Trainer for Washington Nationals prospect blames MLB for error  —  The trainer for a top Washington Nationals prospect who faked his age and name denied any knowledge of the player's deception and blamed Major League Baseball's investigative office in the Dominican Republic for failing to catch the scheme.

Girardi taking more personal approach  —  TAMPA, Fla. - Months before his star player admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs, Joe Girardi knew he had to change his approach to remain the manager of the Yankees beyond this season.  The controversy surrounding Alex Rodriguez only served to underscore that point in his mind.

Dice-K, Ichiro top Japan's final roster for WBC … MIYAZAKI, Japan (AP) — Japan's final roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic was set on Sunday with Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners and Boston Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka among five major league players on the 28-man squad.

A pivotal position  —  JUPITER, FLA. — The politically correct term is “idea,” not “experiment.”  —  It's not a freak show, a publicity stunt or a carnival act.  It is, however, undeniably out of left field.  —  Fans and team personnel find it virtually impossible to walk past without half-stepping …

Behind the plate — Yadi's RAA  —  Yadier Molina is pretty widely regarded as a premier defensive catcher and that was that basis for the long term contract he signed prior to last season.  His defensive excellence was finally recognized by the voting public when he won his first Gold Glove following the '08 season.

BP and Splitters  —  Valerio de los Santos has a serious fastball, of which I'll post video later.  —  He was pitching a BP to Valentin and Castillo in front of reporters, coaches, and fans, all of which were seemingly impressed.  —  Update, 10:55 am:  —  K-Rod, Elmer Dessens …

Cardinals Make Late Pass at Hudson  —  JUPITER, FLA — Free agent second baseman Orlando Hudson's signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers is imminent.  Coming off an injury-marred season that required two wrist surgeries, Hudson reached terms on a one-year deal that includes a base salary …

SERBY'S SUNDAY Q & A WITH... SABATHIA C.C.  —  The Post's Steve Serby chatted with the Yankees' ace lefty who is beginning his seven-year, $161 million contract.  —  Q: What did you weigh at birth?  —  A: Eight pounds, six ounces.  —  Q: Heaviest you've ever been?  —  A: 315.

The Return Of Corey Koskie?  —  By Alex Walsh [February 22 at 10:01am CST]  —  Kelsie Smith of the Pioneer Press reports that Corey Koskie will play for Team Canada in the WBC.  His appearance is motivated by a strong interest in returning to the major leagues, after a break from the game …

Redding suffers early setback  —  Mets righty rushes throwing program, hurts pitching shoulder  —  PORT ST LUCIE, Fla. — Tim Redding and his wife spent last Thanksgiving alone in a Baltimore hotel room, waiting for the holiday to pass.  There was little time for celebration …

Roberts still in the trade zone  —  Orioles say they have no such plan, but his contract would allow it  —  FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - When Brian Roberts signed the four-year, $40million contract extension that ties him to the Orioles through the 2013 season, he did so without getting significant …

Harper: Pettitte has motivation to pitch for himself  —  TAMPA - When all the haggling was finally done this winter, Andy Pettitte turned down $10 million and wound up signing for $5.5 million with incentives, which is the kind of deal you think would get an agent fired in most cases.