Gary Sheffield released by Detroit Tigers  —  DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers have released nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield, who is one home run away from 500 for his career.  —  Detroit parted ways with the designated hitter Tuesday after a disappointing stay with the Tigers.

Spring Game 34: Yankees at Reds (now updated with roster moves)  —  YANKEES  —  Pitching today: Joba Chamberlain.  —  REDS  —  Tavares CF  —  Dickerson LF  —  Votto 1B  —  Phillips 2B  —  Bruce RF  —  Hernandez C  —  Encarnacion 3B  —  Janish SS  —  Owings RHP

Nick Green, Chris Carter make the cut for Sox  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nick Green and Chris Carter have been told that they have made the Red Sox [team stats] Opening Day roster, with the understanding that things could change if the Sox make a last minute deal or waiver claim.

How Citi Field will play still in question  —  Players need to adapt to differences between new home and Shea  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Nick Evans will tell you it was a fluke.  He's just being modest.  Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon, for one, thought differently …

Royals option Hochevar to Triple-A  —  Ponson, Bannister, Ramirez in mix for final rotation slots  —  SURPRISE, Ariz. — Right-hander Luke Hochevar, one of the prime candidates for the last two spots in the Royals' rotation, was optioned on Tuesday to Triple-A Omaha.

An Opening Day preview?  —  The Red Sox are getting ready to face the Tampa Bay Rays, the team they'll face next Monday in Game 1, but the above title refers as much to today's lineup as the opponent.  This is probably the lineup the Red Sox will go with to start the year, starter Clay Buchholz aside.

Phillies release Jenkins; eye Sheff?  —  With less than a week until Opening Day, the Phillies released veteran outfielder Geoff Jenkins on Tuesday.  —  The left-handed-hitting Jenkins hit .250 in 11 Grapefruit League games, with one homer and five RBIs.  Last season, his lone campaign …

Mets ax Valentin, two others  —  PORT ST. LUCIE — The Mets released popular infielder Jose Valentin and two other veterans from their minor-league system today in a move that likely will end Valentin's playing career.  —  Also let go were right-hander Tony Armas Jr. and journeyman infielder Junior Spivey.

Garland happy, but questions offer  —  TUCSON - As a free agent this winter, Jon Garland said he always had the Diamondbacks, and the National League West, in mind.  He just didn't expect his off-season to transpire the way it did.  —  Not that Garland is complaining.

The scouts weigh in on camp performances  —  This is the never-ending spring training, almost as long as the artificial spring of 1995, when replacement players were used, and which turned into a scramble after the players' strike was settled.  I asked some talent evaluators …

Chipper close to contract extension  —  Deal would likely allow veteran to finish career with Braves  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — It appears Chipper Jones may get his wish to remain with the Braves throughout his entire career.  —  A Major League source has indicated that Jones and the Braves …

LACK OF VELOCITY STILL JOBA ISSUE  —  DUNEDIN, Fla. — You were seduced by Joba Chamberlain's 100 mph fastball when he introduced himself in 2007 as the premier set-up man in baseball.  —  The Yankees right-hander blew away the best hitters in the majors, and made them look ill against a slider with fangs.

A big night for The YES Network  —  The YES Network can be mystifying.  Why, for instance, will only two of the 12 Yankees games from March 20 to April 1 televised?  That's just when spring training gets interesting.  And why do they need so many announcers?  Why is Kim Jones not used during the game to report news?

Ollie sharp, helps calm Mets' fears  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Oliver Perez can exhale.  So can Jerry Manuel.  —  After a rocky showing in the World Baseball Classic, then a subpar outing last week against the Tigers, Perez looked far more like the pitcher the Mets signed to a three-year …