Ex-Blue Jays pitcher Ted Lilly retires

Ted Lilly would have loved to keep pitching — if his body would allow him to start every fifth day, and if he could stay off the disabled list.

Instead, the 37-year-old left-hander is retiring after 15 seasons because of further problems with his shoulder and back.

He went to winter ball in Venezuela this month with the hope his body would co-operate and he could find a major league job. But Lilly didn't feel right, and he made just one three-inning appearance during a 20-day stint in Valencia. He would have pitched again except he got food poisoning.

"It came to a point that, unfortunately, the reality set in where I was in terms of health and effectiveness," Lilly said by phone Friday. "Those combinations are what forced me to retire. If I felt I could still be productive and healthy, I would be playing, for sure. As of today, I don't think it's reasonable. I didn't believe I would be able to go out there and be productive and effective for a major league team and stay healthy to make 30 starts."

He returned home to California on Wednesday night, and looks forward to spending time with his wife and two young children.

A two-time All-Star, Lilly was 130-113 with a 4.14 ERA in parts of 15 major league seasons. He pitched for Montreal, Oakland, Toronto, the New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs and Dodgers.

He has struggled with the idea of retirement for months, even though his shoulder didn't recover well. Designated for assignment by the Dodgers — the team that selected him in the 23rd round of the 1996 amateur draft — on July 25, Lily first tried rest.

Late in the season, he saw a spine specialist in Los Angeles and underwent surgery to cauterize the nerve endings in the right side of his neck. He was limited to 13 starts the past two seasons for Los Angeles because of injury problems, going 0-2 with a 5.09 ERA in five 2013 starts.

"As I sit here right now I'm OK but it's been difficult for weeks because I've had to deal with those thoughts and avoid those thoughts for a long time, and continue to talk myself into it that I could find a way to do it," he said.

"I really do not want to spend more time on the disabled list. I've spent so much time on that dreaded list. It really came down to a matter of being effective. If I believed could produce, I would still pitch. So, it was a decision that was forced on me at where I was physically in my career."

He expects to do coach down the line, probably at the youth baseball level initially.

Lilly is left to cherish the relationships and friendships he made with both teammates and opponents.

"I was so lucky, the game of baseball really changed my life," he said. "I know a lot of ex-players say that or people who are playing the game, and it's true. Baseball has been my life for so many years in some facet or the other I hope to continue to stay close to the game. It's a game that I love."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Royals reward GM Dayton Moore with extension

Royals general manager Dayton Moore will have at least two more years to prove that he can get the once-wayward franchise that he took over in 2006 back to the playoffs.

After leading Kansas City to its best record in more than 20 years this past season, Moore was rewarded with a two-year contract extension Friday. The new deal, the financial terms of which were not disclosed, would keep him in charge of baseball operations through the 2016 season.

"When Dayton's contract was extended during the 2009 season, I felt that this franchise had begun to turn the corner and that we were pointed in the proper direction," Royals president Dan Glass said in a statement. "It's been a challenging process, but we are now seeing tangible evidence that the process is working."

Moore took over an organization that would lose at least 100 games for the third straight season in 2006. But he quickly set about rebuilding the Royals' farm system, using savvy moves and intelligent drafts to build it into one of the most talented in baseball.

Many of those homegrown players have matriculated to the major leagues over the past couple of seasons. Among those who contributed to an 86-76 finish, the Royals' best since the 1989 season, were Gold Glove first baseman Eric Hosmer, All-Star catcher Salvador Perez and All-Star closer Greg Holland, all of whom arrived in Kansas City under Moore's watch.

The Royals have also locked up several of their homegrown stars to long-term, club-friendly contracts, including Perez and Gold Glove outfield Alex Gordon.

"I'm very proud of the entire organization," Moore said, "especially our scouting and player development departments for their dedication and commitment to the Royals. It's a tremendous honour and privilege to work with Mr. Glass, Dan and the entire family."

The Royals rewarded manager Ned Yost with a two-year extension in October, which meant that for the past couple months he'd been working on a longer contract than his boss.

Moore had said all along he wasn't worried about a new deal getting done.

