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.

Two deaths in the Yankee family  —  Johnny Blanchard, a Yankee from 1955-65, passed away today.  He was 76.  —  Blanchard played in five World Series, helping the Yankees win two of them.  He was an outfielder and catcher.  —  The Yankees also lost Arthur Richman, the team's senior advisor of media relations.

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 …

Nixon released, Gamel optioned  —  By Anthony Witrado of the Journal Sentinel  —  Phoenix - Outfielder Trot Nixon was released this morning, a move that had manager Ken Macha a bit emotional - no tears, but some heartfelt words for a guy he considers a friend.

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.”

KC wants Ponson to be under pressure  —  Club switches plan, will start righty against Mariners on Thursday  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Hang on.  There's a change of plans for Royals pitcher Sidney Ponson.  —  Now Ponson is scheduled to face the Mariners on Thursday afternoon …

At least the bullpen seems OK  —  Before Oliver Perez imploded again today, the bullpen trio of Frankie Rodriguez, J.J. Putz and Sean Green had a tuneup on Field 4.  School was in session as the Mets' front office had dozens of their low-level minor leaguers camped out behind the backstop to watch and learn.

Curt Shilling: Done With Baseball, Focused on MMO  —  Former Red Sox pitcher talks about his game studio and MMO at GamesBeat.  —  Following the announcement of his retirement from baseball yesterday, former Red Sox pitcher Curt Shilling spoke at the GamesBeat game conference in San Francisco about his next venture, 38 Studios.

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 …

Tabata's wife arrested on kidnapping charge  —  JOHN PERROTTO  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. _ The wife of Pirates outfield prospect Jose Tabata has been arrested for kidnapping a 2-month-old girl in Plant City, Fla.  —  Amaila Tabata Pereira was found with 10-pound Sandra Cruz-Francisco standing …

Rays Won't Rush Price's Young Arm  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Headphones hanging around his neck and iPod in hand, David Price tossed his duffel bag back into the hold of the Tampa Bay Rays' bus here last week.  It was still early in the wet afternoon — Price had not even changed …

Baez ruled out of rotation competition  —  Trembley tells RHP that if he makes the team, it will be out of the bullpen  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Then, there were five.  —  The Orioles continued to whittle down the candidates for their rotation Wednesday, informing Danys Baez that if he makes the team …

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.

Lackey will skip next start  —  John Lackey is the latest Angels starter to experience a physical ailment this spring.  Lackey will not pitch Friday as scheduled after feeling some tightness in his forearm.  —  According to Angels manager Mike Scioscia, the problem is not serious and Lackey …

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.

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.

Final: Red Sox 2, Reds 1  —  IT'S OVER (3:27, END 9, 2-1 RED SOX)  —  The Red Sox scored two in the ninth and notched a comeback victory at Ed Smith Stadium.  —  BUCHHOLZ OUT, PAPELBON IN (2:35, BOT 7, 1-0 REDS)  —  Jonathan Papelbon has replaced Buchholz.