A-Rod admits, regrets use of PEDs  —  His voice shaking at times, Alex Rodriguez met head-on allegations that he tested positive for steroids six years ago, telling ESPN on Monday that he did take performance-enhancing drugs while playing for the Texas Rangers during a three-year period beginning in 2001.

Dodgers Sign Jeff Weaver  —  The Dodgers signed Jeff Weaver to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Major League training camp.  Weaver, 32, will receive a $500,000 salary if he makes the club.  —  Weaver, a starter throughout his Major League career, will vie for a bullpen role.

St. Louis Cardinals release Adam Kennedy  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals have abruptly reversed course, releasing second baseman Adam Kennedy and declaring an open competition for the position, the Post-Dispatch has learned.  —  The move, apparently made at the strong urging of manager Tony La Russa …

Aurilia, Giants reach deal  —  Rich Aurilia has accepted the Giants' offer of a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training.  The deal, to be announced later today, is worth $1 million if Aurilia makes the team.  —  I just talked to Aurilia, who said he chose the Giants …

Looper deal in place  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Brewers' agreement with free agent right-hander Braden Looper is in place, pending the passing of a physical examination.  —  The deal will be for one year plus an option.  I haven't been told if that option is a vesting option …

Source: Santana out of WBC  —  Johan Santana plans to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic at the request of Mets officials and remain in camp during spring training, the Daily News has learned.  Santana, who worked on his conditioning at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie Monday …

MLBPA Releases Statement Explaining Why “Survey Test” Results Were Not Destroyed  —  As the revelation that Alex Rodriguez was one of 104 players in 2003 that tested positive during what was collectively bargained between MLB and the MLB Players Association as part of a “survey test” …

Statement from the New York Yankees regarding Alex Rodriguez  —  “We strongly believe there is no place in baseball for performance enhancing drugs of any type, and we support the efforts of the Commissioner to continually improve the testing process.  —  “We urged Alex to be completely open …

Navarro asks for $2.5M from Rays  —  PHOENIX — Catcher Dioner Navarro went to a salary arbitration hearing with the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday, arguing he should get $2.5 million this year rather than the team's $2.1 million offer.  —  Navarro was eligible for arbitration for the first time after hitting …

Meanwhile, back on the diamond  —  Hey, actual baseball news!  —  Back when I wanted to write a spring training preview story, I talked to Brian Cashman.  He revealed a few things that are at least somewhat interesting.  —  · The Yankees will use Joba Chamberlain as their No. 5 starter from the start of the season.

AL Central spring prospectus: Before the first pitch, Twins and White Sox look strongest  —  CLEVELAND — It's an odd-numbered year, which recently has meant good things for the Indians.  They won 93 games in 2005 and 96 in 2007 before losing a 3-1 lead to Boston in the ALCS.