NEW YORK - The Yankees are close to reaching an agreement with city and state governments to build a new stadium, the Daily News reported Saturday.
Lawyers from the city, state and team are completing a "memorandum of understanding," and an announcement is expected around May1, the paper reported.
While government and team officials did not comment directly about plans or the pending agreement, the newspaper said they did confirm they are in the final stages.
"We hope to break ground in 2006 and be ready to play in 2009," Yankees president Randy Levine said.
The stadium will be built just north of the existing facility in the Bronx and is designed to seat 50,800. That's smaller than the current capacity of 57,478, but the new ballpark will have more luxury suites.
Construction will cost about $800-million, to be paid for by the team. The city and state will spend $300-million to build a new commuter rail station, improve parking, and create parkland along the nearby waterfront.
BREWERS: Rightfielder Geoff Jenkins had a fever and missed Saturday's game.
INDIANS: Left-hander C.C. Sabathia was activated from the disabled list. Right-hander Matt Miller was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo to make room for Sabathia, who was sidelined with a strained right side muscle.
RED SOX: Boston plans to add more than 1,000 high-priced seats to Fenway Park during the next three years to squeeze new revenue out of the oldest and smallest stadium in the major leagues. The plan, which team executives detailed Friday, would add about 2,700 new seats and standing-room spots.
ORIOLES: Bullpen coach Elrod Hendricks is working to shake the effects of a mild stroke, and the chances for a complete recovery are favorable thanks to some quick action by team trainer Richie Bancells.
The Orioles were preparing to leave Tampa after a three-game series late Thursday when Hendricks complained of dizziness and numbness on the left side of his face.
Bancells insisted Hendricks, 64, seek treatment and accompanied him to a nearby hospital. Hendricks has started working with a speech therapist and is expected to return this week.
ROYALS: Closer Jeremy Affeldt was put on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain. He was pulled from the game in the ninth Friday and was examined, including an MRI exam, Saturday. The left-hander also had a setback in spring training because of the sore groin. Manager Tony Pena said he would use Mike MacDougal as the closer.
