Perez's World of trouble … PORT ST. LUCIE - When is it no longer too soon to worry about Oliver Perez?  —  The answer to that $36 million question was provided Wednesday, when Jerry Manuel acknowledged he needs “to pay close attention” in the next several days to Perez, who also was deemed …

Yanks remain open to trading Melky  —  Gardner's success in center gives club options with 2008 center fielder  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees are telling clubs that they remain open to trading Melky Cabrera before the beginning of the regular season, according a report published Wednesday by FOXSports.com.

Phillies shopping catcher Paulino  —  Coste likely to serve as backup at position for Ruiz  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — It looks more and more like Chris Coste will be Carlos Ruiz's backup this season.  —  Baseball sources said Wednesday the Phillies are letting teams know that catcher Ronny Paulino …

Q&A with Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks  —  rdurrett@dallasnews.com  —  In an interview Tuesday in his office at The Crescent, Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks discussed manager Ron Washington's future, gave reasons for his optimism for 2009 and talked about the team's youth movement and other topics.

Hunter's X-rays negative  —  Angels manager Mike Scioscia had to have a lump in his throat when he saw his starting centerfielder run into the outfield wall and drop to the ground in a heap.  —  “God, I thought he went head-first into the wall,” Scioscia said of the first-inning play by Torii Hunter.

David Price, Reid Brignac, Justin Ruggiano, Elliot Johnson, and John Jaso Optioned to Durham  —  A few days ago Tommy suggested that Adam Kennedy had a good shot at making the opening day 25-man roster.  With today's moves — announced via press release — that seems even more likely.

Brewers GM: Peavy rumor ‘disruptive’  —  Melvin says he hasn't talked to Padres and is happy with roster makeup  —  PHOENIX — Brewers general manager Doug Melvin called the newly churning Jake Peavy rumor “disruptive” to his club's preparations for the 2009 season.

Brewers release veteran Nixon  —  Outfielder hit .105 in 20 spring games; Crew also options Gamel  —  PHOENIX — The Brewers released veteran outfielder Trot Nixon on Wednesday in their latest round of roster cuts.  —  In other moves, the team optioned third baseman Mat Gamel …

Remembering Arthur Richman, 83, a Baseball Lifer  —  Arthur Richman had a distinctive way of saying hello to me and to others.  He never really said hello.  He asked how you were doing, then asked if you needed any money.  He must have asked me that a thousand times.

Big Apple still loves the Yankees best - except in Queens, poll finds  —  New York City is still a Yankee town, a new poll found Wednesday, less than two weeks before Opening Day.  —  Among the New Yorkers who expressed interest in big-league baseball, more than half - 56% …

Former Yankee Bernie Williams jams with Springsteen, annoys Derek Jeter  —  With April 14's Moving Forward, former New York Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams returns to his second great passion: jazz guitar.  The classically trained instrumentalist called the Music Mix today to chat about his new album …

Milton Bradley sure Chicago Cubs are top contenders  —  New Cub calls himself ‘a winner,’ predicts postseason appearance  —  MESA, Ariz. — Predictions are starting to emerge as the season draws near, and it's no surprise most prognosticators are picking the Cubs to win the NL Central.

Grading three contemporaries: Boggs, Gwynn, and Ripken  —  With the success (as judged by my immediate family) of my last article picking apart the differences in career value of three Hall-worthy catchers, I thought I'd stick with that approach, this time highlighting the careers of three superstars …