Covering the bases

Rivera has surgery

New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had surgery Tuesday on his right shoulder and is expected to resume throwing in three months, a month ahead of spring training.

New York Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek operated at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Altchek also operated on Yankees catcher Jorge Posada's shoulder last summer.

Altchek shaved a calcified joint on the top of Rivera's shoulder. The 38-year-old Rivera had 39 saves this year, and his 1.40 ERA was his best since 2005.

Tiger Stadium gets reprieve

The Detroit City Council has granted Tiger Stadium a stay of execution.

The council voted 5-3 on Tuesday to reject a resolution that would have authorized the immediate demolition of the historic ballpark.

Crews began tearing down the stadium in June. A corner of the ballpark has been left standing while a preservation group tries to raise money to turn it into a sports museum.

The Old Tiger Stadium Conservancy was told to pay the city $219,000 by Tuesday to hold off total demolition. The group says it has $150,000 in hand and can have the rest by Friday.

Division series TV ratings down

Television ratings for baseball's division series declined from last year.

The 15 games on TBS averaged a 2.8 rating, the network said Tuesday. That's down 26 percent from a 3.8 for 13 games in 2007.

The absence of the New York Yankees, with their large market and national appeal, hurt. Their four-game division series with the Cleveland Indians last year averaged a 5.2 rating.

Bonds enjoying his free time

Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance Tuesday and said he is enjoying life away from baseball.

"I'm happy now that I have more time," Bonds told the crowd at the kickoff event of the Macy's Christmas tree lighting. "I've actually enjoyed myself immensely."

SHORT HOPS: New York Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos turned himself in Tuesday night, a week after police say he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed two women.