Spring surprise: Gagne back with the Brewers  —  I had just left Maryvale Baseball Park for the day when Brewers spokesman Mike Vassallo texted a shocker: Eric Gagne is re-joining the Brewers.  —  He won't exactly make the $10 million he pocketed last season, and general manager Doug Melvin …

Top Nats prospect falsified age, name … A top Washington Nationals prospect and recipient of the largest international signing bonus in team history is not who he appeared to be.  Esmailyn Gonzalez, who is listed as 19 years old on the team's roster, is actually 23-year-old Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo, four sources have told SI.com.

A-Rod answers questions, raises more … TAMPA, Fla. — His friends told him the truth would set him free.  But is that what Alex Rodriguez told Tuesday?  —  The truth?  The whole truth?  And nothing but the truth?  —  Ehhhhh ... it didn't feel that way.

Forecast is hazy for Glaus  —  JUPITER, Fla. — The Cardinals staged their first full-squad workout Tuesday with only one position player not on the field.  —  Four weeks after surgery repaired damaged muscle near his right shoulder, third baseman Troy Glaus is not close …

Rays add 2B Adam Kennedy to spring roster  —  2B Adam Kennedy was added to the Rays spring roster on a minor-league contract.  —  Kennedy, 33, was released last week by the Cardinals, for whom he hit .280 in 115 games last season following a horrible .217 in 87 games the year before.

Dodgers are in a mound of trouble with starting rotation  —  They should have held on to Brad Penny, as this year their choice for opening day starter is a guy coming off a broken leg or another coming off a sore shoulder.  —  T.J. Simers  —  I'm hoping Manny is spending this extra time …

Stokes' hammy pops pen  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Brian Stokes became the first notable casualty of the spring, when the 29-year-old righthander injured his right hamstring, leaving him unable to work off a mound.  “It didn't pop or anything,” Stokes said, downplaying the severity.

We're live blogging the Alex Rodriguez news conference  —  Keep hitting refresh for the latest updates... 2:36 p.m. We're all done.  A-Rod was on the dais for 32 minutes.  2:35 p.m. A-Rod just ended by saying he wants “to make the world a better place.”  “I screwed up big-time.

Arizona Diamondbacks, Conor Jackson agree on one-year contract  —  PHOENIX — Conor Jackson avoided a salary arbitration hearing with the Arizona Diamondbacks when he agreed Tuesday to a one-year contract worth $3.05 million.  —  The 26-year-old infielder and outfielder hit .300 with 12 homers and 75 RBIs in 144 games last year.

Still no word if Griffey is headed to Atlanta or Seattle  —  As of 6 p.m. MST, the Mariners still have no idea if they are in the hunt for Ken Griffey Jr., their former All-Star and the man they hope will be their left fielder and/or DH this season.  —  Neither Griffey or his agent …

Giles doesn't expect personal issues to be a distraction for him or the team  —  PEORIA, Ariz. - Brian Giles, who is embroiled in a public dispute with a former girlfriend, reported to Padres camp Tuesday and said his legal issues will not be a distraction to either him or the Padres this season.

O's closing in on extension with Roberts  —  Sources: Club nearing 4-year deal with 2-time All-Star second baseman  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - It appears that Brian Roberts, nearly traded on at least two different occasions during his Orioles tenure, will be staying put in Baltimore for several more seasons.

BELTRAN AIM: ‘KILL’ HAMELS  —  PORT ST. LUCIE - Carlos Beltran drew a bull's-eye on Cole Hamels yesterday.  —  Adding yet more fuel to the ongoing war of words between the Mets and Phillies, the Met center fielder said he hopes the Amazin's “kill” the Philadelphia ace every time they face Hamels this season.

Thomas Boswell on Alex Rodriguez's Steroid Stories  —  The FBI watches ESPN, too.  —  So, by amazing coincidence, the story Alex Rodriguez told us yesterday was exactly the kind of tale he would have to tell if he did not want a visit from anybody wearing a badge or carrying a subpoena.

BRAVES SIGN KELLY JOHNSON  —  The Braves signed Kelly Johnson to a one-year, $2.825 million contract, avoiding arbitration, the Post has learned.  —  Johnson had asked for $3.3 million in arbitration and the Braves had countered at $2.35 million.  —  Johnson also can make $50,000 for each of 620 and 670 plate appearances.

Sox set for first full workout  —  FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Red Sox are currently in meetings prior to their first full workout here at the minor league complex.  Some of the hitters - David Ortiz, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Jason Bay, spent time in the batting cages.