Former World Series MVP Hideki Matsui retires

Free agent slugger Hideki Matsui retired Thursday from professional baseball, saying he is no longer able to perform at the level that made him a star in two countries.

The 2009 World Series MVP with the New York Yankees and a three-time Central League MVP with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants struggled in a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and recently made up his mind to call it a career after 20 years — the first 10 in Japan.

Despite choosing to make the announcement in New York because the city was special to him, the nearly hour-long news conference was conducted only in Japanese and was broadcast live to his home country, where it was 7 a.m. Friday. A Japanese reporter translated portions of the event for the four American baseball writers in attendance.

Before he left for New York in 2003, Matsui told his fans in Japan that he would give his life to playing in the major leagues, give whatever he had, the reporter said. "Today is the day he put a period to that."

'I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites.'—Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

In front of more than 15 cameras and dozens of Japanese reporters, many of whom detailed every aspect of his career in the United States, the outfielder/designated hitter gave a 12-minute speech before answering questions for about 40 minutes more, betraying little emotion except for that sly smile he flashed during his playing days.

Nicknamed Godzilla, Matsui was already perhaps the most popular player of his generation in Japan when he signed a three-year, $21 million US contract with the Yankees.

While Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki appeared to shy away from the attention, Matsui walked right into the spotlight and embraced the scrutiny.

Playing for the Yankees was, "one of the best things that happened to him in his life," the Japanese reporter quoted Matsui as saying.

Cool under pressure

No. 55 was a monster for New York, too. Always cool under pressure, Matsui hit a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium and matched a World Series record with six RBIs in his pinstripe finale seven years later — during the clinching Game 6 of the 2009 Series.

"I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki."

In his career with New York, Matsui made two All-Star teams and hit .292 with 140 doubles and 597 RBIs. He played in his first 518 major league games after playing in 1,250 straight games in Japan.

In his first remarks after breaking his wrist and ending that streak in 2006, he apologized for getting hurt. Matsui returned four months later and went 4 for 4.

Matsui was known for being stoic but he also had a sense of humour, and he got a good laugh Thursday, telling the crowd that he doesn't like to use the word "retirement" because he will play pick-up baseball.

Still, Matsui ruled out competing this year in the World Baseball Classic or joining a team in Japan again.

"He was not confident he'd be able to play at the level he played at 10 years ago," the reporter said.

In fact, Matsui still has not decided on what to do next.

Matsui hit 21 homers for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 after New York didn't offer him a new contract, but his numbers fell off considerably after that. He slumped to .147 (14 for 95) with the Rays in 37 games before being released.

Overall, Matsui batted .282 with 175 homers and 760 RBIs for the Yankees, Angels, Oakland Athletics and Rays. In Japan he had a .304 career average with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games.

"Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for. He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most," Yankees general managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family."

Becoming a professional

Matsui said he first started thinking about the Yankees when he became a professional and his manager with the Giants told him to aspire to be a player like former New York centre fielder Joe DiMaggio.

Then in 1999 — three years from free agency — Matsui went to Yankee Stadium to watch a game and was "astonished" at the level of play. He thought to himself that he would "like to become a player that would be capable of playing at Yankee Stadium," the reporter translated.

Matsui arrived in New York after a season in which he hit 50 homers for the most well-known team in Japan, and fit right in.

"Hideki came to the Yankees as a superstar and immediately became a team favourite. Not only for his talent but for the unselfishness he brought to the game every day," said MLB executive vice-president for baseball operations Joe Torre, who was Matsui's manager for his first five seasons in New York. "Hideki Matsui is a winner and I was proud to be his manager."

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Former Expos pitcher Urbina returning to baseball after release from prison

Former major league pitcher Ugueth Urbina returned to baseball Friday after serving 7 ½ years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch.

Before taking the field in his native Venezuela to play for the Lions of Caracas, Urbina described himself as "more mature" and said he was "very excited to play baseball again."

"I'm excited to be here," Urbina told reporters at the University Stadium in Caracas, where the Lions played the Zulia Eagles.

The 38-year-old pitcher was released from prison Sunday after serving roughly half of his 14-year sentence for attempted murder during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005.

Urbina was found guilty of attacking and injuring workers with a machete. Several other men participated in the attack at his family's ranch, located about 25 miles from Caracas.

Denying involvement

Urbina, who pitched for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, has repeatedly denied involvement with the incident that landed him in prison, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack.

A two-time all-star, Urbina saved 237 big league games from 1995-2005. He had two saves in the 2003 World Series to help the Marlins beat the New York Yankees, and last pitched in the majors with the Phillies in 2005.

Urbina told reporters he hopes to play professional baseball in the United States again.

"The first order of business is pitching in Venezuela," he said.

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Former World Series MVP Hideki Matsui retires

Free agent slugger Hideki Matsui retired Thursday from professional baseball, saying he is no longer able to perform at the level that made him a star in two countries.

The 2009 World Series MVP with the New York Yankees and a three-time Central League MVP with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants struggled in a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and recently made up his mind to call it a career after 20 years — the first 10 in Japan.

Despite choosing to make the announcement in New York because the city was special to him, the nearly hour-long news conference was conducted only in Japanese and was broadcast live to his home country, where it was 7 a.m. Friday. A Japanese reporter translated portions of the event for the four American baseball writers in attendance.

Before he left for New York in 2003, Matsui told his fans in Japan that he would give his life to playing in the major leagues, give whatever he had, the reporter said. "Today is the day he put a period to that."

'I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites.'—Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

In front of more than 15 cameras and dozens of Japanese reporters, many of whom detailed every aspect of his career in the United States, the outfielder/designated hitter gave a 12-minute speech before answering questions for about 40 minutes more, betraying little emotion except for that sly smile he flashed during his playing days.

Nicknamed Godzilla, Matsui was already perhaps the most popular player of his generation in Japan when he signed a three-year, $21 million US contract with the Yankees.

While Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki appeared to shy away from the attention, Matsui walked right into the spotlight and embraced the scrutiny.

Playing for the Yankees was, "one of the best things that happened to him in his life," the Japanese reporter quoted Matsui as saying.

Cool under pressure

No. 55 was a monster for New York, too. Always cool under pressure, Matsui hit a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium and matched a World Series record with six RBIs in his pinstripe finale seven years later — during the clinching Game 6 of the 2009 Series.

"I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki."

In his career with New York, Matsui made two All-Star teams and hit .292 with 140 doubles and 597 RBIs. He played in his first 518 major league games after playing in 1,250 straight games in Japan.

In his first remarks after breaking his wrist and ending that streak in 2006, he apologized for getting hurt. Matsui returned four months later and went 4 for 4.

Matsui was known for being stoic but he also had a sense of humour, and he got a good laugh Thursday, telling the crowd that he doesn't like to use the word "retirement" because he will play pick-up baseball.

Still, Matsui ruled out competing this year in the World Baseball Classic or joining a team in Japan again.

"He was not confident he'd be able to play at the level he played at 10 years ago," the reporter said.

In fact, Matsui still has not decided on what to do next.

Matsui hit 21 homers for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 after New York didn't offer him a new contract, but his numbers fell off considerably after that. He slumped to .147 (14 for 95) with the Rays in 37 games before being released.

Overall, Matsui batted .282 with 175 homers and 760 RBIs for the Yankees, Angels, Oakland Athletics and Rays. In Japan he had a .304 career average with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games.

"Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for. He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most," Yankees general managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family."

Becoming a professional

Matsui said he first started thinking about the Yankees when he became a professional and his manager with the Giants told him to aspire to be a player like former New York centre fielder Joe DiMaggio.

Then in 1999 — three years from free agency — Matsui went to Yankee Stadium to watch a game and was "astonished" at the level of play. He thought to himself that he would "like to become a player that would be capable of playing at Yankee Stadium," the reporter translated.

Matsui arrived in New York after a season in which he hit 50 homers for the most well-known team in Japan, and fit right in.

"Hideki came to the Yankees as a superstar and immediately became a team favourite. Not only for his talent but for the unselfishness he brought to the game every day," said MLB executive vice-president for baseball operations Joe Torre, who was Matsui's manager for his first five seasons in New York. "Hideki Matsui is a winner and I was proud to be his manager."

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Former Expos pitcher Urbina returning to baseball after release from prison

Former major league pitcher Ugueth Urbina returned to baseball Friday after serving 7 ½ years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch.

Before taking the field in his native Venezuela to play for the Lions of Caracas, Urbina described himself as "more mature" and said he was "very excited to play baseball again."

"I'm excited to be here," Urbina told reporters at the University Stadium in Caracas, where the Lions played the Zulia Eagles.

The 38-year-old pitcher was released from prison Sunday after serving roughly half of his 14-year sentence for attempted murder during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005.

Urbina was found guilty of attacking and injuring workers with a machete. Several other men participated in the attack at his family's ranch, located about 25 miles from Caracas.

Denying involvement

Urbina, who pitched for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, has repeatedly denied involvement with the incident that landed him in prison, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack.