The team has been modest in free agency this off-season. The Royals are likely losing right-hander Ervin Santana, but they've already signed left-hander Jason Vargas to a four-year, $32 million contract. They're also looking to upgrade in right field and at second base.

Moore was born in Wichita, Kan., and grew up a Royals fan. He played baseball at Garden City (Kan.) Community College before graduating from George Mason.

After a brief stint as a college coach, he joined the Atlanta Braves as a scout, and slowly rose through the ranks. He took over as assistant general manager in 2005, and interview for the Royals vacancy created by the firing of Allard Baird a couple of months later.

"Dayton is not only an outstanding baseball man," Glass said, "but he's very much a part of our family and one of the top individuals I've ever had the pleasure of working with."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brewers' Ryan Braun speaks for 1st time since suspension

Ryan Braun ended his silence Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time since accepting a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's anti-drug agreement.

Braun was taking part in a holiday food drive at Miller Park and said he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions but declined to offer specific answers to most questions.

"I wish that I hadn't done the press conference... It was a big mistake." - Ryan Braun on his 2011 comments

"The goal for me is just being able to move forward," Braun said. "I wish that I could go back and change things but I don't have that opportunity to do that, so I'm just going to do everything in my power to move forward."

Braun was the first star to be suspended as part of the doping scandal surrounding the now-closed Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic in Florida.

The five-time All-Star tested positive for elevated testosterone in October of his 2011 NL MVP season, but his 50-game suspension was overturned when an arbitrator ruled the urine sample was mishandled. All along, Braun maintained his innocence and heavy criticism fell on the urine sample collector, Dino Laurenzi Jr.

Braun said he reached out to Laurenzi and the two are moving forward.

"I have not made any payments to him," Braun said. "I've had some really productive and positive conversations with him. The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to have my fiancee Larisa and I over to their house for dinner last night, and we had some really good conversation. We've made amends and I think we're both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us."

Braun had earlier called baseball's joint drug agreement, calling it "fatally flawed" and suggesting players are "100 per cent guilty until proven innocent."

"We won because the truth is on my side," he said at the time.

"I wish that I hadn't done the press conference," Braun said Wednesday. "It was a big mistake. I deeply regret having done it, and a lot of the things that I said that day."

Braun has returned to Miller Park on a few occasions, personally called some Brewers season ticket holders and met with a local charity. Until Wednesday, he had not taken questions about the scandal.

"Because it was an ongoing investigation I wasn't allowed to say very much at that time," Braun said. "Basically based on what I had learned from both Major League Baseball and the players' association, it wasn't in anybody's best interest for me to make any statements at that time. It wasn't about waiting or anything like that. I've been here a few times but I think this is the first time that everybody's been aware that I'm here."

In seven seasons, Braun established himself as one of the game's brightest young stars and appeared in five consecutive All-Star games from 2008-12. He also became the face of the small-market Milwaukee franchise, earning a seven-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps him with the Brewers through the 2020 season.

Owner Mark Attanasio said at one point that Braun would someday have a statue outside of Miller Park. When Braun was suspended, Attanasio expressed his disappointment but vowed that the organization would stand behind the player.

Since the suspension, there has been speculation that the Brewers might trade Braun, including a report last week that the Mets were exploring a possible deal.

Braun made it clear that he hopes to remain in Milwaukee.

"Absolutely I want to stay here," Braun said. "I made the long-term commitment because the city has been amazing to me, the fans have been amazing to me, the organization has been incredibly supportive of me, and I fully intend to stay here. It's flattering that people would be interested. I actually had dinner with [general manager] Doug Melvin, [Brewers manager] Ron [Roenicke] and Mark Attanasio this week. I've seen Mark a lot, and I don't think there's any truth to those rumours. My goal and attention is to say here."

As for repairing relationships, Braun said he has sent commissioner Bud Selig a letter. He didn't get into specifics about his relationship with injured Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers, who expressed disappointment after Braun admitted to doping.

"I'm not going to get into our specific relationship other than to say that he had been a great friend of mine for a long time," he said. "He's a great person, and I hope he gets back on the field soon so he can help those guys win."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ricky Nolasco, Twins agree to terms: report

The Minnesota Twins entered the off-season with a desperate need for starting pitching, and they're off to a pretty great start in addressing it.

