Tigers talk trade with Mets, put Willis on DL with anxiety disorder  —  LAKELAND, Fla. — The Tigers had serious discussions with the New York Mets in recent days about relief pitcher Brian Stokes, the Free Press has learned, but the chances for a deal fell dramatically when the Mets determined …

Wilkerson out?  —  The Red Sox have not made a formal announcement yet, but Red Sox manager Terry Francona acknowledged this morning that Brad Wilkerson has at least temporarily left the club to assess his options, suggesting that he will not part of the Red Sox' plans when the club breaks camp.

Owner Stuart Sternberg says Tampa Bay Rays payroll unlikely to rise this year or next  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — With their opening day payroll over $60 million, the Rays are pretty much maxed out.  —  For this season and, principal owner Stuart Sternberg said, for next.

MLB Network to air fantasy draft show  —  MLB.com experts give players all the information they need  —  If you are among the millions of fans who are into fantasy baseball, the MLB Network is the place to be at 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday when it ventures into that realm for the first time by televising …

What a relief  —  So it looks like Joe Girardi may not take a long reliever after all.  —  This morning at 8:30 a.m., Girardi talked about the competition between Brett Tomko, Dan Giese and Alfredo Aceves, discussing the importance of today's game since all three were pitching.

Morrow wants to close - and he almost certainly will  —  Brandon Morrow will start the season in the Mariners bullpen - and both he and the team want him to be the closer.  —  Manager Don Wakamatsu said Morrow has no chance to start in the rotation in April, and that the young right-hander …

Pirates, Wilson broach contract extension  —  Shortstop's current deal could expire after this season  —  BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pirates and shortstop Jack Wilson, their most tenured and popular player, have held preliminary talks regarding a contract extension.

Yanks honor 9/11 victims with memorial  —  Structure at George M. Steinbrenner Field to be dedicated Sunday  —  TAMPA, Fla. — The Yankees have announced plans to formally dedicate a permanent Sept. 11 memorial on Sunday at George M. Steinbrenner Field, the organization's Spring Training home.

A Ballplayer, Seeks a Hit, a Hit Film  —  WHEN Anna Boden stepped up to introduce her new movie, “Sugar,” to the opening-night crowd of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival in November, she felt like a rookie reliever staring down at an All-Star lineup.  “It was totally nerve racking,” she said.

Astros' Berkman to miss time with sore shoulder  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Astros first baseman Lance Berkman raised his left arm as high as he could this morning and was barely able to get his fist past his shoulder.  —  With opening day a little more than a week away, the Astros' best player …

Reds Ready to Get Back in the Black  —  Every Sunday, MLB FanHouse empties out its notebook in Baseball Brunch.  —  As pundits look for the 2009 version of the Tampa Bay Rays, many have pointed to the Cincinnati Reds as a breakout team.  —  And while it's hard to pick any team to improve by 31 games …

Defensive stats make headway in baseball  —  But for a growing...  An enduring image for some Mariners fans is that of former Seattle slugger Raul Ibanez rounding the bases after a home run.  —  But for a growing number of discerning eyes, the prevailing sight was Ibanez plodding helplessly …

Ojeda talks a good game  —  Bobby Ojeda has spent the past five years in a blissful, self-imposed exile at his Rumson shore house, beyond the reach of the ‘86 ghosts.  The former Mets’ left-hander never was much for reminiscing.  Like some Met fans - particularly the younger ones - he's been willing to let the '80s turn to vapor.

Jeter injures pinky, listed as day-to-day  —  Girardi expects captain to play against Pirates on Sunday  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Derek Jeter was removed in the fourth inning of the Yankees' 6-4 Grapefruit League victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday with a bruised left pinky knuckle.