Valentine names Aceves the closer  —  DETROIT — A few bits of news from Bobby Valentine's press conference just now:  —  • Alfredo Aceves is the closer.  —  “On the days when Alfredo's not available, if Mark Melancon is available, he'll be doing it.  I think the guys reading up to that will be very credible,” Valentine said.

Yanks add catcher Stewart, option Cervelli  —  The Yankees completed a trade on Wednesday that held ramifications for their Opening Day roster, sending right-hander George Kontos to the Giants for veteran catcher Chris Stewart.  New York also optioned catcher Francisco Cervelli …

Cain sharp in last exhibition start  —  OAKLAND — The Giants sealed an exhibition series victory over the cross-Bay rival A's on Tuesday with their second straight win against the green and gold, a 3-2 decision at the Oakland Coliseum.  —  Baseball's richest right-hander, Matt Cain …

Tufano family to sue Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Bush, Brandon Guyer for $5 million apiece  —  PORT CHARLOTTE — The family of the victim in a hit-and-run case that resulted in DUI charges against Rays minor-league pitcher Matt Bush began the process of filing a civil suit in Charlotte County against Bush and outfielder Brandon Guyer.

2012 Organizational Rankings: #9 - Toronto  —  Read the methodology behind the ratings here.  Remember that the grading scale is 20-80, with 50 representing league average.  —  #20 - New York Mets  —  #19 - Los Angeles Dodgers  —  #18 - Colorado  —  #17 — Miami  —  #16 — Diamondbacks

Asdrubal signs two-year extension with Tribe  —  CLEVELAND — The Indians believe they have entered a period of contention that can be sustained at least over the next few seasons.  Cleveland wanted to make sure that shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera continued to provide an anchor to its offensive core.

Sources: Jon Niese, Mets reach deal  —  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets left-hander Jon Niese has agreed to a five-year, $25 million deal with two team options that can raise the value to $52 million, according to two sources.  —  The completion of the contract is pending a physical.

Mariners option Furbush, Peguero to set roster  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — Left-handed reliever Charlie Furbush and outfielder Carlos Peguero were optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, as the Mariners set their final 25-man roster.  —  Furbush's departure leaves Rule 5 Draft pick Lucas Luetge …

SPORTS BASEBALL  —  Joel Carreno will replace Brett Cecil in the Jays' starting rotation to start the season.  (GETTY IMAGES)  —  OK, raise your right arm if you had Joel Carreno as third man out of the chute in the Blue Jays starting rotation to open the 2012 season?

Bucs place Leroux on 60-day DL; finalize roster  —  PITTSBURGH — Chris Leroux, it turns out, made all the roster decisions for the Pirates, the painful way.  —  The young right-hander was diagnosed to have strained a pectoral muscle while pitching his final preseason inning …

Tigers' Verlander Sets Expectations Ever Higher  —  Justin Verlander will be back on the mound at Comerica Park on Thursday, back on the perch from which he reigned in 2011.  His Detroit Tigers host the Boston Red Sox in an afternoon opener with a prime-time aura.

Nationals will option John Lannan, Ross Detwiler likely the Nationals fifth starter  —  The Nationals plan to option John Lannan to Class AAA Syracuse, a person with ties to the organization said, which presumably makes Ross Detwiler the Nationals' No. 5 starter entering this season.