Right-hander Ricky Nolasco and the Twins agreed to terms on a free-agent contract Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because the team does not plan to announce a deal until Nolasco passes a physical.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but Yahoo! Sports reported that it was for four years and $49 million US. That's a hefty price for the Twins, who historically have been reluctant to hand out big-money deals to free agents. Prior to Nolasco's contract, the most the Twins had spent on a free agent who did not come through their system was the three-year, $21 million deal they gave Josh Willingham in 2011.

But their need was acute and Nolasco was widely considered one of the top available free agents in a thin crop of starting pitchers. He's walked just 2.1 hitters per nine innings for his career, which makes him a perfect fit for the Twins, who have always placed a premium on control from their starters.

Pitching to contact has become a bit of a sore spot for Twins fans, who have watched their team's starting staff get bludgeoned while throwing strike after strike right down the middle. But Nolasco also has a healthy 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings, and he's shown the ability to get out of jams without letting the hitter put the ball in play.

Nolasco's Twitter account already has a Twins logo as its avatar, and this beleaguered team will no doubt be just as eager to welcome him into the fold. Nolasco pitched at least 185 innings in five of the last six seasons and will immediately slot in right near the top of what was the worst pitching staff in the majors last year.

The Twins have lost at least 96 games in each of the last three seasons, thanks in most part to their woeful starting pitching. Last year the starters had an ERA of 5.26. Toronto was the next worse at 4.81. Only two of their starters had ERAs under 5.00, with Samuel Deduno's 3.83 leading the way and Kevin Correia's pedestrian 4.18 next.

The Twins have also inquired about veteran Bronson Arroyo among other available arms, and are expected to continue adding players to beef up the rotation. Matt Garza and Phil Hughes are among the other viable options, and the Twins also could bring back Mike Pelfrey for depth.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brewers' Ryan Braun speaks for 1st time since suspension

Ryan Braun ended his silence Wednesday, speaking to the media for the first time since accepting a season-ending, 65-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball's anti-drug agreement.

Braun was taking part in a holiday food drive at Miller Park and said he was "deeply remorseful" for his actions but declined to offer specific answers to most questions.

"I wish that I hadn't done the press conference... It was a big mistake." - Ryan Braun on his 2011 comments

"The goal for me is just being able to move forward," Braun said. "I wish that I could go back and change things but I don't have that opportunity to do that, so I'm just going to do everything in my power to move forward."

Braun was the first star to be suspended as part of the doping scandal surrounding the now-closed Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic in Florida.

The five-time All-Star tested positive for elevated testosterone in October of his 2011 NL MVP season, but his 50-game suspension was overturned when an arbitrator ruled the urine sample was mishandled. All along, Braun maintained his innocence and heavy criticism fell on the urine sample collector, Dino Laurenzi Jr.

Braun said he reached out to Laurenzi and the two are moving forward.

"I have not made any payments to him," Braun said. "I've had some really productive and positive conversations with him. The Laurenzi family was actually gracious and kind enough to have my fiancee Larisa and I over to their house for dinner last night, and we had some really good conversation. We've made amends and I think we're both excited to be able to move forward and put this behind us."

Braun had earlier called baseball's joint drug agreement, calling it "fatally flawed" and suggesting players are "100 per cent guilty until proven innocent."

"We won because the truth is on my side," he said at the time.

"I wish that I hadn't done the press conference," Braun said Wednesday. "It was a big mistake. I deeply regret having done it, and a lot of the things that I said that day."

Braun has returned to Miller Park on a few occasions, personally called some Brewers season ticket holders and met with a local charity. Until Wednesday, he had not taken questions about the scandal.

"Because it was an ongoing investigation I wasn't allowed to say very much at that time," Braun said. "Basically based on what I had learned from both Major League Baseball and the players' association, it wasn't in anybody's best interest for me to make any statements at that time. It wasn't about waiting or anything like that. I've been here a few times but I think this is the first time that everybody's been aware that I'm here."

