Mets add to crowded rotation competition, sign pitcher Livan Hernandez  —  Mets GM Omar Minaya said on Feb. 3 that there would be no more “big moves” prior to the Mets breaking camp in Port St. Lucie this week, but he didn't say anything about making another call to arms.

Sources: Braves court Griffey amid M's ‘rumors’  —  That Ken Griffey Jr.-to-Seattle reunion isn't a foregone conclusion just yet.  —  Two baseball sources told ESPN.com on Saturday that the Atlanta Braves are making a late play for Griffey and have begun discussing money with his agent.

Varitek speaks on his return  —  Jason Varitek just spoke to the media, making clear that his priority from the start of his free agency was to exhaust every opportunity to stay in Boston, but that getting a multi-year commitment was his key goal if that could be accomplished.

Bigbie speaks about steroid probe  —  Ex-Orioles outfielder discusses his reasons for using performance-enhancing drugs, the Mitchell Report and friendships lost  —  A package of human growth hormone was delivered to Larry Bigbie's home in Northwest Indiana at Christmastime 2005.

Nats agree to terms with 23 players  —  VIERA, Fla. — The Nationals agreed to terms on 2009 contracts with 23 players on Saturday.  —  The position players to reach new deals were outfielders Roger Bernadina, Leonard Davis, Elijah Dukes and Justin Maxwell, infielders Kory Casto and Ian Desmond …

Amid Scandal, ‘Alex Rodriguez Park’ Is Unveiled  —  CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The centerpieces gave off the scent of innocence in bloom.  At every table on the baseball field Friday night there were glass vases filled with unshelled peanuts, Cracker Jack and toy baseballs, with miniature bats rising …

Wade defends pursuit of Wolf, Looper  —  Astros GM's last-minute offers passed over; Pudge deal unlikely  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Hoping to sign one of the last remaining veteran starting pitchers on the free-agent market this offseason, Astros general manager Ed Wade recently made what he categorized as …

Melancon eyes bigs  —  When Mark Melancon took his place in major league spring training a year ago, he knew the New York Yankees were doing him a favor.  —  Twenty-two years old, coming off significant elbow surgery, with a professional resume that spanned only seven games in short season Staten Island …

Young, veteran O's meet in Florida  —  Uehara, Wieters, Zaun among pitchers, catchers reporting  —  BALTIMORE — The long wait is over.  —  The Orioles will begin their preparations for the 2009 season on Saturday, when their pitchers and catchers are required to report to the team's Spring Training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Rivera taking it slow this spring  —  Coming off shoulder surgery, closer expects to be ready for Opening Day  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Mariano Rivera has not tested his surgically repaired right shoulder off a mound, and the closer is even looking to pump the brakes a few more times on his methodical Spring Training program.

Angels sign Ervin Santana to multiyear contract  —  The agreement allows the pitcher and club to avoid arbitration.  The four-year deal is believed to be worth at least $30 million and also includes an option year.  —  Reporting from Tempe, Ariz. — The Angels secured one of their top young pitchers …

A Tigers trade likely coming  —  I'd be surprised if the Tigers didn't make some kind of trade, perhaps a big one, before the end of spring camp.  —  The team could — could — be staring at an excess of starting pitchers if Nate Robertson and Dontrelle Willis perform reliably, which is hardly a stretch.