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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 …

Trio involved in deal moving slowly  —  TUCSON — The Rockies travel to Phoenix today to face the Oakland Athletics and former star teammate Matt Holliday.  That makes it a good time to check up on the three players — outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, reliever Huston Street and potential starter Greg Smith …

Twins deal Class A pitcher to New York Yankees, keep Jones  —  Jason Jones will be staying in the Minnesota Twins organization.  —  The Twins acquired the right-hander in a trade with the New York Yankees on Saturday, dealing Charles Nolte, a right-handed reliever at Class A Beloit, for the right to keep Jones.

Martis, Zimmermann round out rotation  —  Move of Balester to Triple-A gives Nationals their starting five  —  VIERA, Fla. — Right-hander Collin Balester will not be a member of the Nationals' rotation, as he was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday morning.

Q&A with New York Yankees right fielder Xavier Nady … TAMPA, Fla. — When Xavier Nady was traded to the Yankees from the Pitts­burgh Pirates last season, he was hitting .330.  In 59 games with the Yankees, he hit .268.  Nady attributed the drop-off partly to switching leagues.

BERNIE: I WOULDN'T HAVE LASTED WITH WIN-NOW YANKS  —  Bernie Williams didn't make an immediate impact at the major league level.  It took him until 1995, his third full season in the majors, to hit .300 for the season, and he didn't eclipse 20 home runs until the following season.