Freddy Garcia assigned to minor-league camp  —  Mets assistant GM John Ricco just informed us that Freddy Garcia, who was fighting a losing battle with Livan Hernandez in the competition for the No. 5 starter role, has accepted an assignment to minor-league camp.

Terrible news  —  I want to let all of THT's readers know that one of our most prolific writers and favorite people, John Brattain, just passed away.  —  Many of us got to know John through the Baseball Think Factory, where his good humor was always on display.

Audi Becomes Official Luxury Vehicle of the Yankees  —  Audi today announced that the brand is now the official luxury vehicle of the New York Yankees.  The new relationship also includes the naming of the Audi Yankees Club, an exclusive viewing location and membership restaurant, located on the H&R Block Suite Level in left field.

Mike Piazza: The Back Acne Was The Least Of It  —  This is a new weekly column from Leitch.  It has words, and pictures.  It's called Ten Humans Of The Week.  It might or might not work.  But here it is.  —  There has been a lot of talk this week about Mike Piazza, from Murray …

George Kell, former Detroit Tigers broadcaster, dies at 86  —  LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — George Kell, a Hall of Fame third baseman who outdueled Ted Williams for the 1949 American League batting title and became a Detroit Tigers broadcaster for nearly 40 years, died Tuesday.  He was 86.

Yanks, A-Rod discussed tabloid antics … Top Yankees officials are apparently giving Alex Rodriguez a pass on his latest appearance in the tabloids, but they were annoyed and concerned enough about his extracurricular activities and a spate of often unflattering celebrity news stories …

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Jose Tabata's wife suspect in baby kidnap  —  PLANT CITY, Fla. — A 2-month-old is back in the arms of her parents and the wife of a top Pittsburgh Pirates minor league prospect is suspected of taking the infant from a health clinic outside Tampa, authorities said Tuesday.

Danks looks to future for long-term deal  —  Pitcher advised that recent offer was not ‘at the right time’  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Back in January, the possibility of signing a multiyear deal with the White Sox was broached to 23-year-old starter John Danks.

Girardi got it wrong in right (field)  —  SICK AS THE PROVERBIAL CANINE  —  ...And no one throws me any bones.  No sooner do I wake from what was essentially a 48-hour rehabilitation siesta, then I read Pete Abraham and other published reports saying: … Hitting through Sunday: Nady is batting .244/.262/.488.

Jeter returns from WBC, cheered in Yanks' win … TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Derek Jeter rejoined the New York Yankees from the World Baseball Classic and was in the starting lineup at shortstop for Tuesday night's game against Boston.  —  Jeter received a loud ovation from fans at George M. Steinbrenner Field …

Stan Kasten Discusses Nationals' Plans and Expectations  —  The transcript follows.  —  Stan Kasten: Hi there, everyone.  I'm happy to have this opportunity to speak with all of you.  I always enjoy having the opportunity to chat with fans, whether in person or online.

170,000 tickets sold Tuesday  —  The Yankees put individual game tickets on sale for the first season of their new ballpark and said they had sold 170,000 by midday Tuesday.  —  Yankees chief operating Lonn Trost said the sale began with full-season equivalents at just under 36,000 for the 52,000-capacity ballpark.

Rockies Recap: Cubs rough up Smith, bullpen  —  Cubs 9, Rockies 8  —  At the plate: In his first game back from the WBC, Chris Iannetta didn't miss a beat.  Iannetta went 2-for-4 with an RBI single.  —  “I think when I left I was a little jumpy at the plate,” he said.

Blue Jays Rotation: And Then There Were Three  —  As promised yesterday by Cito Gaston, the tussle for the 4-5 rotation spots became a little clearer this morning when non-roster, rehabbing right-hander Matt Clement was sent to minor-league camp for assignment.

World Baseball Classic memories  —  This wasn't a game for words.  Monday's World Baseball Classic finale was a game for the senses: for video and, even more so, for audio.  If I had brought a recording device and just been able to play for you the sounds of the game this morning …

Astros Announcer's Dad Gets His Moves From Joe Namath  —  There are acceptable ways of ending an interview.  A handshake is the customary move, but even a simple nod and thank you can suffice.  Asking for a kiss on the lips, however, probably isn't the best move (as Joe Namath demonstrated in 2003).

Competitions won't end on April 6  —  Obsessed with who'll be the Yanks' starting CF on April 6?  Don't be.  Ken Rosenthal says battles like this won't end on Opening Day.

What does Bill James think of the Astros?  I'm glad you asked  —  OK, I'll cut right to the chase.  Bill James is a genius.  A lot of people say the same thing about me, but that's not important now.  Today we're discussing Bill James.  His statistical analysis has changed professional sports forever.