A two-time all-star, Urbina saved 237 big league games from 1995-2005. He had two saves in the 2003 World Series to help the Marlins beat the New York Yankees, and last pitched in the majors with the Phillies in 2005.

Urbina told reporters he hopes to play professional baseball in the United States again.

"The first order of business is pitching in Venezuela," he said.

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Former World Series MVP Hideki Matsui retires

Free agent slugger Hideki Matsui retired Thursday from professional baseball, saying he is no longer able to perform at the level that made him a star in two countries.

The 2009 World Series MVP with the New York Yankees and a three-time Central League MVP with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants struggled in a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and recently made up his mind to call it a career after 20 years — the first 10 in Japan.

Despite choosing to make the announcement in New York because the city was special to him, the nearly hour-long news conference was conducted only in Japanese and was broadcast live to his home country, where it was 7 a.m. Friday. A Japanese reporter translated portions of the event for the four American baseball writers in attendance.

Before he left for New York in 2003, Matsui told his fans in Japan that he would give his life to playing in the major leagues, give whatever he had, the reporter said. "Today is the day he put a period to that."

'I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites.'—Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

In front of more than 15 cameras and dozens of Japanese reporters, many of whom detailed every aspect of his career in the United States, the outfielder/designated hitter gave a 12-minute speech before answering questions for about 40 minutes more, betraying little emotion except for that sly smile he flashed during his playing days.

Nicknamed Godzilla, Matsui was already perhaps the most popular player of his generation in Japan when he signed a three-year, $21 million US contract with the Yankees.

While Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki appeared to shy away from the attention, Matsui walked right into the spotlight and embraced the scrutiny.

Playing for the Yankees was, "one of the best things that happened to him in his life," the Japanese reporter quoted Matsui as saying.

Cool under pressure

No. 55 was a monster for New York, too. Always cool under pressure, Matsui hit a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium and matched a World Series record with six RBIs in his pinstripe finale seven years later — during the clinching Game 6 of the 2009 Series.

"I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki."

In his career with New York, Matsui made two All-Star teams and hit .292 with 140 doubles and 597 RBIs. He played in his first 518 major league games after playing in 1,250 straight games in Japan.

In his first remarks after breaking his wrist and ending that streak in 2006, he apologized for getting hurt. Matsui returned four months later and went 4 for 4.

Matsui was known for being stoic but he also had a sense of humour, and he got a good laugh Thursday, telling the crowd that he doesn't like to use the word "retirement" because he will play pick-up baseball.

Still, Matsui ruled out competing this year in the World Baseball Classic or joining a team in Japan again.

"He was not confident he'd be able to play at the level he played at 10 years ago," the reporter said.

In fact, Matsui still has not decided on what to do next.

Matsui hit 21 homers for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 after New York didn't offer him a new contract, but his numbers fell off considerably after that. He slumped to .147 (14 for 95) with the Rays in 37 games before being released.

Overall, Matsui batted .282 with 175 homers and 760 RBIs for the Yankees, Angels, Oakland Athletics and Rays. In Japan he had a .304 career average with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games.

"Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for. He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most," Yankees general managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family."

Becoming a professional

Matsui said he first started thinking about the Yankees when he became a professional and his manager with the Giants told him to aspire to be a player like former New York centre fielder Joe DiMaggio.

Then in 1999 — three years from free agency — Matsui went to Yankee Stadium to watch a game and was "astonished" at the level of play. He thought to himself that he would "like to become a player that would be capable of playing at Yankee Stadium," the reporter translated.

Matsui arrived in New York after a season in which he hit 50 homers for the most well-known team in Japan, and fit right in.

"Hideki came to the Yankees as a superstar and immediately became a team favourite. Not only for his talent but for the unselfishness he brought to the game every day," said MLB executive vice-president for baseball operations Joe Torre, who was Matsui's manager for his first five seasons in New York. "Hideki Matsui is a winner and I was proud to be his manager."

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Former Expos pitcher Urbina returning to baseball after release from prison

Former major league pitcher Ugueth Urbina returned to baseball Friday after serving 7 ½ years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch.

Before taking the field in his native Venezuela to play for the Lions of Caracas, Urbina described himself as "more mature" and said he was "very excited to play baseball again."

"I'm excited to be here," Urbina told reporters at the University Stadium in Caracas, where the Lions played the Zulia Eagles.

The 38-year-old pitcher was released from prison Sunday after serving roughly half of his 14-year sentence for attempted murder during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005.

Urbina was found guilty of attacking and injuring workers with a machete. Several other men participated in the attack at his family's ranch, located about 25 miles from Caracas.

Denying involvement

Urbina, who pitched for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies, has repeatedly denied involvement with the incident that landed him in prison, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack.

A two-time all-star, Urbina saved 237 big league games from 1995-2005. He had two saves in the 2003 World Series to help the Marlins beat the New York Yankees, and last pitched in the majors with the Phillies in 2005.

Urbina told reporters he hopes to play professional baseball in the United States again.

"The first order of business is pitching in Venezuela," he said.

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Red Sox acquire all-star closer Hanrahan from Pirates: MLB moves

If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer.

In the first of his two all-star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game.

"When people look back on me as a Pirate, that's the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade.

People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran.

"It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batter's box against Joel Hanrahan."

Now American League hitters will see what it's like.

Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands.

The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. That reported $9.5 million US deal was contingent on the former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback, who broke his ankle in 2011, passing a physical.

"We feel that he's going to be fully healthy for us," O'Halloran said.

The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross.

Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves.

The six-year veteran will take over the closer's role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury.

In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games.

Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," O'Halloran said.

The Red Sox's search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season.

Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumours involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and it's a huge sports city."

In six seasons, 2 ½ with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, he's 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings.

Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics.

"I don't think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training."

Hanrahan said he's never been to Fenway Park, but O'Halloran doesn't think he'll have trouble adjusting to the American League.

"Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said.

Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September.

Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.

Mariners sign Raul Ibanez

The Seattle Mariners officially announced their $2.75 million, one-year deal with outfielder Raul Ibanez on Wednesday, returning the veteran to where he began his major league career in 1996.

Seattle confirmed an agreement with Ibanez over the weekend but needed to clear a roster spot before making the transaction official. That took place when the Mariners designated for assignment right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell, opening a spot on the 40-man roster. Mitchell was acquired from the New York Yankees in the trade last July for Ichiro Suzuki.

The deal allows Ibanez to earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses. This will be his third stint with the Mariners, after rejoining them from 2004-08.

"Raul is the ultimate professional both on and off the field," Seattle manager Eric Wedge said in a statement. "His veteran presence will be invaluable to our younger group of players."

Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik has said the team wanted to add veteran leadership in the off-season. The 40-year-old Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats for the Yankees last season.

Including the playoffs, Ibanez hit five home runs that tied the score for the Yankees and eight that put New York ahead, according to STATS.

Whether there's another season of production left in Ibanez's bat is uncertain. He'll be joining the worst offensive team in baseball, which has tried to make incremental upgrades during the off-season but has been unable to make a huge splash.

Seattle last week added power-hitting Kendrys Morales in a trade that sent left-hander Jason Vargas to the Los Angeles Angels. Former Yankees prospect Jesus Montero started 77 games at designated hitter last season for the Mariners and 55 behind the plate, so Ibanez's acquisition by the Mariners could make catcher John Jaso expendable.

"In Raul we have a player and person with outstanding leadership skills who has participated in post-season play the last several years," Zduriencik said. "We will give Raul the opportunity to come in and compete and add an additional veteran presence to this ball club."

In 17 major league seasons that also included time with Kansas City (2001-03) and Philadelphia (2009-11), Ibanez has a .278 career average with 271 home runs and 1,116 RBIs.

Pierzynski, Rangers complete 1-year deal

A.J. Pierzynski can joke with Texas manager Ron Washington about last season's All-Star snub now that he's the starting catcher for the Rangers.

They shared a laugh over lunch a few days before Wednesday's announcement that Pierzynski's one-year free agent contract with Texas was complete. Both considered the All-Star issue dead after it happened in July, even though Pierzynski had a cryptic retort when Washington explained the difficulty of the decision.

"Everybody keeps trying to make a big deal out of it, but I've known Wash for a really long time," Pierzynski said. "It's not going to change the way I feel about Ron Washington because I know what he's done in this game and I know where he stands and what he's all about. It's over and done with for me."

Washington said Pierzynski will be the primary catcher, pushing Geovany Soto to the backup role after he re-signed as a free agent. Pierzynski hit .278 with a career-high 27 home runs in 135 games for the Chicago White Sox, while Soto took a pay cut after hitting .196 in 47 games following a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Pierzynski, a two-time All-Star who has been to the playoffs four times and won the 2005 World Series with the White Sox, has long been known as an irritant to opposing players and even someone who didn't always please his teammates either. Washington says he always felt otherwise.

"I always loved him; I never hated him," Washington said. "I always loved him because he always believed he did anything and everything he had to do to try to beat you. I admired that."

