Yankees Soar, Mets Plunge On List of Baseball's Most Valuable Teams  —  Baseball has emerged from the recession with a big bang.  —  The average MLB franchise is now worth $523 million, an all-time high and 7% more than last year.  All of the league's teams rose in value except for three …

Oswalt struck in neck, X-rays negative  —  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — The line drive screamed off the bat and headed directly toward Roy Oswalt.  The veteran righthander spun to his left as he completed the follow through on his pitch, but could not avoid the ball.

Yankees may need to send Jesus Montero to Triple-A as play behind plate dips during hitting slump  —  SARASOTA, Fla. - Jesus Montero, the can't-miss slugger, hasn't lived up to the hype in spring training, and it's starting to look as if the Yankees may not have a choice but to send him back to Triple-A …

Justin Turner optioned to Triple-A, hello Brad Emaus  —  Justin Turner was sent down to the minors this morning, which essentially paves the way for Brad Emaus to lock down the starting second base job.  —  Updated by Matthew Cerrone at 9:40 am: … ~ Emaus, quoted by MLB.com

Yankees Blog  —  TAMPA — Jorge Posada will turn 40 this season.  This is not the end of the line, though.  If all goes well in his new designated-hitter role, Posada wants to come back to the Yankees again in 2012.  —  If they don't want him back, Posada admitted, it would be difficult …

First Look: MLB Top Jersey Sales  —  One of the most popular lists I put out is the league jersey sales lists.  The NBA and the NFL have been doing it for years, but today, Major League Baseball enters the fray.  —  So who is missing on the Top 10 list?  —  Well, Stephen Strasburg is not there.

Elbow inflammation sends Morrow to DL  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Blue Jays starting pitcher Brandon Morrow will miss the start of the regular season because of inflammation in the flexor muscle of his right elbow.  —  Morrow felt discomfort in the elbow during his latest bullpen session.

2011 Organization Talent Rankings  —  We present our annual organization talent rankings, evaluating each farm system based on its prospect-eligible players heading into the 2011 season.  Our ratings consider both impact talent and overall depth and were developed by the Baseball America staff.

Relieved Durbin settling in with Indians  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Nearly two thousand miles away, Brad Lidge tested his sore arm for 16 pitches on Tuesday as the Phillies front office watched with more than casual interest.  If Lidge isn't a healthy closer this season, the job falls to Ryan Madson …

Coming to a Ballpark Near You — Food Network Branded Sandwiches  —  The Food Network has partnered with Delaware North Companies Sportservice to launch an innovative concession at eight Major League ballparks around the country this season.  —  The Red, White & Blue steak sandwich …

Orioles manager Showalter rips Epstein  —  The season hasn't even started yet and tempers are flaring in the American League East.  But it's not between the Red Sox and Yankees.  —  Baltimore manager Buck Showalter had this to say to Men's Journal magazine: … Epstein has not yet issued a response.

The Yankees' Guide to Media Survival  —  The Bronx Bombers Make It a Top Priority to Prepare Rookies and Newly Acquired Veterans for the Scrutiny to Come  —  Derek Jeter was surrounded by media after the final game played at the old Yankee Stadium, a 7-3 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 21, 2008.