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 …

Morrow's starting days done — for good  —  Big news out of camp.  Moments ago, I spoke to Brandon Morrow after he'd thrown a bullpen session and he told me (and Shannon Drayer and Tim Booth of AP) that he plans to be a full-time closer from now on.  Not just this month, not just this season.

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.

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.