Javy Lopez rejoins Braves  —  Former fan favorite signed to minor league contract  —  Javy Lopez is back with the Braves.  —  The Braves signed their popular former catcher to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, where the 37-year-old will try to win a job backing up catcher Brian McCann.

Young tries physical therapy  —  The longtime physical therapist for golfer Tiger Woods could play a role in whether the Padres reach the playoffs.  —  Pitcher Chris Young, beset by injuries to three torso muscles the past two years, has enlisted Keith Kleven, acclaimed for his muscle work with Woods and other pro golfers.

Yanks & Mets look into Prior  —  The possibility of the Yankees and Mets competing for a big-name pitcher always puts sizzle into a free-agent chase, but it remains to be seen how deep the two teams get into discussions over rehabbing righty Mark Prior, the ex-Cub.

New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  New York Yankees Top 20 Prospects for 2008  —  All grades are EXTREMELY PRELIMINARY and subject to change.  — Joba Chamberlain, RHP, Grade A  — Jose Tabata, OF, Grade B+  — Ian Kennedy, RHP, Grade B+  — Alan Horne, RHP, Grade B

Silent nights: A-Rod says he, Boras not speaking  —  NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's desire to go it alone in contract talks with the Yankees drove a wedge between him and his longtime agent, Scott Boras.  —  But the player revealed the depth of the hard feelings in a "60 Minutes" …

Pettitte finds safe haven at his Tex. church  —  A day after Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte fessed up to using human growth hormone, he took refuge in the forgiving embrace of his family and his Texas church.  —  With his wife, Laura, and four children at his side, Pettitte was greeted warmly …

Yankees, Rivera finalize three-year, $45M contract  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera and the New York Yankees made it official Monday, finalizing a $45 million, three-year contract that will keep the ace closer in pinstripes.  —  Rivera became a free agent after the season and then told the team last month he would accept their offer.

Winter League Action  —  I'm waist deep in draft guide projections and writeups, so these next couple of columns won't be quite as wordy as usual.  Up this week is a look at how players are performing in winter ball.  —  Dominican Winter League  —  .246/.289/.342, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 15/6 K/BB, 7 SB in 114 AB

Clemens to address coaches about speech  —  Roger Clemens, who remained publicly silent Monday regarding the allegations against him in Major League Baseball's Mitchell Report, is expected to speak by phone today with officials of the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association to discuss whether …

Orioles Speak Up Against Mitchell Report  —  The Baltimore Orioles broke ranks with the other 29 major league clubs and Commissioner Bud Selig by issuing a statement late Saturday night that strongly questioned George J. Mitchell's report on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball.

ESPN still waiting to hear from Viña  —  NEW YORK — Will Fernando Viña appear on ESPN again?  The network says it's up to him.  Viña joined ESPN's Baseball Tonight as an analyst in 2007 but has yet to appear on any ESPN property since being named in the Mitchell Report.

Kuroda will bolster Dodgers' rotation  —  The winter pitching market continued to work around the existing free agents Saturday, when the Los Angeles Dodgers signed Japanese right-hander Hiroki Kuroda to a three-year contract worth $35.3 million.  —  Kuroda, whom the Dodgers followed …

Minor League Transactions  —  Though it may be the smallest transactions window ever, Dec. 12-14, plenty of moves were made.  —  Last week's transactions available here.  —  Baltimore Orioles  —  Signed: RHP Cory Doyne, RHP Roberto Novoa  —  Released: RHP Zach Cole, RHP Josh Potter, RHP Ezequiel Selen, LHP Mark Horner

More O's woes  —  Response to report, quiet price hike have familiar feel  —  The great hope that blossomed around the Orioles organization with the arrival of new president Andy MacPhail was that - finally - it appeared there was a real sign owner Peter Angelos recognized that the revitalization …