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.

After Awkward Pause, Rodriguez Thanks Yankees  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Alex Rodriguez slowly read a statement that was part explanation and part apology off white sheets of paper.  He was offering some details about why he used steroids for three years, plodding through his nervousness.

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 …

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 …

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.

Reports: Griffey to sign with Atlanta, not Seattle  —  Ken Griffey Jr. has decided to play for the Atlanta Braves, a person close to the veteran outfielder and familiar with the negotiations told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  The Seattle Times later also reported that Griffey had chosen the Braves over the Mariners.

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 …

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.

Gallardo likely won't start opener  —  Macha points to blooming righty's limited big league experience  —  PHOENIX — Brewers manager Ken Macha will not name his Opening Day starter until the final week of March, but he was “over 50 percent” sure on Tuesday that it will not be right-hander Yovani Gallardo.

He really must change his tune  —  Young?  —  Alex Rodriguez kept going back to that.  He kept telling us he was young.  —  “I was 24-25.  It's part of being young and stupid.”  —  Twenty-four?  Twenty-five?  —  Young?  —  I kept thinking about my father-in-law.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.