PITCHING COACH RIPS OUT-OF-SHAPE OLLIE  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — Oliver Perez might want to hit the treadmill and eat a few more salads.  —  After the $36 million lefty gave the Mets a putrid spring-training performance yesterday, pitching coach Dan Warthen suggested that Perez returned last week …

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 …

Bob Sheppard not expected at new Yankee Stadium opener  —  Bob Sheppard likely will not be at the public address microphone when the Yankees officially open their new stadium April 16, his wife, Mary, said Thursday.  —  “His doctor said he doesn't have the stamina yet to go back at this time …

Marlins trade De La Cruz, option two  —  Club will receive cash or player to be named from Padres  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Out of options, Eulogio “Frankie” De La Cruz is out of the Marlins plans.  —  The team announced on Wednesday that De La Cruz has been traded to the Padres for cash or a player to be named.

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.

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.

Initial sale of Padres completed  —  Moorad to step in as VP/CEO in deal with majority owner Moores  —  Majority owner John Moores has completed an “initial transaction” by selling a one-third interest in the Padres to Jeff Moorad, a general partner of the Diamondbacks, and about a dozen partners.

Baseball's Best Commissioner  —  George Will responds to column on Bud Selig.  —  Dear Steve:  —  Although I count myself among the many millions of admirers you have earned as a vigorous defender of rigorous thinking, I must file a respectful dissent from your recent column excoriating Commissioner Selig.

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.

Stephen Strasburg Is Ready To Bring It … Erik Castro has a Wilson A2000 catcher's mitt, black with tan webbing, made of steerhide so supple it can absorb a 102-mph fastball and barely make a sound.  Castro is a catcher for San Diego State, and on the night of March 13, as the Aztecs hosted UNLV …

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.

Mets Fans Unite To Get Opening NIGHT Changed to 1:05  —  So, I'm trying to rally all Mets fans to make enough noise to get the Opening NIGHT game changed to a 1:05 start.  —  To recap, the reason it's a night game seems to involve the Padres unwillingness to play in the afternoon.

Dodgers come to Hi Corbet, minus Manny  —  Tucson - No Manny, and a just few Dodgers regulars, at Hi Corbett Field today.  You seriously thought Mr. Ramirez would come down to Tucson?  Apparently a bunch of Dodgers fans did.  They showed up early and were quickly disappointed.