Pierzynski is a .284 career hitter in 1,629 games with the White Sox (2005-12), San Francisco (2004) and Minnesota (1998-2003). He could also play some designated hitter. He caught 121 games last year, leads and all active players with 1,559 games as a catcher and doesn't see a need to slow down even though he turns 36 on Sunday.

"Physically, I feel awesome," said Pierzynski, who matched his career high with 77 RBIs last season. "Mentally, I'm as good as I've ever been. I always joke that I have to thank my mom and dad because they gave me good genes as far as health goes."

To make room for Pierzynski on the 40-man roster, the Rangers designated catcher Luis Martinez for assignment.

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Former World Series MVP Hideki Matsui retires

Free agent slugger Hideki Matsui retired Thursday from professional baseball, saying he is no longer able to perform at the level that made him a star in two countries.

The 2009 World Series MVP with the New York Yankees and a three-time Central League MVP with the Tokyo Yomiuri Giants struggled in a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Rays last season and recently made up his mind to call it a career after 20 years — the first 10 in Japan.

Despite choosing to make the announcement in New York because the city was special to him, the nearly hour-long news conference was conducted only in Japanese and was broadcast live to his home country, where it was 7 a.m. Friday. A Japanese reporter translated portions of the event for the four American baseball writers in attendance.

Before he left for New York in 2003, Matsui told his fans in Japan that he would give his life to playing in the major leagues, give whatever he had, the reporter said. "Today is the day he put a period to that."

'I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites.'—Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter

In front of more than 15 cameras and dozens of Japanese reporters, many of whom detailed every aspect of his career in the United States, the outfielder/designated hitter gave a 12-minute speech before answering questions for about 40 minutes more, betraying little emotion except for that sly smile he flashed during his playing days.

Nicknamed Godzilla, Matsui was already perhaps the most popular player of his generation in Japan when he signed a three-year, $21 million US contract with the Yankees.

While Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki appeared to shy away from the attention, Matsui walked right into the spotlight and embraced the scrutiny.

Playing for the Yankees was, "one of the best things that happened to him in his life," the Japanese reporter quoted Matsui as saying.

Cool under pressure

No. 55 was a monster for New York, too. Always cool under pressure, Matsui hit a grand slam in his first game at Yankee Stadium and matched a World Series record with six RBIs in his pinstripe finale seven years later — during the clinching Game 6 of the 2009 Series.

"I've had a lot of teammates over the years with the Yankees, but I will always consider Hideki one of my favourites," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "Despite being shadowed by a large group of reporters, having the pressures of performing for his fans both in New York and Japan and becoming acclimated to the bright lights of New York City, he always remained focused and committed to his job and to those of us he shared the clubhouse with. I have a lot of respect for Hideki."

In his career with New York, Matsui made two All-Star teams and hit .292 with 140 doubles and 597 RBIs. He played in his first 518 major league games after playing in 1,250 straight games in Japan.

In his first remarks after breaking his wrist and ending that streak in 2006, he apologized for getting hurt. Matsui returned four months later and went 4 for 4.

Matsui was known for being stoic but he also had a sense of humour, and he got a good laugh Thursday, telling the crowd that he doesn't like to use the word "retirement" because he will play pick-up baseball.

Still, Matsui ruled out competing this year in the World Baseball Classic or joining a team in Japan again.

"He was not confident he'd be able to play at the level he played at 10 years ago," the reporter said.

In fact, Matsui still has not decided on what to do next.

Matsui hit 21 homers for the Los Angeles Angels in 2010 after New York didn't offer him a new contract, but his numbers fell off considerably after that. He slumped to .147 (14 for 95) with the Rays in 37 games before being released.

Overall, Matsui batted .282 with 175 homers and 760 RBIs for the Yankees, Angels, Oakland Athletics and Rays. In Japan he had a .304 career average with 332 homers and 889 RBIs in 1,268 games.

"Hideki Matsui, in many ways, embodied what this organization stands for. He was dedicated to his craft, embraced his responsibilities to his team and fans, and elevated his play when he was needed the most," Yankees general managing partner Hal Steinbrenner said. "He did all these things with a humility that was distinctly his own, which is why he was such a big part of our success and why he will always be a cherished member of the Yankees family."

Becoming a professional

Matsui said he first started thinking about the Yankees when he became a professional and his manager with the Giants told him to aspire to be a player like former New York centre fielder Joe DiMaggio.

Then in 1999 — three years from free agency — Matsui went to Yankee Stadium to watch a game and was "astonished" at the level of play. He thought to himself that he would "like to become a player that would be capable of playing at Yankee Stadium," the reporter translated.

Matsui arrived in New York after a season in which he hit 50 homers for the most well-known team in Japan, and fit right in.

"Hideki came to the Yankees as a superstar and immediately became a team favourite. Not only for his talent but for the unselfishness he brought to the game every day," said MLB executive vice-president for baseball operations Joe Torre, who was Matsui's manager for his first five seasons in New York. "Hideki Matsui is a winner and I was proud to be his manager."

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Anthopoulos, Blue Jays helping distract angry NHL fans

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining MLB team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport. Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's also helped to pacify swarms of angry NHL fans.

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining Major League Baseball team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport.

Lost in the sea of legal jargon that has engulfed the NHL lockout, alienated fans have been in desperate need of something to distract them from the 'make whole' provision, hockey-related revenue, 'disclaimer of interest,' or any other mind-numbingly frustrating terms associated with the months-long labour dispute between the owners and players.

After all, part of the essence of sport is the entertainment value. Sports are supposed to help us temporarily step away from the day-to-day grind and have something to get excited about. They're supposed to help spark lively debates and create a sense of unity, not drag people through the trenches.

Cue Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

He's turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since it won the second of back-to-back World Series titles in 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's simultaneously helped to pacify swarms of angry hockey fans.

And with the moves, Anthopoulos and his team have emerged from this off-season with a brigade of new bandwagon fans in addition to those die-hard ones that have supported the Blue Jays through hard times.

Blockbuster deal

It started last month when the now revered GM raided the Miami Marlins' starting rotation and top of the batting order in a mammoth 12-player swap.

Although it took several days of deliberation for MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to approve the deal, Anthopoulos added one of baseball's most coveted prototypical leadoff hitters in Jose Reyes to the top of the lineup.

He also managed to turn Toronto's starting five into one of baseball's best almost overnight. Right-hander Josh Johnson is arguably one of the top hurlers in baseball when healthy. Lefty Mark Buehrle gives the Jays credibility and a crafty veteran presence on the mound. And let's not forget that Buehrle has a perfect game to his credit.

It's a rotation that already boasts fireballer Brandon Morrow and if lefty Ricky Romero can rediscover his touch and rebound from a horrific 2012, opposing offences will have their work cut out for them.

The team gave up a couple of promising youngsters including shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and pitcher Henderson Alvarez among others, but it was a price Anthopoulos was willing to pay.

The Blue Jays then went out and added All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera. Granted, he comes with question marks after a 50-game drug ban last year, but if he can find even a fraction of the form that led the National League in hitting (.346 batting average) before his suspension, he'll be an invaluable piece to Toronto's puzzle.

Not done yet

But just when the buzz around the Blue Jays was beginning to cool off, Anthopoulos found himself in the middle of the R.A. Dickey sweepstakes a couple of weeks ago.

The 38-year-old Cy Young Award-winning knuckleballer didn't come cheap - at the expense of one of Toronto's best farmhands in catcher Travis d'Arnaud, along with pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard as part of the deal - but it continued to shape the Blue Jays into something they hadn't legitimately been in nearly two decades: a contender.

The deal pushed Las Vegas oddsmakers to declare them 15-2 World Series favourites as recently as last week.

And while NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr continue to butt heads with the hockey season in jeopardy, Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays will be gearing up for spring training in a couple of months.

And so will droves of frustrated NHL fans.

Back to accessibility links

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Red Sox acquire all-star closer Hanrahan from Pirates: MLB moves

If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer.

In the first of his two all-star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game.

"When people look back on me as a Pirate, that's the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade.

People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran.

"It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batter's box against Joel Hanrahan."

Now American League hitters will see what it's like.

Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands.

The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. That reported $9.5 million US deal was contingent on the former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback, who broke his ankle in 2011, passing a physical.

"We feel that he's going to be fully healthy for us," O'Halloran said.

The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross.

Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves.

The six-year veteran will take over the closer's role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury.

In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games.

Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," O'Halloran said.

The Red Sox's search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season.

Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumours involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and it's a huge sports city."

In six seasons, 2 ½ with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, he's 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings.

Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics.

"I don't think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training."

Hanrahan said he's never been to Fenway Park, but O'Halloran doesn't think he'll have trouble adjusting to the American League.

"Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said.

Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September.

Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.

Mariners sign Raul Ibanez

The Seattle Mariners officially announced their $2.75 million, one-year deal with outfielder Raul Ibanez on Wednesday, returning the veteran to where he began his major league career in 1996.