In seven seasons, Braun established himself as one of the game's brightest young stars and appeared in five consecutive All-Star games from 2008-12. He also became the face of the small-market Milwaukee franchise, earning a seven-year, $105 million contract extension that keeps him with the Brewers through the 2020 season.

Owner Mark Attanasio said at one point that Braun would someday have a statue outside of Miller Park. When Braun was suspended, Attanasio expressed his disappointment but vowed that the organization would stand behind the player.

Since the suspension, there has been speculation that the Brewers might trade Braun, including a report last week that the Mets were exploring a possible deal.

Braun made it clear that he hopes to remain in Milwaukee.

"Absolutely I want to stay here," Braun said. "I made the long-term commitment because the city has been amazing to me, the fans have been amazing to me, the organization has been incredibly supportive of me, and I fully intend to stay here. It's flattering that people would be interested. I actually had dinner with [general manager] Doug Melvin, [Brewers manager] Ron [Roenicke] and Mark Attanasio this week. I've seen Mark a lot, and I don't think there's any truth to those rumours. My goal and attention is to say here."

As for repairing relationships, Braun said he has sent commissioner Bud Selig a letter. He didn't get into specifics about his relationship with injured Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers, who expressed disappointment after Braun admitted to doping.

"I'm not going to get into our specific relationship other than to say that he had been a great friend of mine for a long time," he said. "He's a great person, and I hope he gets back on the field soon so he can help those guys win."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ricky Nolasco, Twins agree to terms: report

The Minnesota Twins entered the off-season with a desperate need for starting pitching, and they're off to a pretty great start in addressing it.

Right-hander Ricky Nolasco and the Twins agreed to terms on a free-agent contract Wednesday, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person requested anonymity because the team does not plan to announce a deal until Nolasco passes a physical.

Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but Yahoo! Sports reported that it was for four years and $49 million US. That's a hefty price for the Twins, who historically have been reluctant to hand out big-money deals to free agents. Prior to Nolasco's contract, the most the Twins had spent on a free agent who did not come through their system was the three-year, $21 million deal they gave Josh Willingham in 2011.

But their need was acute and Nolasco was widely considered one of the top available free agents in a thin crop of starting pitchers. He's walked just 2.1 hitters per nine innings for his career, which makes him a perfect fit for the Twins, who have always placed a premium on control from their starters.

Pitching to contact has become a bit of a sore spot for Twins fans, who have watched their team's starting staff get bludgeoned while throwing strike after strike right down the middle. But Nolasco also has a healthy 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings, and he's shown the ability to get out of jams without letting the hitter put the ball in play.

Nolasco's Twitter account already has a Twins logo as its avatar, and this beleaguered team will no doubt be just as eager to welcome him into the fold. Nolasco pitched at least 185 innings in five of the last six seasons and will immediately slot in right near the top of what was the worst pitching staff in the majors last year.

The Twins have lost at least 96 games in each of the last three seasons, thanks in most part to their woeful starting pitching. Last year the starters had an ERA of 5.26. Toronto was the next worse at 4.81. Only two of their starters had ERAs under 5.00, with Samuel Deduno's 3.83 leading the way and Kevin Correia's pedestrian 4.18 next.

The Twins have also inquired about veteran Bronson Arroyo among other available arms, and are expected to continue adding players to beef up the rotation. Matt Garza and Phil Hughes are among the other viable options, and the Twins also could bring back Mike Pelfrey for depth.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Baseball Hall of Fame ballot adds Maddux, Glavine, Thomas

Four-time Cy Young Award winner Greg Maddux, two-time winner Tom Glavine and two-time AL MVP Frank Thomas are among 19 newcomers on this year's Hall of Fame ballot, joining steroid-tainted holdovers Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Mike Mussina, Hideo Nomo, Kenny Rogers, Jeff Kent, Moises Alou and Luis Gonzalez also are among the players eligible to be voted on for the first time by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

The 36-player ballot will include Armando Benitez, Sean Casey, Ray Durham, Eric Gagne, Jacque Jones, Todd Jones, Paul Lo Duca, Richie Sexson, J.T. Snow and Mike Timlin, the Hall said Tuesday.

