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Reds' Ken Griffey Jr. breaks hand

CINCINNATI, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Reds center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr., broke his left -- throwing -- hand in an accident at his home, the National League team said Friday.

Griffey is to have the hand placed in a cast for three weeks and then re-examined, the Reds said in a release. Team officials didn't say how or when the injury occurred.

Griffey has had a series of injuries limit his playing time since he joined Cincinnati, his hometown, from Seattle. Last season he hit .252 with 27 home runs and 72 runs batted in despite being sidelined in September with a toe injury and appearing in only 109 games.

When he has been able to play regularly, however, Griffey amasses Hall of Fame statistics. He is tied with Reggie Jackson for 10th all time in home runs with 563. Griffey has been selected for the All-Star Game in 12 of his 18 major league seasons.

Marlins' Willis arrested in Miami

MIAMI, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Florida Marlins pitcher Dontrelle Willis faced drunken driving charges Friday following an early-morning arrest in Miami.

Willis, 24, was taken into custody about 4 a.m. outside a nightclub in South Beach. Police allege the pitcher was "confused and disoriented" when they confronted him for allegedly urinating on a public street and double-parking his Bentley.

Police said Willis failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breath test. He was held on $1,000 bond in the Miami-Dade County Jail.

Willis, a fan favorite in Miami for his outgoing style, was 12-12 with a 3.87 earned run average for the Marlines last season. He has a career record of 58-39 and a 3.44 ERA over four major league seasons.

Cuban player Miranda now a Yankee

NEW YORK, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Infielder Juan Miranda, who played on the Cuban national team for three seasons, has signed a long-term agreement with the New York Yankees.

Financial terms of the four-year contract were not released.

Miranda, a 23-year-old left-handed hitter, hit .303 with 27 home runs while playing for Cuba from 2002-04. He defected to the Dominican Republic in 2004 and was granted citizenship there in 2005.

"Juan Miranda has impressed our scouts with his talent and strength," Yankees' Dominican Republic Scouting Supervisor Ramon Valdivia said. "He is capable of playing the outfield and first base but his biggest asset is his bat. He has the ability to hit for power while showing excellent plate discipline. We're excited to see what he can contribute to the future of this ball club."

Miranda, Andy Phillips and Josh Phelps are expected to compete for playing time at first base for the Yankees next season as Jason Giambi is likely to be used much of the season as a designated hitter.

Punter Sauerbrun signs with Patriots

FOXBORO, Mass., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Former Pro Bowl punter Todd Sauerbrun, suspended earlier this season for a banned-substance violation, has signed with the New England Patriots.

Sauerbrun was voted to the Pro Bowl three times while kicking for the Carolina Panthers. He's also played with Chicago, Kansas City and Denver.

He was with the Denver Broncos earlier this season when he tested positive for the supplement ephedra and was suspended for four games. The Broncos released him once the suspension was up.

New England has had problems with injuries to punters this season. Josh Miller was placed on injured reserve in November with a shoulder injury and Ken Walker, signed to replace Miller, was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Sauerbrun has appeared in 162 NFL games, averaging 44 yards a punt.