Seattle confirmed an agreement with Ibanez over the weekend but needed to clear a roster spot before making the transaction official. That took place when the Mariners designated for assignment right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell, opening a spot on the 40-man roster. Mitchell was acquired from the New York Yankees in the trade last July for Ichiro Suzuki.

The deal allows Ibanez to earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses. This will be his third stint with the Mariners, after rejoining them from 2004-08.

"Raul is the ultimate professional both on and off the field," Seattle manager Eric Wedge said in a statement. "His veteran presence will be invaluable to our younger group of players."

Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik has said the team wanted to add veteran leadership in the off-season. The 40-year-old Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats for the Yankees last season.

Including the playoffs, Ibanez hit five home runs that tied the score for the Yankees and eight that put New York ahead, according to STATS.

Whether there's another season of production left in Ibanez's bat is uncertain. He'll be joining the worst offensive team in baseball, which has tried to make incremental upgrades during the off-season but has been unable to make a huge splash.

Seattle last week added power-hitting Kendrys Morales in a trade that sent left-hander Jason Vargas to the Los Angeles Angels. Former Yankees prospect Jesus Montero started 77 games at designated hitter last season for the Mariners and 55 behind the plate, so Ibanez's acquisition by the Mariners could make catcher John Jaso expendable.

"In Raul we have a player and person with outstanding leadership skills who has participated in post-season play the last several years," Zduriencik said. "We will give Raul the opportunity to come in and compete and add an additional veteran presence to this ball club."

In 17 major league seasons that also included time with Kansas City (2001-03) and Philadelphia (2009-11), Ibanez has a .278 career average with 271 home runs and 1,116 RBIs.

Pierzynski, Rangers complete 1-year deal

A.J. Pierzynski can joke with Texas manager Ron Washington about last season's All-Star snub now that he's the starting catcher for the Rangers.

They shared a laugh over lunch a few days before Wednesday's announcement that Pierzynski's one-year free agent contract with Texas was complete. Both considered the All-Star issue dead after it happened in July, even though Pierzynski had a cryptic retort when Washington explained the difficulty of the decision.

"Everybody keeps trying to make a big deal out of it, but I've known Wash for a really long time," Pierzynski said. "It's not going to change the way I feel about Ron Washington because I know what he's done in this game and I know where he stands and what he's all about. It's over and done with for me."

Washington said Pierzynski will be the primary catcher, pushing Geovany Soto to the backup role after he re-signed as a free agent. Pierzynski hit .278 with a career-high 27 home runs in 135 games for the Chicago White Sox, while Soto took a pay cut after hitting .196 in 47 games following a trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Pierzynski, a two-time All-Star who has been to the playoffs four times and won the 2005 World Series with the White Sox, has long been known as an irritant to opposing players and even someone who didn't always please his teammates either. Washington says he always felt otherwise.

"I always loved him; I never hated him," Washington said. "I always loved him because he always believed he did anything and everything he had to do to try to beat you. I admired that."

Pierzynski is a .284 career hitter in 1,629 games with the White Sox (2005-12), San Francisco (2004) and Minnesota (1998-2003). He could also play some designated hitter. He caught 121 games last year, leads and all active players with 1,559 games as a catcher and doesn't see a need to slow down even though he turns 36 on Sunday.

"Physically, I feel awesome," said Pierzynski, who matched his career high with 77 RBIs last season. "Mentally, I'm as good as I've ever been. I always joke that I have to thank my mom and dad because they gave me good genes as far as health goes."

To make room for Pierzynski on the 40-man roster, the Rangers designated catcher Luis Martinez for assignment.

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New Blue Jay R.A. Dickey thanks Mets fans in letter

R.A. Dickey thanked the New York Mets and their fans for giving him "a chance" in a poignant letter published over the weekend.

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month along with Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas in exchange for John Buck, Travis d'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra.

Dickey then agreed to a two-year contract extension with Toronto worth $25 million that runs through to the end of the 2015 season with a club option for 2016.

And while the 38-year-old knuckleballer is excited about his new team, Dickey expressed his gratitude to the Mets and their fans in Saturday's New York Daily News.

"I never expected to be writing a farewell 'holiday card' to Mets fans," Dickey wrote. "I never expected to be doing anything but celebrating the joy of the season with my wife and kids and looking toward the spring, and the start of my fourth season with an organization that gave me maybe the greatest gift an athlete can get: A chance."

A former first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers, Dickey struggled with consistency until he began toying with the knuckleball in 2005.

He perfected it last season with the Mets, posting a 20-6 record and a 2.73 earned-run average on the way to winning the NL Cy Young Award. The right-hander had hoped to sign a contract extension with New York and continue pitching in front of the fans he had grown to love, but the two sides could not reach an agreement.

"The trade was hard for me at first. [New York] is where my heart was, where I wanted to be, where I lived out a story of redemption and felt that every one of you shared it with me in some form or fashion," Dickey continued. "I loved pitching for you. I loved your passion, the way you embraced me from the start, and the way you seemed to appreciate the effort I was putting forth.

"Every time I'd walk off the mound after an outing, I'd look in your faces, the people behind the dugout, and felt as if all your energy and support was pouring right into me — even when I was lousy. It gives me chill bumps thinking about it even now."

Dickey, who is part of a bold remake of Toronto's roster that includes pitchers Mark Buerhle and Josh Johnson, shortstop Jose Reyes and outfielder Melky Cabrera, is looking forward to the coming season with the Blue Jays.

"As I move beyond the sadness over leaving here, I know I have a tremendous amount to look forward to. The Blue Jays may need name tags on the first day of spring training, but once we get acquainted, well, this team could be something," he wrote. "I appreciate the welcome I've already gotten from them, and what they're trying to build. We'll see how it all unfolds."

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Anthopoulos, Blue Jays helping distract angry NHL fans

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining MLB team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport. Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's also helped to pacify swarms of angry NHL fans.

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining Major League Baseball team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport.

Lost in the sea of legal jargon that has engulfed the NHL lockout, alienated fans have been in desperate need of something to distract them from the 'make whole' provision, hockey-related revenue, 'disclaimer of interest,' or any other mind-numbingly frustrating terms associated with the months-long labour dispute between the owners and players.

After all, part of the essence of sport is the entertainment value. Sports are supposed to help us temporarily step away from the day-to-day grind and have something to get excited about. They're supposed to help spark lively debates and create a sense of unity, not drag people through the trenches.

Cue Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

He's turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since it won the second of back-to-back World Series titles in 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's simultaneously helped to pacify swarms of angry hockey fans.

And with the moves, Anthopoulos and his team have emerged from this off-season with a brigade of new bandwagon fans in addition to those die-hard ones that have supported the Blue Jays through hard times.

Blockbuster deal

It started last month when the now revered GM raided the Miami Marlins' starting rotation and top of the batting order in a mammoth 12-player swap.

Although it took several days of deliberation for MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to approve the deal, Anthopoulos added one of baseball's most coveted prototypical leadoff hitters in Jose Reyes to the top of the lineup.

He also managed to turn Toronto's starting five into one of baseball's best almost overnight. Right-hander Josh Johnson is arguably one of the top hurlers in baseball when healthy. Lefty Mark Buehrle gives the Jays credibility and a crafty veteran presence on the mound. And let's not forget that Buehrle has a perfect game to his credit.

It's a rotation that already boasts fireballer Brandon Morrow and if lefty Ricky Romero can rediscover his touch and rebound from a horrific 2012, opposing offences will have their work cut out for them.

The team gave up a couple of promising youngsters including shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and pitcher Henderson Alvarez among others, but it was a price Anthopoulos was willing to pay.

The Blue Jays then went out and added All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera. Granted, he comes with question marks after a 50-game drug ban last year, but if he can find even a fraction of the form that led the National League in hitting (.346 batting average) before his suspension, he'll be an invaluable piece to Toronto's puzzle.

Not done yet

But just when the buzz around the Blue Jays was beginning to cool off, Anthopoulos found himself in the middle of the R.A. Dickey sweepstakes a couple of weeks ago.

The 38-year-old Cy Young Award-winning knuckleballer didn't come cheap - at the expense of one of Toronto's best farmhands in catcher Travis d'Arnaud, along with pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard as part of the deal - but it continued to shape the Blue Jays into something they hadn't legitimately been in nearly two decades: a contender.

The deal pushed Las Vegas oddsmakers to declare them 15-2 World Series favourites as recently as last week.

And while NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr continue to butt heads with the hockey season in jeopardy, Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays will be gearing up for spring training in a couple of months.

And so will droves of frustrated NHL fans.

Back to accessibility links

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New Blue Jay R.A. Dickey thanks Mets fans in letter

R.A. Dickey thanked the New York Mets and their fans for giving him "a chance" in a poignant letter published over the weekend.

The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this month along with Josh Thole and Mike Nickeas in exchange for John Buck, Travis d'Arnaud, Noah Syndergaard and Wuilmer Becerra.

