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.

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” …

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.

5 Minutes for Blogging,  —  It was a very busy Monday...  1. THE BIGGEST VICTORY OF MIKE ANDERSON'S MU CAREER: What a relentless, fierce effort by Mizzou in coming back repeatedly down the stretch to bump off Kansas, 62-60.  Finally, coach Mike Anderson has a true signature win in Columbia …

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 …

Santana to skip WBC at request of Mets  —  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 …

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 …

WIFN's Shanks fired, radio show canceled  —  As countless Middle Georgians tuned their car, home and workplace radios to 105.5 FM on Monday afternoon, a voice they've become familiar with was nowhere to be found.  —  Around 3:30 p.m. Monday, Bill Shanks, the widely-recognized host of WIFN's …

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 …

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.