The former Reds reliever, who last pitched in 2001 with the Mariners, underwent his fourth shoulder surgery March 5.

"I had four priorities going into the surgery," Charlton said. "I wanted to not wake up in pain. I wanted to be able to play catch with my dog without needing to take anti-inflammatories. I wanted to be able to throw batting practice.

"And I wanted to get back to the major-league level."

The latter will not happen.

Dr. Lewis Yocum told Charlton and the Mariners that the pitcher's shoulder will never be able to withstand the rigors of pitching in the major leagues.

"It's not like I'm 23 years old," said Charlton, who did some scouting for the Mariners last season and would like to coach someday. "I'm on the backside of the bell curve. I'm 41, and I can't expect to return."

The left-hander gained fame as one of the Reds' "Nasty Boys" and appeared in 605 career games from 1988-2001 with the Reds, Mariners, Phillies, Orioles, Braves and Devil Rays. He compiled a 51-54 record with 97 saves and a 3.71 ERA.

NEWS TO HIM: The Ken Griffey Jr.-to-Seattle rumor that surfaced recently might be wishful thinking on the part of some.

But the Seattle Times report came as a surprise to Mariners manager Bob Melvin.

"I read the stuff in the paper, and you think at some point that would come across my desk if there were some validity to it," Melvin said. "I haven't heard anything."

ROAD TRIP: The Astros and Marlins complete a two-game series today in Mexico City.

The trip, viewed as a way to develop the game internationally, was met with some resistance by players.

"I don't think that a lot of guys wanted to go," Marlins pitcher Josh Beckett said. "But it's good for baseball, and that's what we're trying to achieve."

The Astros played a night game in Tampa, Fla., on Friday before boarding a Saturday morning flight to Mexico City. Both teams have Monday off, but Houston must travel 108 miles on Tuesday to play the Mets in Port St. Lucie.

"From a (public-relations) standpoint, I can see why they want to branch out and bring the game to other areas," Astros outfielder Lance Berkman said. "The timing is just not good for us."

NEW DEAL: Coming off a strong rookie season, Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon Webb has agreed to a three-year, $3.3 million contract with a club option for 2007.

The 24-year-old former Kentucky standout went 10-9 with a 2.84 ERA last season. He finished third in National League Rookie of the Year voting behind Florida's Dontrelle Willis and Milwaukee's Scott Podsednik.

ODDS AND ENDS: Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract this offseason, reported to camp weighing 264 pounds, 15 pounds heavier than last spring. Ponson said the added pounds were due to his offseason weightlifting program. . . . Wanting to avoid future injury, A's pitcher Barry Zito has made a slight modification to his delivery. Zito, who had surgery on his left knee in 1998, is working on standing taller when in the stretch. . . . Phillies first baseman Jim Thome, who suffered a broken right middle finger March 6, is expected to be ready for opening day. He will start hitting again the final week of spring training. . . . Twins manager Ron Gardenhire returned to Fort Myers after a game Monday in Tampa and bowled his first 300 during his weekly bowling outing with coaches.

QUOTE TO NOTE: NHL Hall of Famer and Canadian icon Wayne Gretzky, 43, sported a Tigers hat during a recent spring training game between the Tigers and Blue Jays. A native of Brantford, Ontario - about three hours from Detroit - Gretzky watched his first baseball game at Tiger Stadium.

"When I was growing up there were no Blue Jays. That's how old I am."

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Compiled using notes submitted by other MLB beat writers.

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