last week and a record 512 e-mails came into blog headquarters from around the world.

THE WRIGHT THING TO DO  —  WHY DAVID CUT DOWN ENDORSEMENT DEALS  —  March 30, 2008 — SO THAT the Mets can say yes to the postseason this season, David Wright has been saying no.  —  Wright, 25, cut back on many possible endorsement deals and promotional activities this year …

Could go either way  —  Whether it's boom or bust, this season likely will be Sheets' last with Brewers  —  When Ben Sheets takes the mound Monday afternoon at Wrigley Field, he will be making his sixth opening day start for the Milwaukee Brewers.  —  And, in all likelihood, his last.

Angels' closer Rodriguez to wait on negotiation talks  —  ANAHEIM - Opening Day might be a point of no return for the Angels and closer Francisco Rodriguez, but neither side is willing to say so at this point.  —  Rodriguez can become a free agent after this season and has made it known he expects to test the market.

That sinking feeling  —  Experts agree that the O's will be mighty bad but that they won't match the depths of the '88 team  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The Orioles continue to recite the mantra of a rebuilding team, whether it's done inside the brick walls of the B&O Warehouse or the cramped offices …

20th Century gone, but 21st wide open for Cubs  —  Cubs not guaranteed a World Series title, but anything possible by the year 2108  —  When (and if) the Cubs win the World Series before another 100 years of Major League Baseball passes, Chicago-area futurist Ann Feeney believes local spirits might …

The First Game  —  If you hung around New Nationals Park a good 25 minutes after tonight's First Game by Our Washington Nationals—you would have enjoyed one of best moments of the entire evening.  A test for what's coming tomorrow on Opening Night— A FABULOUS FIREWORKS DISPLAY.  Yes, Bang!!

Deep Inside the Big Ballyard in the Bronx  —  The Yankees' second baseman is named for the Brooklyn Dodgers' second baseman, the man who stole home at Yankee Stadium in the first game of the 1955 World Series.  Where Jackie Robinson once slid, Robinson Canó now hits.  —  It is not only Canó, of course.