Dickey then agreed to a two-year contract extension with Toronto worth $25 million that runs through to the end of the 2015 season with a club option for 2016.

And while the 38-year-old knuckleballer is excited about his new team, Dickey expressed his gratitude to the Mets and their fans in Saturday's New York Daily News.

"I never expected to be writing a farewell 'holiday card' to Mets fans," Dickey wrote. "I never expected to be doing anything but celebrating the joy of the season with my wife and kids and looking toward the spring, and the start of my fourth season with an organization that gave me maybe the greatest gift an athlete can get: A chance."

A former first-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers, Dickey struggled with consistency until he began toying with the knuckleball in 2005.

He perfected it last season with the Mets, posting a 20-6 record and a 2.73 earned-run average on the way to winning the NL Cy Young Award. The right-hander had hoped to sign a contract extension with New York and continue pitching in front of the fans he had grown to love, but the two sides could not reach an agreement.

"The trade was hard for me at first. [New York] is where my heart was, where I wanted to be, where I lived out a story of redemption and felt that every one of you shared it with me in some form or fashion," Dickey continued. "I loved pitching for you. I loved your passion, the way you embraced me from the start, and the way you seemed to appreciate the effort I was putting forth.

"Every time I'd walk off the mound after an outing, I'd look in your faces, the people behind the dugout, and felt as if all your energy and support was pouring right into me — even when I was lousy. It gives me chill bumps thinking about it even now."

Dickey, who is part of a bold remake of Toronto's roster that includes pitchers Mark Buerhle and Josh Johnson, shortstop Jose Reyes and outfielder Melky Cabrera, is looking forward to the coming season with the Blue Jays.

"As I move beyond the sadness over leaving here, I know I have a tremendous amount to look forward to. The Blue Jays may need name tags on the first day of spring training, but once we get acquainted, well, this team could be something," he wrote. "I appreciate the welcome I've already gotten from them, and what they're trying to build. We'll see how it all unfolds."

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Anthopoulos, Blue Jays helping to distract angry NHL fans

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining MLB team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport. Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's also helped to pacify swarms of angry NHL fans.

For the first time in almost 20 years, Canada's lone remaining Major League Baseball team is creating more of a buzz than the country's favourite national sport.

Lost in the sea of legal jargon that has engulfed the NHL lockout, alienated fans have been in desperate need of something to distract them from the 'make whole' provision, hockey-related revenue, 'disclaimer of interest,' or any other mind-numbingly frustrating terms associated with the months-long labour dispute between the owners and players.

After all, part of the essence of sport is the entertainment value. Sports are supposed to help us temporarily step away from the day-to-day grind and have something to get excited about. They're supposed to help spark lively debates and create a sense of unity, not drag people through the trenches.

Cue Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos.

He's turned a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since it won the second of back-to-back World Series titles in 1993 into a contender. While in doing so, he's simultaneously helped to pacify swarms of angry hockey fans.

And with the moves, Anthopoulos and his team have emerged from this off-season with a brigade of new bandwagon fans in addition to those die-hard ones that have supported the Blue Jays through hard times.

Blockbuster deal

It started last month when the now revered GM raided the Miami Marlins' starting rotation and top of the batting order in a mammoth 12-player swap.

Although it took several days of deliberation for MLB Commissioner Bud Selig to approve the deal, Anthopoulos added one of baseball's most coveted prototypical leadoff hitters in Jose Reyes to the top of the lineup.

He also managed to turn Toronto's starting five into one of baseball's best almost overnight. Right-hander Josh Johnson is arguably one of the top hurlers in baseball when healthy. Lefty Mark Buehrle gives the Jays credibility and a crafty veteran presence on the mound. And let's not forget that Buehrle has a perfect game to his credit.

It's a rotation that already boasts fireballer Brandon Morrow and if lefty Ricky Romero can rediscover his touch and rebound from a horrific 2012, opposing offences will have their work cut out for them.

The team gave up a couple of promising youngsters including shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and pitcher Henderson Alvarez among others, but it was a price Anthopoulos was willing to pay.

The Blue Jays then went out and added All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera. Granted, he comes with question marks after a 50-game drug ban last year, but if he can find even a fraction of the form that led the National League in hitting (.346 batting average) before his suspension, he'll be an invaluable piece to Toronto's puzzle.

Not done yet

But just when the buzz around the Blue Jays was beginning to cool off, Anthopoulos found himself in the middle of the R.A. Dickey sweepstakes a couple of weeks ago.

The 38-year-old Cy Young Award-winning knuckleballer didn't come cheap - at the expense of one of Toronto's best farmhands in catcher Travis d'Arnaud, along with pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard as part of the deal - but it continued to shape the Blue Jays into something they hadn't legitimately been in nearly two decades: a contender.

The deal pushed Las Vegas oddsmakers to declare them 15-2 World Series favourites as recently as last week.

And while NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr continue to butt heads with the hockey season in jeopardy, Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays will be gearing up for spring training in a couple of months.

And so will droves of frustrated NHL fans.

Back to accessibility links

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Nick Swisher, Indians reach $54M US deal: report

The Indians' pitch to bring Nick Swisher "home" worked.

Two people familiar with the negotiations said Swisher has agreed to a $56 million US, four-year contract with the Indians, who used the free agent outfielder's deep Ohio connections to convince him to join the club. The people spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because Swisher must take a physical before the deal can be finalized. The Indians are expected to announce Swisher's signing after Christmas, one of the people said.

"Wow! What a crazy few weeks. Hey Cleveland! Are you ready? Because I'm coming home!" Swisher said on Twitter.

The 32-year-old spent the last four seasons with the New York Yankees, taking advantage of the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. A switch-hitter, Swisher hit .272 this season with 24 homers and 93 RBIs.

Swisher will fill an outfield hole for the Indians, who traded Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati. Swisher will play right, with recently acquired Drew Stubbs likely taking over in centre with Michael Brantley shifting from centre to left field.

Swisher, who was born in Columbus and played at Ohio State, visited the Indians earlier in the week. The club used Swisher's ties with the Buckeyes to convince him to join a team that won just 68 games last season following an historic collapse in August.

During his tour of Progressive Field, Swisher watched a video presentation on the stadium's giant scoreboard that featured messages from current Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer and basketball coach Thad Matta, who urged him to sign with the Indians. Later, Swisher and his wife, actress JoAnna Garcia, had lunch with former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who was at the school when Swisher played there.

Free agent fit

Swisher's signing is a significant win for the Indians, who have been in the market for an outfielder throughout the off-season. During the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn., they offered Shane Victorino a $44 million US, four-year contract before he agreed to a $39 million US, three-year deal with Boston.

Seattle, Texas and Boston were believed to be interested in Swisher, regarded as the second-best free agent hitter this off-season behind Josh Hamilton. The Indians have been desperate to add power and Swisher, who has hit at least 22 homers in each of the past seven seasons, will bolster the middle of new manager Terry Francona's lineup.

Swisher's value may have been damaged by several poor postseasons with the Yankees. He batted .162 in the post-season for New York with seven RBIs and 38 strikeouts in 130 at-bats.

Swisher spent four seasons with Oakland and one with the Chicago White Sox before joining the Yankees.

The Indians will lose their second-round pick in next year's amateur draft as compensation for signing Swisher, and the Yankees will get an extra selection following the first round.

It's been a busy off-season for Indians general manager Chris Antonetti, who is trying to fix a team that has lost at least 93 games in three of the past four seasons.

Antonetti fired manager Manny Acta and replaced him with Francona, the former Boston manager who has spent the past few weeks meeting with his new players. Antonetti also signed free agent first baseman Mark Reynolds and was part of a three-team, nine-player deal that sent Choo to the Reds for Stubbs and brought Cleveland prized pitching prospect Trevor Bauer from Arizona.

The signing of Swisher will take some pressure of Antonetti, who has been criticized by fans for several moves in recent years.

His agreement was first reported by the New York Daily News.

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Former MLB player Ryan Freel found dead

Ryan Freel, a former Major League Baseball player known for his fearless play but whose career was cut short after eight seasons by a series of head and other injuries, was found dead Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla., according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Freel, who was 36, died of what appeared to be a self-inflicted shotgun wound, sheriff's office spokesman Shannon Hartley wrote in an email Sunday. The medical examiner will make the final determination of the cause of death.

"RIP Ryan Freel!! Great teammate, great guy,n loved his family!" former Cincinnati Reds teammate Sean Casey tweeted. "Such a sad day today with his passing!Awful news!Prayers are with his family!"

The speedy Freel broke in with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2001 and spent six of his eight big league seasons with the Reds, finishing his career in 2009 with a .268 average and 143 steals.

"Really hurt by his passing!" Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips said on Twitter. "You'll never will be forgotten."

Freel drew attention in 2006 when he was quoted by the Dayton Daily News as saying he had an imaginary friend, Farney. "He's a little guy who lives in my head who talks to me and I talk to him," Freel was quoted as saying. "Everybody thinks I talk to myself, so I tell 'em I'm talking to Farney."

