Braves' Jones confident Griffey could contribute  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — For years now, Ken Griffey Jr. has been sending signals — some subtle, some not so subtle — that he'd love to be a Brave.  —  The Braves got those signals, of course.  It would have been tough to miss them.

Getting Warmer  —  Last week Joe Girardi grabbed the top spot on the less-than-coveted list of managers most likely to be fired in '09.  He acknowledged that he's heading the list while chatting with a group of reporters in the wake of Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitting that he failed …

Seattle claims Pena  —  By Tom Haudricourt of the Journal Sentinel  —  The Brewers were not shocked today when Seattle claimed reliever Luis Pena off waivers.  Former Brewers scouting director Jack Zduriencik is now the Mariners' general manager and obviously knows Pena well.

Not a good shot in the arm  —  Game is paying a price with steroids, economy  —  Baseball is getting creepy again, isn't it?  —  After the Mitchell Report hit the streets last winter, we knew there were 104 major leaguers who came up positive in the 2003 random, unpunishable test.

Indians ink Graffanino to Minors deal  —  Veteran infielder to arrive at Spring Training camp on Monday  —  GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Position players officially reported to the Player Development Complex on Sunday, but one guy will be a day late.  —  The Indians have signed infielder Tony Graffanino …

St. Louis Cardinals reliever Chris Perez works on throwing motion  —  JUPITER, Fla. — Arguably the leading candidate for the Cardinals' vacant closers role, second-year righthander Chris Perez is scheduled to throw his first official bullpen session of spring training Sunday.

PHILS SIGN CAIRO  —  CLEARWATER, Fla. — This just in ...  The Phillies have signed utility infielder Miguel Cairo to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, which means he'll be in camp by Tuesday for the first full-squad workout.  Cairo, 34, batted .249 with 23 RBIs in 221 at-bats last season for the Mariners.

Prospectus Q and A: Scott Servais by David Laurila  —  Scott Servais … David Laurila: How has the Rangers' player development system changed since you arrived here?  —  Scott Servais: We're going into our fourth year here, and I think we've definitely moved things in the right direction.

Spring Training: Drew's back still a problem  —  By Joe McDonald Email this author |  Email this entry  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. _ The first official day for position players to report is Monday, but all ready J.D. Drew is dealing with back issues.  —  The Sox' right fielder missed 33 games late …

Rowland-Smith passes on Team Australia in WBC  —  Ryan Rowland-Smith has decided to stay with the Mariners in full pursuit of a job in Seattle's starting rotation rather than pitch for Team Australian in the World Baseball Classic.  —  Seattle's left-handed starter would have liked nothing better …

Rivera reveals he pitched in pain in '08  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Mariano Rivera turned 39 in November, and his receding hairline is getting dangerously close to the bald spot on top of his head.  This season will be his 15th with the Yankees, and it has been nearly 20 years since he signed his first professional contract.

Torre: Negotiations with Manny are ongoing … PHOENIX — Dodgers manager Joe Torre isn't concerned that Manny Ramirez might show up late for spring training — just as long as he shows up.  —  Negotiations with Ramirez were continuing as the Dodgers opened camp Saturday …

Manuel speaks  —  Here's a summary of Jerry Manuel's introductory address:  —  * Manuel revealed that Livan Hernandez has signed with the Mets.  He's on a minor-league deal, with a base salary of $1 million if he makes the club.  —  * Luis Castillo may bat leadoff for the Mets.