Sheffield has Mets' officials intrigued … PORT ST. LUCIE - As the Mets broke camp, this news broke, too: slugger Gary Sheffield's availability intrigues team officials, the Daily News has learned.  —  Rufus Williams, who represents Sheffield, would not disclose whether the Mets had contacted him.

Yanks rock Hard Rock at new Stadium  —  Premier dining establishment to bring Bronx new attitude  —  NEW YORK — The first pitch in the new Yankee Stadium won't be thrown until Friday night, but that didn't stop the place from rocking Thursday morning.  —  Prior to the Yankees' first workout …

Mets Get a Late-Night Sneak Preview of Citi Field  —  Out from the buses they spilled, marching through a gate, down a corridor and around a corner until, finally, there it was.  Home.  The Mets' shiny, new clubhouse awaited.  And as Carlos Delgado poked his head inside at about 10:55 p.m. Thursday …

Yankees' average ticket ($72.97) highest by far  —  The Yankees have fallen behind the Red Sox on the field in recent years, but they now are ahead of them in at least one category: the amount of money their fans must shell out to watch them.  —  According to Team Marketing Report …

100 random things about the Red Sox, Rays, and Yankees  — The Boston Red Sox (1908-2008) have six world championships and 10 pennants among their 18 playoff appearances.  Their predecessors, the Boston Americans (1901-07), had one world championship and two pennants.

Young core gives Reds immediate hope  —  Potentially strong rotation and improving offense should keep Cincy in NL Central mix  —  Baseball fans in Cincinnati haven't suffered in recent years on the same grand scale as their fellow Rust Belt die-hards in Pittsburgh.

Jeter-Wright showdown to help kids  —  This season, it's not just about Mets versus Yankees, it's about David Wright versus Derek Jeter - and it's personal.  —  Because each time the superstars step up to the plate, they'll be competing against each other for a $100,000 payoff from Delta Air Lines - to their favorite charity.

The Beer at Nats Park This Season: Good.  Very.  —  A year ago, I took a food tour of Nats Park and spent the entire trip asking Stan Kasten about beer choices.  He pointed out that I seemed to be obsessed; “one-track mind,” I believe was the quote.  And since I ended the season having …

Cito Gaston has sharp words for Roger Clemens  —  Book on Clemens says he pushed Jays to fire Gaston in ‘97  —  LAKELAND, Fla.-The daily meeting between the media and Jays’ manager Cito Gaston was dying down when one reporter asked what Gaston thought about allegations made in a new book about disgraced pitcher Roger Clemens.

To find him place in lineup, Tatis gets 2nd look … PORT ST. LUCIE - The final day of spring training included the first game for Fernando Tatis at second base.  And Jerry Manuel said he wouldn't hesitate to play him at Luis Castillo's position to ensure Tatis is in the lineup whenever the Mets face a lefthander.

Soul Mates: Babe Ruth and Alex Rodriguez  —  USA - George Herman, meet Alexander Emmanuel.  —  In other words, Babe Ruth, meet your soul mate and counterpart, Alex Rodriguez.  Because you are one and the same.  The only things that separate you are time and perception.

Recent pickups are a relief to Towers, but pitching concerns remain  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - Kevin Towers exhaled and smiled as the Padres wrapped up another Cactus League season.  —  “I feel a lot better about our bullpen than I did three weeks ago,” the general manager said Thursday …

Thursday afternoon: Corona on waivers  —  Have to make this quick.  Because of the early game, I got on an earlier flight out of Tampa and I'm due to board in 15 minutes.  —  Vice president of baseball operations Mark Newman said this afternoon that Reegie Corona has been placed on waivers by the Mariners.