Roberts admits he used steroids  —  Orioles second baseman says he took drugs only once, in 2003  —  Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts (Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam / May 11, 2005)  —  Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts admitted last night that he used steroids "once," in 2003 …

Mailbag: Will Mitchell Report hurt?  —  MLB.com's Ladson answers fans' Nationals questions … I read the Mitchell Report and saw the sections on Paul Lo Duca.  Are the Nationals going to do anything to address that issue with him?  —  Entering Monday, we have not heard from the Nationals …

Report: Astros make offer to injury-plagued Prior  —  It looks like Mark Prior won't be on the market for very long.  —  Cut loose by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, Prior received an offer from the Houston Astros on Monday, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Bombers release 2008 schedule  —  Dates announced for final season at current Yankee Stadium  —  NEW YORK — The dates for the final regular-season games at the current Yankee Stadium are now set, as the Yankees officially released their 2008 schedule on Monday.

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.

Another injunction sought against ex-Rays' Dukes  —  TAMPA — Another woman has asked a judge to protect her from ex-Rays player Elijah Dukes, saying he sent her threatening text messages.  —  Amanda E. Reese, 23, was granted a temporary injunction for protection against domestic violence on Dec. 10.

As usual, A-Rod is only about A-Wad  —  At one point during her "60 Minutes" interview with Alex Rodriguez, Katie Couric asked the Yankees' third baseman if "he's worth" the huge salary Hankenstein & Co. are paying him.  —  A-Rod should have answered thusly: "Katie, considering the lousy ratings …

Time seems on Sox' side with Santana  —  These things, you surely understand, can take time.  And it may be no different with Johan Santana.  —  The Red Sox contested the Yankees for Jose Contreras right up until Christmas Eve, 2002, before Theo Epstein, then the Sox' assistant general manager …

Rivera finalizes three-year pact  —  NEW YORK — Mariano Rivera's wish to finish his career in Yankees pinstripes, the only uniform he has worn in the big leagues, is on its way to coming true.  —  Rivera and the club formally finalized a three-year, $45 million agreement on Monday.

Seattle Mariners raising ticket prices  —  If you're thinking of filling those Christmas stockings with Seattle Mariners tickets for the baseball nut in your life, be prepared to take a hit in the wallet.  —  The Mariners have tried to spend big this offseason, without success.

Vina admits HGH use, denies steroid claims  —  ESPN baseball analyst and former major leaguer Fernando Vina said Monday he used HGH in 2003 to try and recover from injuries, but said he never bought steroids from former New York Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski, despite claims to the contrary …

New York Yankees to begin final season at Yankee Stadium on March 31  —  Yankees host Toronto Blue Jays in season opener  —  The 26-time-World Champion New York Yankees will begin the 2008 season — the 106th in franchise history and their last in the current Yankee Stadium — at home on Monday …