Deal struck to sell Stadium memorabilia  —  Demolition of old Yankees ballpark reportedly to begin in April  —  Seats, foul poles, dugouts, urinals and numerous other items from the old Yankee Stadium will be sold to fans as part of a $10 million deal between the Yankees and New York City, the New York Post reported on Wednesday.

Yankees' ‘Super-Sub’ Blanchard dies  —  Was member of five World Series teams in New York  —  Johnny Blanchard, a member of five New York Yankees World Series clubs, died Wednesday of a heart attack in Minnesota.  He was 76.  —  Nicknamed “Super-Sub,” Blanchard spent most of his career …

Kottaras's effort is eye-catching  —  He's nearly flawless in Wakefield's start  —  Against the Yankees' prospective Opening Day lineup, Tim Wakefield had his best spring outing: 5 2/3 innings, 4 hits, 1 run.  (kathy willens/Associated Press)  —  TAMPA - Tim Wakefield kept Yankees off …

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.

Willis in control, throws strikes  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — As he went to the mound at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning, Tigers left-hander Dontrelle Willis did so bolstered by encouragement from a distinguished neighbor.  —  The Tigers' spring base isn't far from the Atlanta Braves' camp …

Rockies shopping Torrealba, Baker  —  MESA, Ariz. — At this point, spring training is less about evaluation and more about shopping.  Teams generally know what their team will look like on opening day, but they are still seeking to accessorize, swapping a belt for shoes, if you will.

CLEVELAND INDIANS  —  Baseball News, Schedule, Pictures, and More  —  Left-hander Scott Lewis named fifth starter by Cleveland Indians; Aaron Laffey demoted  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — GM Mark Shapiro was't kidding when he said the Indians would name their fifth starter “sooner rather than later.”

Timing of Tigers' home opener upsets Catholics … DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers have upset some Roman Catholics who are unhappy that the club's home opener is scheduled during holy hours on Good Friday.  —  Traditional Christian belief says Jesus hung on the cross from noon to 3 p.m. on Good Friday.

Whatever you do, don't hit a grand slam  —  Jesus Montero belted a grand slam against the Pirates on March 14 and was reassigned to the minor-league camp the next day.  —  Austin Jackson belted a grand slam today and guess what happened?  He was reassigned to the minor-league camp as well.

Strasburg is on the all-time fastest track  —  Buzz up!  —  SAN DIEGO - The radar gun blinks wildly.  It's not used to this.  No one makes it strain to read out a third digit.  It looks like binary code, not the speed of a pitch from a 20-year-old kid: 101.

2009 Prospect Mine: New York Yankees  —  There is not a ton of depth in the upper levels of the system, but there are some impressive bats on the way - with one that could develop into a superstar.  The Yankees organization, though, always seems to be able to squeeze every ounce of potential …

For Mets Fans, a Menu Beyond Peanuts and Cracker Jack  —  Look for a fastball from the folks who brought you foie gras custard with quince chutney at Gramercy Tavern and capellini with flaked cod at Union Square Cafe: Mets food.  —  The long-suffering fans who smuggled picnics into Shea Stadium …

Peavy's arrival quickly spurs more rumors of his potential departure  —  TEMPE, Ariz. - As soon as Jake Peavy arrived at the Padres' spring training camp Tuesday, the rumors started.  —  The Milwaukee Brewers, who have plenty of offense and prospects but are short on pitching, are now said to be interested in Peavy.

Pena still in job hunt  —  TAMPA - Ramiro Pena has never played above Double-A, but the 23-year-old shortstop might find himself on the Yankees' Opening Day roster when the season starts on April 6.  —  Pena has thrust himself into the battle for the utility infield role, challenging Angel Berroa for the job.

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.