YANKS EAGER TO CHECK OUT NEW DIGS  —  TAMPA — Christmas in April.  —  That's what several Yankees were feeling on the eve of today's workout at the new Yankee Stadium when many of the players will get their first glimpse of the billion-dollar palace.  —  “I can't wait, I am fired up,” …

Citi Field Food Preview: A Culinary Revolution  —  The Mets first official game at their new ballpark, Citi Field, is just two weeks away and what better way to heighten the excitement than with a preview of the unprecedented culinary revolution taking place in Flushing?

Baker confirms Reds' interest in Sheff  —  Cincinnati manager to meet with recently released outfielder Thursday  —  SARASOTA, Fla. — For those who wondered if the Reds could possibly be interested in recently released All-Star slugger Gary Sheffield, the answer, apparently, is yes.

Balanced Jays hold down Nationals  —  Halladay delivers solid performance in final start before season  —  BLUE JAYS 7, NATIONALS 6  —  Nationals at the plate: Catcher Josh Bard doubled to left field in the second inning and then scored when right fielder Justin Maxwell reached on an error.

Voice of Yankee Stadium Retires  —  The new Yankee Stadium will sound much different than the old one.  Bob Sheppard, the public address announcer for the Yankees since 1951, has retired.  —  Paul Doherty, a friend and agent who has represented Sheppard, said Sheppard's son, Paul, told him about Sheppard's plans on Wednesday morning.

Download THT  —  Things keep changing here at the Hardball Times.  Tragically, we lost our good friend John Brattain last week, and, more positively, Josh Kalk moved on to work for the Tampa Bay Rays.  John and Josh were both excellent writers, and we'll miss them both.

Lineup, final edition  —  The Red Sox wrap up their Grapefruit League schedule today at Hammond Stadium against the Twins.  They're working out right now at City of Palms Park, everything in the clubhouse packed away in bags and cardboard boxes.  The Sox will head straight from Hammond to Southwest Florida International Airport.

New York Mets' David Wright, New York Yankees' Derek Jeter to compete for charity dollars  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Mets' David Wright and the Yankees' Derek Jeter will compete for money for their foundations this season in a batting average contest sponsored by Delta.

Sheppard tale denied  —  The Daily News will show you Yankee Stadium.  Go on the field, into the clubhouse and see how the new stadium was built.  —  Sponsored by:  —  Today's Top Picks … Best Of NYDN.com

Union to Open Ballpark Store to Promote Star Players  —  The Major League Baseball Players Association on Friday will open its first retail outlet devoted to selling player-only merchandise.  —  The store, which will be inside Citi Field and be operated by Aramark, is an attempt …

American League East Preview  —  The big-market Yankees and Red Sox would like to believe what happened last year - the Tampa Bay Rays with their paltry $43 million payroll rising from the depths of last place all the way to the World Series - was a one-year aberration.

Santana salutes Manuel's focus  —  JUPITER, Fla. - The Mets break camp after Thursday's Grapefruit League finale against the Orioles, and Jerry Manuel is ready to get outta here.  —  “I'm ready to go home - go back to New York,” said Manuel, a Sacramento resident.  “I called that home.

Minor League Transactions  —  This time: March 21-30 … Arizona Diamondbacks  —  Released: RHP Santo Baez, C Gerardo Bustamante, 1B Chance Wheeless, OF Jarred Ball, OF Jo Jo Batten  —  Outrighted to Triple-A and removed from 40-man roster: OF Alex Romero

Glaus out until at least June  —  Slugger to work with physical therapist on repaired shoulder  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Troy Glaus will take his quest to recuperate from offseason right shoulder surgery west.  After joining his teammates for two exhibition games in Memphis …

Orioles trade Penn to Marlins  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - With Wednesday's trade of Hayden Penn to the Florida Marlins, the Orioles not only parted ways with their one-time top pitching prospect, but they further solidified their Opening Day roster.  —  In exchange for Penn …

Baseball's Next Top Models … ASK TORII HUNTER where he ranks among the best defensive centerfielders, and he appears perplexed.  “You mean, where I rank with guys now, or in history?” he says.  The Angels' Hunter takes his defense as seriously as you'd expect from someone who says, “To catch a ball, I'd commit suicide.”