Griffey returning to Mariners after 9 years  —  PEORIA, Ariz. — It was as difficult a decision as he'd ever had to make in baseball.  —  In the end, Ken Griffey Jr. stuck to what he said 18 months ago and agreed to a one-year contract, worth about $2 million plus incentives, with the Mariners for the 2009 season.

Kasten: “I am angry.  We've been defrauded.”  —  For about 20 minutes today, Washington Nationals team president Stan Kasten spoke to the media about the false identity of the prospect formerly known as Esmailyn Gonzalez.  In the coming minutes, as you refresh this blog, a transcript of what he said will grow.

Jeter Declares His Independence From the Steroids Era  —  TAMPA, Fla. — Derek Jeter subtly expressed his support for Alex Rodriguez on Wednesday as Rodriguez grapples with possible repercussions from admitting to the use of performance-enhancing drugs.  But Jeter was much more forceful …

Sources: MLB wants A-Rod to sit down with its investigators  —  Alex Rodriguez isn't finished answering questions yet.  —  Major League Baseball will ask the disgraced slugger to meet with its investigators in the coming weeks to further explain his admitted use of performance-enhancing drugs …

Last Section of Shea Stadium Is Torn Down  —  Shea Stadium, the site of the Mets' two World Series victories, their many seasons of futility and a few historic concerts, met the fate of Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds on Wednesday morning.  At 11:21 a.m., a demolition crew pulled down the final section …

Chipper, Braves discussing extension  —  Deal could keep veteran in Atlanta for remainder of his career  —  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Chipper Jones wants to spend his entire career in Atlanta, and it appears the Braves may be willing to provide him the opportunity.

Red Sox owner renews plea for MLB salary cap … FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Boston Red Sox owner John Henry is renewing his call for a baseball salary cap.  —  He says he thinks all owners would support an “enlightened” salary cap to improve competitive balance and that players might agree.

Aybar deal done, could be worth $4.525 M  —  The Rays officially announced the signing of INF Willy Aybar to a two-year deal with a 2011 option that could be worth $4.525 million.  —  “We've had the chance over the last year to really get to know Willy and we feel he brings a lot of our club,” executive VP Andrew Friedman said.

MLB Power Rankings: Preseason Edition  —  That's right, MLB Power Rankings.  You do know that that means, right?  It means we're only a few short weeks/months (depends on you how you want to look at it, you pessimistic jerk) from starting the 2009 baseball season.

Rating every team's winter activity (cont.)  —  11. Cubs: Milton Bradley and the lovable losers have the potential to be a dicey mix, and it doesn't help that they'll need the volatile slugger to remain healthy enough to play the outfield.  Kevin Gregg doesn't make up for the loss of Kerry Wood …

Bourn turns over new leaf in 2009  —  Speedster more comfortable, set to raise walks, lower K's  —  KISSIMMEE, Fla — Michael Bourn doesn't plan to dwell on anything that happened during the 2008 season, and to prove that he's truly wiped the slate clean, he began Spring Training this year …

Alex's Rodriguez's cousin, Yuri Sucart, would do anything for him  —  As far back as anyone can remember, Yuri Sucart was always by Alex Rodriguez's side.  —  Sucart would tell anyone who would listen he was Rodriguez's cousin.  But he was also Rodriguez's best friend, confidant and personal protector.

Dodgers: Torre doesn't expect to manage after 2010  — Joe Torre is saying that he expects the 2010 season to be his final season of managing.  “That's going to be the emotional one,” he said of spring training next season.  “I don't envision myself going beyond this contract managing.”