Voters are the approximately 600 writers who have been members of the BBWAA for 10 consecutive years at any point. Ballots are due by Dec. 31, and results will be announced Jan. 8.

Players elected along with choices announced Dec. 9 by the expansion era committee (1973 and later) will be inducted July 27 at Cooperstown. Among those on the committee ballot are retired managers Bobby Cox, Tony La Russa and Joe Torre; late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner; and late players' union head Marvin Miller.

Last year, the BBWAA failed for the first time since 1996 to produce any inductees. Craig Biggio came closest to receiving the necessary 75 per cent, falling 39 shy with 388 (68.2 per cent).

Jack Morris, who will be on the ballot for the final time this year, was second with 67.7 per cent, followed by Jeff Bagwell (59.6), Mike Piazza (57.8), Tim Raines (52.2), Lee Smith (47.8) and Curt Schilling (38.8).

Making their first appearances on the ballot, Clemens was at 37.6 per cent, Bonds at 36.2 and Sosa at 12.5. McGwire received 16.9 per cent on his seventh try.

Players remain on the ballot if they receive at least 5 per cent support and can stay in the voting for up to 15 years.

Other returnees include Don Mattingly, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Rafael Palmeiro, Alan Trammell and Larry Walker.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

George Kottaras traded to Cubs for cash

Canadian catcher George Kottaras has found a new major league home with some familiar faces.

The Chicago Cubs acquired the Scarborough, Ont., native on Tuesday for cash.

Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer were the GM and assistant GM, respectively, with the Boston Red Sox in 2008 when Kottaras spent time on the team's roster.

Kottaras, 30, was designated for assignment by the Kansas City Royals on Nov. 22 after posting a .180 batting average and five home runs over 126 plate appearances in the 2013 season.

In Chicago, he is expected to serve as Wellington Castillo's backup. Kottaras did post a .349 on-base percentage this past season, thanks to a 19 per cent walk rate, five per cent higher than his career mark.

Kottaras posted a .351 OBP in 2012 between Milwaukee and Oakland. Combined with the 2013 campaign, he got on base at the 10th highest rate of all catchers with a minimum of 300 plate appearances.

The knock on Kottaras, besides a low batting average, is his inability to throw out runners attempting to steal against him. He has thrown out 33 of 184 runners, or a lowly 18 per cent.

The Royals claimed him off waivers from Oakland in January 2013.

In July 2012, Kottaras was DFA'd by Milwaukee after losing his job to Martin Maldonado.

For his career, the left-handed hitting Kottaras has a .220 batting average and .319 OBP against right-handed pitcher and a .188/ .343 line versus lefties.

Kottaras made $1 million US in 2013 and probably will receive a raise as an arbitration-eligible player.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Catcher Brian McCann, Yankees agree to $85M deal: report

Free-agent catcher Brian McCann and the New York Yankees are about to complete a five-year deal worth around $85 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't finalized. The contract is expected to include a vesting option worth $15 million. The deal's completion is pending a physical.

In an already brisk off-season throughout the majors, the McCann move would be the first major addition for the Yankees since they missed the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years. They finished fourth in the AL East this year.

The Yankees made finding a catcher a priority, and McCann was the best available. The seven-time All-Star played all nine of his big league seasons with the Atlanta Braves, hitting at least 20 homers for a sixth straight season before choosing to test the market after the World Series.

The 29-year-old McCann returned from off-season shoulder surgery in April and hit .256 with 57 RBIs in 356 at-bats for the NL East champions.

The Braves will receive a compensatory pick between the first and second round of the June draft because McCann turned down their $14.1 million qualifying offer.

The Yankees relied heavily on career backup Chris Stewart last year after Francisco Cervelli was injured, then suspended 50 games. They had let Gold Glove catcher Russell Martin leave as a free agent in a cost-cutting move before the 2013 season.

McCann bats left-handed, always a bonus for power hitters at Yankee Stadium with the short right field fence. He is a career .277 hitter with 176 home runs and 661 RBIs.

