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 …

Jeter to bat first in new look lineup  —  The Yankees' lineup will have a new look this season.  —  Derek Jeter will be the leadoff hitter and Johnny Damon will bat second, a top of the lineup switch the Yankees will use for the rest of spring training.  —  Manager Joe Girardi said the reason …

CC gets both Opening Day assignments  —  Sabathia will start first regular season game at new Yankee Stadium  —  TAMPA, Fla. — On the afternoon that CC Sabathia received his introduction to New York, he stood on the mound at the new Yankee Stadium and envisioned being surrounded by thousands of flickering flashbulbs.

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.

Rangers cut ex-All-Star Donnelly  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Brendan Donnelly felt he was pitching “pretty good.”  The Rangers felt otherwise.  —  Donnelly, a former All-Star reliever for the Angels, was released by the Rangers on Thursday morning, leaving seven relievers fighting for four spots in the bullpen.

Marlins mull bid for Phillies' catcher Paulino, trade De La Cruz  —  Phillie may be on block; he could add depth behind plate  —  Pudge Rodriguez is off the market, but the Marlins continue to evaluate available catchers.  —  The latest they may be mulling is Ronny Paulino.

Baseball's benchwarmers not satisfied with riding the pine  —  TEMPE, Ariz. — Gary Matthews Jr. looked at the starting lineup posted on the wall Wednesday morning when he walked into the Los Angeles Angels' clubhouse.  —  The lineup could easily be the Angels' opening-day lineup.

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.

Tejada due in court for sentencing  —  Astros shortstop expected to receive probation for lying to investigators  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Six weeks after pleading guilty to misleading Congressional investigators about performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, Miguel Tejada is scheduled to receive his sentencing in Washington, D.C.