A-Rod apologizes to SI reporter over critical comments

Alex Rodriguez of the Yankees has called Sports Illustrated's Selena Roberts to apologize for critical comments he made during an ESPN interview.

Roberts was co-author of the Feb. 7 article on SI's Web site that reported he was on a list of 104 players who tested positive for steroids during baseball's anonymous 2003 survey. Rodriguez told ESPN two days later that he had used banned substances from 2001-3 while playing for Texas.

In other Yankees news, Rodriguez is expected to have an audience of teammates for his news conference Tuesday when he arrives at spring training in Flordia. Yankees manager Joe Girardi plans to attend to show his support for the three-time AL MVP.

Around the bases: Twins catcher Joe Mauer will be limited as spring training camp opens today with the team's first official workout for pitchers and catchers. Mauer, who won his second batting title last season, underwent surgery Dec. 22 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to remove a blockage from one of his kidneys. ... Albert Pujols said that the St. Louis Cardinals' commitment to winning will dictate if he re-signs with the club when his contract expires in two years. ... Erik Bedard declared himself fine after he threw for 12 minutes in the bullpen Sunday, his first work off a mound in front of the Mariners since he had season-ending surgery on his throwing shoulder in September. ... Mariners left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith has decided to stay in spring training rather than play for his native Australia in the World Baseball Classic.