The Yankees still have their own free-agent business to deal with. Star second baseman Robinson Cano is on the market and seeking a contract worth up to $300 million, and the Yankees have said they won't go that high.

New York hopes to get under the 2014 tax threshold of $189 million for 2014. Not including McCann's deal, New York's luxury tax payroll so far is $97.1 million for seven signed players next year.

Several teams have been busy since the season ended.

The Detroit Tigers sent first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler in a swap of All-Stars with rich contracts, and the St. Louis Cardinals traded former World Series MVP David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels. Philadelphia recently re-signed Carlos Ruiz, taking another top free-agent catcher off the market.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

MLBPA head Michael Weiner remembered at funeral

Michael Weiner's funeral drew baseball Commissioner Bud Selig and New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, adversaries who did not appear to cross paths during Sunday's service honouring the union leader.

Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, Frank Thomas, David Cone, Bobby Bonilla and Al Leiter also attended the 35-minute service at Robert Schoem's Menorah Chapel.

Management representatives in addition to Selig included Boston Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner, Miami Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, MLB Chief Operating Officer Rob Manfred, San Diego Padres executive Omar Minaya and MLB Executive Vice-President Tim Brosnan.

Incoming union head Tony Clark, former union leader Donald Fehr and agents Scott Boras, Jeff Borris, Adam Katz, Seth Levinson, Jay Reisinger and Arn Tellem also were among the crowd, which filled the aisles and the funeral home lobby.

"If anybody would like to sit on the floor in front of the pews, that is fine," Rabbi Mary Zamore said. "As you know, Mike Weiner was known for informality. We will respect that by just all squishing together."

Weiner died Thursday at age 51, less than four years after taking over as union head from Fehr.

He was eulogized by his wife, Diane Margolin, as many in the crowd wiped tears and sniffled. Some wore Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers — a Weiner trademark — in his honour.

"I've been thinking about how to address you on this occasion since August of '12 when an aggressive cancerous tumour invaded Mike's brain," she said. "I imagined this day would be far, far off, but I knew it was coming."

Selig sat in the third row of the chapel and did not appear to speak with Rodriguez, who is seeking to overturn a 211-game suspension issued last summer.

Rodriguez has been critical of Selig, saying Wednesday "he's trying to destroy me." Lawyers for the Yankees star have taken issue with Weiner's statement in an Aug. 6 interview that he advised Rodriguez to settle if MLB offered a shorter penalty

During an eight-minute eulogy, Margolin said Weiner and his family felt honoured by friends in the past 15 months who arranged "a whirlwind of award ceremonies and parties that some of us came to call Tumorfest 2013."

"Shortly after his cancer diagnosis, Mike told me he was not afraid of death. He wasn't rushing it, but he was not afraid," she said. "His living the past 15 months without fear made all the difference, made everything possible."

Weiner is survived by his wife and daughters Margie, Grace and Sally.

"He clearly did not want us to be saddened by his diagnosis or what his illness did to him," his wife said. "He wanted us to dine, dance and play ball, stay on track with our lives, go to school, go to work, carry on. And by doing so now, we will honour Mike's life."

Weiner was buried following the funeral at Cedar Park Cemetery in nearby Emerson.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Former World Series hero David Freese traded by Cardinals

Former World Series MVP David Freese was traded by his hometown St. Louis Cardinals to the Los Angeles Angels in a four-player deal Friday that reunites Albert Pujols with a pair of ex-teammates.

In a conference call with media, Freese said he got a welcoming text from Pujols and responded with a reference to the 2011 World Series: "Remember what we did the last time we played together? Let's go try to do that again."

Freese didn't think his drop-off in production last season had anything to do with the pressure of being the "hometown kid."

"Obviously, I'm a little sad closing this chapter, but I'm extremely pumped about joining the Angels," Freese said. "If it was going to go down, I wanted it to happen on a team like the Angels."

St. Louis obtained a new starting centre fielder in Peter Bourjos, plus outfield prospect Randal Grichuk. The Cardinals also sent reliever Fernando Salas to the Angels.

"Overall, we just felt this was a very compelling deal to make," Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said.

Freese's departure did not come as a surprise.

