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 …

Breaking news: Gardner in CF  —  Joe Girardi just announced that Brett Gardner will be the center fielder.  —  More to come.  —  UPDATE, 5:08 p.m.: The plan is for Melky to be on the team, Girardi said.  But saying that is the plan is like saying he could be traded. ...

Morrow's starting days done — for good  —  UPDATE 1:35 p.m.: Meant to update you in this earlier, but the M's have acquired Chris Burke from the Padres for cash considerations.  He spent parts of five seasons with the Astros and will provide insurance — likely from Class AAA …

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.

Rox face Holliday; Rangers claim Koshansky  —  Phoenix - Comfortable in his green and gold, Matt Holliday starts in left field and hits cleanup for the A's today as they host the Rockies.  —  “I feel like I'm in a good place,” Holliday said before the game.  “I feel healthy, everything's good.”

Chicago Cubs name Kevin Gregg closer  —  MESA, Ariz. - Cubs manager Lou Piniella named Kevin Gregg the team's closer on Sunday over Carlos Marmol.  —  Piniella spoke to both pitchers this morning and made his announcement after batting practice at HoHoKam Park.

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 …

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.

Weaver set to write new chapter in LA  —  Veteran trying to win job for Torre, who was critical of pitcher in book  —  PHOENIX — If you haven't read “The Yankee Years,” the portrayal of right-handed pitcher Jeff Weaver is not very flattering.  —  The authors refer to Weaver 11 times …

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.

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 …

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 …