The Jacksonville native thrilled fans with his all-out style, yet it took a toll on his career. During his playing days, he once estimated he had sustained up to 10 concussions. Freel missed 30 games in 2007 after a collision with a teammate caused a concussion.

Freel showed no fear as he ran into walls, hurtled into the seats and crashed into other players trying to make catches. His jarring, diving grabs often made the highlight reels, and he was praised by those he played with and against for always having a dirt-stained uniform.

Blue Jays draft pick

Selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 10th round of the 1995 amateur draft out of Tallahassee Community College, Freel made his big league debut in April 2001 with the Blue Jays after second baseman Homer Bush injured a thumb.

Freel appeared in just nine major league games that season, became a free agent and spent all of 2002 at Tampa Bay's AAA farm team. He signed a minor league deal with the Reds that November and made it back to the majors the following April.

He stayed with the Reds through 2008, when a torn tendon in his right hamstring caused him to miss the final 103 games of the season. He was traded to Baltimore at that December's winter meetings and split the 2009 season among the Orioles, Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals.

"The Reds family is deeply saddened to hear of the death of Ryan Freel," the Cincinnati Reds said in a statement. "His teammates and our fans loved him for how hard he played the game, and he loved giving back to the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends."

Freel had consecutive seasons of 37, 36 and 37 steals from 2004-06 but started to slow the following year. After hitting .271 with eight homers and 27 RBIs in 2006, he gained a $2,325,000 US salary for the following year and then in April 2007 signed a $7 million, two-year deal covering 2008 and '09.

He was in centre field when he collided with right fielder Norris Hopper's elbow on May 28, 2007, an injury that caused Freel to be taken off the field in an ambulance. Freel sustained a concussion that caused headaches and an impaired memory, and he didn't return until early July. He then suffered a season-ending knee surgery in August.

"I think what happened last year has taken a toll on this year," he said at spring training the following year. "Obviously there's question marks. Obviously there's people questioning or doubting or whatever it may be."

He sustained another head injury that put him back on the DL when he was hit by a pickoff throw to second base from Boston pitcher Justin Masterson during the Patriots Day game at Fenway Park on April 20, 2009. Freel appeared dazed as he walked off, both arms extended over the shoulders of Baltimore's trainers.

Disappointed about conditions surrounding a stress test he was forced to take before beginning a minor league rehabilitation assignment — he insisted he felt fine — Freel was traded to the Cubs on May 8 only to be dealt to Kansas City on July 6. The Royals cut him a month later, and he signed a minor league deal with Texas. The following year, he played in nine games for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.

Jacksonville.com reported he was hired as baseball coach at the St. Joseph Academy on June 28 this year and then "backed away" from that position.

Freel also had trouble related to alcohol. He was arrested in northern Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, in April 2005 and was charged with drunken driving, careless driving and driving with an open container in a motor vehicle. A month later, he pleaded guilty.

The following January, he was arrested at a pool hall in Tampa, Fla., and charged with disorderly intoxication, a misdemeanour. Prosecutors settled the case by having Freel do community service.

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Oft-injured pitcher Rich Harden finds taker in Twins: MLB moves

The Minnesota Twins have signed injury hampered Canadian right-hander Rich Harden to a minor-league contract with an invitation to compete for a spot on the staff in spring training.

The 31-year-old Harden sat out the 2012 season after surgery on Jan. 31 to repair the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, his latest setback in a long line of arm problems. The Victoria native has the third-best strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio in the majors since his debut with Oakland in 2003, behind only Tim Lincecum and Clayton Kershaw.

But Harden, after going 11-7 with a 3.99 earned-run average in 31 starts over 189 2/3 innings in his first full year in the majors in 2004, hasn't surpassed the 150-inning mark since. Between the A's and the Chicago Cubs in 2008, Harden finished 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA in 25 combined starts, posting 181 strikeouts in 148 innings.

But he had a 5.58 ERA in 2010 with the Texas Rangers, accumulating only 92 innings and had a 5.12 ERA in 15 starts in his return to the A's in 2011. Harden has been hit by a number of injuries, but the shoulder has given him the most trouble.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Harden was a 17th-round draft pick in 2000 out of Central Arizona College. He spent seven years with the A's. His career record is 59-38, with a 3.76 ERA and 949 strikeouts over 928 1/3 innings.

The Twins have acquired Vance Worley, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey to join Scott Diamond in their rotation, which ranked last in the American League in ERA last season, but there's one open spot. If Harden can prove he's healthy and still effective, he'll have a chance to be the fifth starter.

Returners Nick Blackburn, Samuel Deduno, Cole De Vries, Liam Hendriks and Esmerling Vasquez will also be in the mix this spring. The Twins will have 34 pitchers in camp.

The Twins also announced that Diamond, who hails from Guelph, Ont., had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to remove a bone chip from his elbow. The team said he'll be ready for spring training.

Pierzynski set to sign with Rangers

A person familiar with the situation says catcher A.J. Pierzynski has passed a physical, clearing the way for a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers.

That person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the Rangers had not added Pierzynski to their 40-man roster. With the Major League Baseball office closed for Christmas, the deal won't become official until at least next week.

Pierzynski underwent a physical Friday.

The deal comes after the Rangers lost catcher Mike Napoli in free agency.

Pierzynski, who turns 36 later this month, hit .278 with a career-high 27 homers and 77 RBIs, matching a career best, in 135 games for the Chicago White Sox last season.

Cubs agree to deal with Schierholtz

The Chicago Cubs say they have agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Nate Schierholtz.

The team announced the agreement Friday. The deal calls for Schierholtz to earn $2.25 million plus an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses.

Schierholtz was traded from San Francisco to Philadelphia last season in the deal that sent Hunter Pence to the Giants at the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He batted .257 with six homers in 114 games.

The Phillies declined to tender Schierholtz a 2013 contract offer, making him a free agent.

Brewers sign pitcher Gorzelanny

The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract Friday.

The 30-year-old Gorzelanny went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA and one save in 45 games with Washington last season, a stint that included one start. He posted a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings pitched out of the bullpen following the All-Star break.

Gorzelanny worked at least two innings in 19 of his 44 relief appearances last season, his first as a full-time reliever.

Overall, Gorzelanny is 44-45 with a 4.41 ERA and two saves in 193 games (111 starts) during eight seasons with Pittsburgh, the Cubs and Washington.

Terms were not released by the team.

Mariners sign pitcher to minor league deal

The Seattle Mariners have signed pitcher Jeremy Bonderman to a minor league contract, hoping the right-hander can make a comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The Mariners announced the deal Friday. They also invited the 30-year-old who was raised in the state of Washington to spring training.

Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010, when he went 8-10 with a 5.53 ERA for Detroit. He pitched eight seasons for the Tigers and helped them reach the World Series in 2006, when he was 14-8 and led the AL with 34 starts.

Bonderman had surgery on his right elbow last April. A blood clot in his right shoulder slowed his career in 2008 after he had a winning record in three straight years.

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Cody Ross agrees to 3-year deal with Diamondbacks: MLB moves

Cody Ross and the Arizona Diamondbacks agreed to a three-year, $26 million US contract Saturday with a club option for 2016.

Ross, who turns 32 on Sunday and lives in nearby Scottsdale, adds to the abundance of outfielders on the Arizona roster, leading to speculation a trade might be coming. Ross batted .267 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs last season for the Boston Red Sox. He's a career .267 hitter in nine big league seasons with six teams.

"Could not be happier to be in the Dbacks family! Truly Blessed!" Ross posted on his Twitter account.

The addition gives the Diamondbacks four veteran outfielders — Ross, Justin Upton, Gerardo Parra and Jason Kubel — along with two youngsters the organization has deemed ready for the majors: Adam Eaton and A.J. Pollock.

That would indicate a trade could be in the works, with Kubel the centre of that speculation. In his first season with Arizona last year, the left-handed slugger hit .253 with 30 home runs and 90 RBIs. He was hitting .300 on July 22 but batted .176 with 19 RBIs the rest of the season.

Ross, who throws left-handed and bats right-handed, was a fourth-round draft pick of Detroit out of Carlsbad, N.M., High School in 1999. He had brief major league stints with the Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati before becoming a full-time big leaguer with the Florida Marlins.

Ross was claimed by San Francisco off waivers in August 2010 and was MVP of that year's NL championship series, hitting .350 with three home runs and five RBIs against Philadelphia. He also homered against Texas in the World Series and batted .294 (15 for 51) with five homers, five doubles and 10 RBIs in 15 post-season games for the champion Giants.

He committed one error in each of the last two seasons.

The Diamondbacks also announced that infielder Gustavo Nunez cleared waivers and was returned to Detroit, opening a spot for Ross on the 40-man roster. Nunez was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh in October after the Pirates selected him from the Tigers in the 2011 Rule 5 draft.

Red Sox close to landing closer Joel Hanrahan: source

The Boston Red Sox are pursuing another burly right-hander to shore up their bullpen.

A person familiar with the talks said the Red Sox and Pirates are close to completing a trade that would send all-star closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston for a handful of prospects.

Pittsburgh would ship Hanrahan and another player to the Red Sox in exchange for four players, including outfielder-first baseman Jerry Sands and minor league pitcher Stolmy Pimentel. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Saturday because the trade was pending physicals and had not been finalized.

The deal was previously reported by several media outlets.

The 31-year-old Hanrahan has been one of baseball's best closers the last two years, saving 76 games from 2011-12 and making the NL All-Star team in both seasons. He made $4,135,000 this year and is eligible for arbitration, putting him in line for a hefty raise.

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Hanrahan and his 96 mph fastball gave the Pirates stability at the back end of the bullpen after he took over the closer's role full-time in 2011. He helped the Pirates post a 22-game improvement from 2010 to 2012. Pittsburgh went 79-83 this year, tied for the franchise's best record in two decades — though it was still the team's 20th straight losing season.

Jason Grilli, re-signed by the Pirates this month, would likely step into the closer role next year.

The Red Sox hope Hanrahan will be able to give their beleaguered bullpen an identity. Boston slumped to a 69-93 record in 2012 thanks in part to a bullpen that struggled after closer Jonathan Papelbon left for Philadelphia in free agency. Fill-in Alfredo Aceves went 2-10 with a 5.36 ERA and eight blown saves in 33 chances as the Red Sox finished last in the AL East.

Hanrahan would team with 28-year-old righty Andrew Bailey to give the Red Sox a potent 1-2 punch in the late innings. Bailey was expected to be the closer last season but he missed most of the year with an injury. He finished 1-1 with six saves and a 7.04 ERA in 19 games for the Red Sox after spending 2009-11 as the closer in Oakland.

The move could also be a one-year experiment if the Red Sox don't sign Hanrahan to a new contract. He can become a free agent after the 2013 season.

The Pirates would get a potential slugger in the 25-year-old Sands, who hit 296 with 26 home runs and 107 RBIs at Triple-A last season. He came to the Red Sox in a trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers and his bat and versatility could make Pittsburgh first baseman-outfielder Garrett Jones expendable. Jones hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2012, when he made $2.25 million, and he will be eligible for arbitration after next season. The Pirates already have a first baseman in place in Gaby Sanchez, who came over in a trade with the Miami Marlins last season.

The proposed trade caps a busy few days for the Pirates, who have agreed in principal to sign former Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox left-hander Francisco Liriano. The $14 million, two-year deal is pending a physical. Liriano would give Pittsburgh four experienced starters heading into 2013, joining A.J. Burnett, Wandy Rodriguez and James McDonald. The 29-year-old Liriano is 53-54 with a 4.40 ERA in seven major league seasons. He went 6-12 with a 5.34 ERA in 2012 while splitting the season between the Twins and White Sox.

Ibanez to join Mariners on 1-year deal: source

Raul Ibanez and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night.

The deal allows Ibanez to earn an additional $1.25 million in performance bonuses, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been announced.

Ibanez returns to the team he began his big league career with from 1996-00, then rejoined from 2004-08.

Now 40, Ibanez spent the past season with the New York Yankees and became popular with fans for his late-game home runs. He had hoped to remain with New York, but the Yankees have moved slowly during the offseason.

Ibanez hit .240 with 19 homers and 62 RBIs in 384 at-bats, his pull swing making him a natural for the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. He batted just .197 with five RBIs in 61 at-bats against left-handers.

Including the playoffs, Ibanez hit five home runs that tied the score for the Yankees and eight that put New York ahead, according to STATS. He homered twice after entering as a pinch hitter on Sept. 22 in a 10-9, 14-inning win over Oakland. And with New York fighting for the AL East title, he delivered a tying, pinch-hit homer against Boston in the ninth on Oct. 2 and then singled in the winning run in the 12th.

Then in Game 3 of the division series against Baltimore, he became the first player in major league history to homer twice in a postseason game he didn't start. He pinch-hit for Alex Rodriguez in the ninth inning and hit a tying home run, then hit a winning shot in the 12th.

Three days later his two-run homer in a four-run ninth inning tied the AL championship series opener against Detroit, a game the Yankees lost 6-4 in 12 innings as the Tigers started their way to a four-game sweep.

Ibanez had a $1.1 million base salary last season and earned another $2.05 million in performance bonuses.

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Jays claim Russ Canzler, acquire contract of Can-Am pitcher

The Toronto Blue Jays on Friday claimed third baseman/outfielder Russ Canzler on waivers from the Cleveland Indians, the same day they purchased the contract of left-handed pitcher Tony Davis from the Quebec Capitales of the Can-Am League.

Canzler hit .269 in 26 games with the Indians in 2012, posting three home runs and 11 runs batted in.

Toronto added Canzler to the 40-man roster and outrighted right-handed pitcher Mickey Storey to AAA Buffalo of the International League.

The 26-year-old Canzler batted .265 with 22 homers and 79 RBIs in 130 contests with the AAA Columbus Clippers last season.

Davis, 24, went 2-0 with a 1.06 earned-run average in 20 appearances for Quebec in 2012. The Newberry, Fla., native was used mostly out of the bullpen against left-handed hitters.

Davis was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 12th round in 2009 but was released this spring. He joined Fargo-Moorhead of the American Association before he was traded to Quebec in July.

He had a 2.51 ERA in 44 appearances with the Twins' AA affiliate from 2009 to 2011.

Capitales manager Patrick Scalabrini said in a statement that the Jays made the move to fill a need for left-handed relievers in their organization.

Davis is the second Capitales pitcher sold to a major league club in recent weeks. Right-hander Chris Cox of St. George, Ont., a Blue Jays' 2011 draft pick, was purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks in November.

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Oft-injured pitcher Rich Harden finds taker in Twins: MLB moves

The Minnesota Twins have signed injury hampered Canadian right-hander Rich Harden to a minor-league contract with an invitation to compete for a spot on the staff in spring training.

The 31-year-old Harden sat out the 2012 season after surgery on Jan. 31 to repair the rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder, his latest setback in a long line of arm problems. The Victoria native has the third-best strikeouts-per-nine-innings ratio in the majors since his debut with Oakland in 2003, behind only Tim Lincecum and Clayton Kershaw.

But Harden, after going 11-7 with a 3.99 earned-run average in 31 starts over 189 2/3 innings in his first full year in the majors in 2004, hasn't surpassed the 150-inning mark since. Between the A's and the Chicago Cubs in 2008, Harden finished 10-2 with a 2.07 ERA in 25 combined starts, posting 181 strikeouts in 148 innings.

But he had a 5.58 ERA in 2010 with the Texas Rangers, accumulating only 92 innings and had a 5.12 ERA in 15 starts in his return to the A's in 2011. Harden has been hit by a number of injuries, but the shoulder has given him the most trouble.

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound Harden was a 17th-round draft pick in 2000 out of Central Arizona College. He spent seven years with the A's. His career record is 59-38, with a 3.76 ERA and 949 strikeouts over 928 1/3 innings.

The Twins have acquired Vance Worley, Kevin Correia and Mike Pelfrey to join Scott Diamond in their rotation, which ranked last in the American League in ERA last season, but there's one open spot. If Harden can prove he's healthy and still effective, he'll have a chance to be the fifth starter.

Returners Nick Blackburn, Samuel Deduno, Cole De Vries, Liam Hendriks and Esmerling Vasquez will also be in the mix this spring. The Twins will have 34 pitchers in camp.

The Twins also announced that Diamond, who hails from Guelph, Ont., had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday to remove a bone chip from his elbow. The team said he'll be ready for spring training.

Pierzynski set to sign with Rangers

A person familiar with the situation says catcher A.J. Pierzynski has passed a physical, clearing the way for a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers.

That person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because the Rangers had not added Pierzynski to their 40-man roster. With the Major League Baseball office closed for Christmas, the deal won't become official until at least next week.

Pierzynski underwent a physical Friday.

The deal comes after the Rangers lost catcher Mike Napoli in free agency.

Pierzynski, who turns 36 later this month, hit .278 with a career-high 27 homers and 77 RBIs, matching a career best, in 135 games for the Chicago White Sox last season.

Cubs agree to deal with Schierholtz

The Chicago Cubs say they have agreed to a one-year contract with outfielder Nate Schierholtz.

The team announced the agreement Friday. The deal calls for Schierholtz to earn $2.25 million plus an additional $500,000 in performance bonuses.

Schierholtz was traded from San Francisco to Philadelphia last season in the deal that sent Hunter Pence to the Giants at the July 31 non-waiver deadline. He batted .257 with six homers in 114 games.

The Phillies declined to tender Schierholtz a 2013 contract offer, making him a free agent.

Brewers sign pitcher Gorzelanny

The Milwaukee Brewers signed left-handed reliever Tom Gorzelanny to a two-year contract Friday.

The 30-year-old Gorzelanny went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA and one save in 45 games with Washington last season, a stint that included one start. He posted a 1.33 ERA in 27 innings pitched out of the bullpen following the All-Star break.

Gorzelanny worked at least two innings in 19 of his 44 relief appearances last season, his first as a full-time reliever.

Overall, Gorzelanny is 44-45 with a 4.41 ERA and two saves in 193 games (111 starts) during eight seasons with Pittsburgh, the Cubs and Washington.

Terms were not released by the team.

Mariners sign pitcher to minor league deal

The Seattle Mariners have signed pitcher Jeremy Bonderman to a minor league contract, hoping the right-hander can make a comeback from Tommy John surgery.

The Mariners announced the deal Friday. They also invited the 30-year-old who was raised in the state of Washington to spring training.

Bonderman has not pitched in the majors since 2010, when he went 8-10 with a 5.53 ERA for Detroit. He pitched eight seasons for the Tigers and helped them reach the World Series in 2006, when he was 14-8 and led the AL with 34 starts.

Bonderman had surgery on his right elbow last April. A blood clot in his right shoulder slowed his career in 2008 after he had a winning record in three straight years.

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Blue Jays claim reliever Mickey Storey

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed pitcher Mickey Storey off of waivers from the Houston Astros.

Storey, 26, made his major-league debut in 2012 with Houston, appearing in 26 games and posting a 0-1 record with a 3.86 earned-run average out of the bullpen.

The six-foot-two, 185-pound right-hander held opponents to a .237 average, including a .167 mark against left-handed hitters.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on the 40-man roster.

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Phillies add set-up man in Mike Adams: MLB moves

The Phillies and reliever Mike Adams have finalized a $12 million US, two-year contract.

The 34-year-old right-hander is expected to fill the eighth-inning role for the Phillies. He was 5-3 with a 3.27 earned-run average last season for the Texas Rangers.

Adams's deal, which was completed on Thursday, includes a club option for 2015 that would become guaranteed at $6 million if he has 65 games pitched in 2014. His 2015 salary would become guaranteed at $6.5 million if he has 120 games pitched in 2013 and 2014 combined, with at least 60 in 2014.

Adams had surgery in October for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, a numbing sensation in his fingers that sidelined him the last week of the season, and he's expected to recover by spring training.

Overall, Adams is 18-15 with a 2.28 ERA in 358 appearances — all in relief — in eight seasons. He pitched for Milwaukee and San Diego before joining the Rangers during the 2011 season.

3B Polanco joins Marlins

Third baseman Placido Polanco has agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Miami Marlins.

The 37-year-old battled injuries this year and hit .257 with two home runs and 19 RBIs in 90 games with the Philadelphia Phillies. The 15-year veteran is a career .299 hitter with 103 homers.

The deal Thursday, which includes $250,000 in performance bonuses, solidifies the Marlins' lineup following a payroll purge. Other projected starters include Logan Morrison at first, Donovan Solano at second, Adeiny Hechavarria at shortstop, Jeff Brantly at catcher, Giancarlo Stanton in right, Justin Ruggiano in centre and Juan Pierre in left.

Polanco was chosen to start in the All-Star game for the second time in 2011, but last year he went only 10 for 58 (.172) after June 30.

Cubs reportedly sign Edwin Jackson

A person familiar with the situation tells The Associated Press that the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract with right-hander Edwin Jackson.

The person spoke Thursday on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. Several outlets had previously reported the agreement.

The Cubs will be the eighth team in 11 years for the 29-year-old Jackson, who also pitched for the White Sox. He is 70-71 lifetime with a 4.40 ERA. He was 10-11 with a 4.03 ERA for Washington last season.

The Cubs also were trying to reach a deal with pitcher Carlos Villanueva. That would give them seven experienced starters, including newcomers Scott Baker and Scott Feldman and holdovers Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija and Travis Wood.

Twins, Pelfrey finalize 1-year contract

Recovering right-hander Mike Pelfrey and the Minnesota Twins finalized a $4 million, one-year contract on Thursday, filling another hole in a thin rotation.

For Pelfrey, the simple opportunity to pitch — rather than competing with several others for a spot on a team with a deeper staff — was what lured him to Minnesota. Target Field's reputation as a place that's difficult to hit home runs in helped, too, as did the chance to move closer to his home in Wichita, Kan.

After making only three starts for the New York Mets in 2012, a season cut short by elbow ligament-replacement surgery on May 1, Pelfrey's passion for the sport was renewed as well. He said in a phone interview on Thursday he's fully confident he'll be ready for the start of spring training, a little more than 10 months removed from the Tommy John procedure.

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Blue Jays claim reliever Mickey Storey

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed right-handed pitcher Mickey Storey off of waivers from the Houston Astros.

Storey, 26, made his major-league debut in 2012 with Houston, appearing in 26 games and posting a 0-1 record with a 3.86 earned-run average out of the bullpen.

The six-foot-two, 185-pound right-hander held opponents to a .237 average, including a .167 mark against left-handed hitters.

The Blue Jays now have 40 players on the 40-man roster.

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Canadian pitcher Dempster joins Red Sox: MLB moves

The Boston Red Sox have the reliable starter they sought, signing Canadian right-hander Ryan Dempster to a two-year contract.

He's pitched at least 200 innings in four of the past five seasons, impressive to general manager Ben Cherington but, perhaps, not so special to Dempster.

"That's your responsibility as a starting pitcher in the big leagues," the native of Gibsons, B.C., said Wednesday at a news conference where his signing was announced. "The norm used to be 300 and somehow we worked it down to like 200. Even 180 seems to suffice."

But, he said, he works hard to stay in shape "so that I can take on that workload."

The team announced the signing six days after two people familiar with the negotiations said Dempster had agreed to a $26.5 million US deal.

"We went into this off-season wanting to add a proven starter to the rotation, someone that has a history of success, reliability and someone who we thought would embrace coming to Boston and everything that comes with pitching and playing in Boston, on and off the field," Cherington said. "We think Ryan is the perfect fit for that."

Dempster, 35, adds experience to a rotation that underachieved last season when the Red Sox went 69-93 and finished last in the American League East in their only season under manager Bobby Valentine, who was fired and replaced by John Farrell.

"What happened last year is last year," Dempster said. "We don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."

Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz had disappointing years and John Lackey returns after missing the season following elbow-ligament replacement surgery. Left-hander Felix Doubront was in the rotation for most of the season.

Dempster went 12-8 with a 3.38 earned-run average this year. He was 5-5 with a 2.25 ERA in his ninth season with the Chicago Cubs. He was traded to the Texas Rangers where he went 7-3 with a 5.03 ERA. That was his first taste of pitching in the American League, full time.

"It's going to be a little bit different not being able to hit, obviously" with a designated hitter in the American League, he joked. "They're going to miss my bat in the lineup, but we'll get through that."

Dempster, who reached the majors in 1998 with the Florida Marlins, has a career 124-124 mark with a 4.33 ERA.

Mariners pick up Kendy Morales

The Los Angeles Angels have traded power hitter Kendrys Morales to the Seattle Mariners for left-hander Jason Vargas.

The 29-year-old Morales became expendable after the Angels agreed to a deal last week with free agent slugger Josh Hamilton. The Angels had been looking for a pitcher after losing Zack Greinke and Dan Haren to free agency and trading Ervin Santana.

Morales hit .273 with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs last season. He missed the entire 2011 season after breaking his leg early in 2010 while celebrating a game-ending grand slam against the Mariners.

Vargas led Seattle in wins last season, going 14-11 with a 3.85 ERA. The 29-year-old is 36-42 with a 4.09 ERA in four years with the Mariners.

Morales and Vargas each are eligible salary arbitration and can become free agents after next season.

The trade was announced Wednesday.

Ichiro official

The Yankees and Ichiro Suzuki have finalized a $13 million, two-year contract that keeps the 10-time All-Star in the Bronx.

The 39-year-old, who will make $6.5 million in each of the next two seasons, was obtained in a trade with Seattle on July 23, revived his career and quickly became a fan favourite.

His batting average jumped from .261 with the Mariners to .322 with the Yankees, with five homers, 27 RBIs and 14 steals.

Jeff Francis staying with Rockies

Canadian Jeff Francis completed a $1.5 million, one-year contract to remain with the Colorado Rockies, a deal that allows the 31-year-old left-hander to double his income if he pitches 210 innings.

Francis is 67-73 with a 4.86 ERA in 205 starts and one relief appearance during eight major league seasons — seven with Colorado and one with Kansas City. The North Delta, B.C. native was 6-7 with a 5.58 ERA in 24 big league starts and 113 innings this year after he spent the first two months of the season with Cincinnati's Triple-A farm team at Louisville.

A first-round draft pick in 2002, when he was selected ninth overall, Francis missed the 2009 season following shoulder surgery. He agreed to the deal two weeks ago during the winter meetings, and it was finalized Wednesday.

Francis would earn bonuses of $100,000 for 140 innings, $125,000 for 150, $150,000 for 160, $175,000 for 170, $200,000 for 180, $225,000 for 190, $250,000 for 200 and $275,000 for 210.

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