"I definitely would look myself in the mirror and say, 'Where am I going to be in March?"' Freese said. "I was ready to go anywhere. I'm excited to get this going."

Former World Series MVP

The 30-year-old was the MVP of the 2011 NL championship series and the World Series, setting a major league record with 21 post-season RBIs and hitting a game-ending, 11th-inning home run in Game 6.

Freese injured his back chasing a foul ball into the stands during spring training this year and never hit stride. He hit only .179 in this year's post-season, going 3-for-19 (.158) with no RBIs in the six-game loss to Boston in the World Series.

"David, growing up in St. Louis, this could not have been the easiest place to play," Mozeliak said. "I do think he may be looking forward to a fresh start. This was not an easy year for him."

Freese batted .262 with nine homers and 60 RBIs, a letdown from career bests of 20 homers, 79 RBIs and a .293 average the previous year. Freese made $3.15 million and is eligible for salary arbitration.

"He knows how to drive in the important runs," Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "That's something that really fits in our lineup."

The Angels were a match because they need a third baseman and Freese didn't figure as the long-term solution at third for St. Louis. The Cardinals will move second baseman Matt Carpenter to third, opening a position for former top draft pick Kolten Wong.

Wong batted just .153 in 32 games last fall and was picked off first base to end Game 4 of the World Series against the Red Sox. Mozeliak said that was just a "snapshot" of Wong, who batted .303 with 20 steals in 21 chances at Triple-A Memphis.

"It gives Wong a clear shot," Mozeliak said. "I think he's going to hit."

Pujols also played on the 2011 title team before signing a $240 million, 10-year deal with the Angels. Bourjos said Pujols called him just before the start of a teleconference with St. Louis media and Bourjos planned to call back later, adding, "I'm going to pick his brain a little bit more, but I can't wait."

Payroll hike

The trade adds about $4 million to the payroll of the Angels, who have yet to add starting pitching. Jason Vargas left this week for a $32 million, four-year contract with Kansas City.

The Angels haven't had an accomplished third baseman since Chone Figgins left after the 2009 — their last post-season appearance. Their outfield next season is likely to be Josh Hamiliton in left, Trout in centre and Kole Calhoun in right.

Coming off their second World Series appearance in three years, the Cardinals have shed more than $45 million in payroll with Chris Carpenter, Carlos Beltran, Jake Westbrook, Rafael Furcal and Edward Mujica also off the books.

The 28-year-old Salas had 24 saves in 2011, but did not have a major role in the bullpen the last two years and spent part of 2013 in the minors. He was 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 27 games last year.

The 26-year-old Bourjos, who bumps Jon Jay to the bench, was supposed to be the Angels' everyday centre fielder last year after Los Angeles allowed Torii Hunter to leave and traded Kendrys Morales. Trout was moved to left to accommodate Bourjos, who is a better fielder.

"We did juggle some things around to make sure he got an opportunity, and it didn't play out the way we hoped or the way he hoped," Dipoto said.

Bourjos missed May with a hamstring strain, then broke his right wrist when he was hit by a pitch in Houston on June 29. He played just 55 games, said he was "getting real close" to full strength.

A career .251 hitter with speed, Bourjos stole 41 bases in 54 attempts and was among AL leaders with 11 triples, 17 bunt hits and 38 infield hits in 2011.

Allen Craig will move to right field next year, making room for slugger Matt Adams at first base, with Matt Holliday in left field. Top prospect Oscar Taveras is expected to make the team but without the pressure of starting in centre field.

The 22-year-old Grichuk was the 24th overall selection in the 2009 amateur draft, one ahead of Mike Trout, and starred at Double-A Arkansas last season. Dipoto said Grichuk likely would have begun next season at the Triple-A level.

"There's still some growing he needs to do at the plate, but Randal has the upside to play at the major league level," Dipoto said. "I hope he ends up a major league player."

Grichuk had 57 extra-base hits, including a team-leading 22 homers that ranked sixth in the Texas League. He batted leadoff the majority of the time and made two errors in the outfield, playing centre and right field. Grichuk has a .284 average with 61 homers and 259 RBIs in 433 minor league games.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Catcher Brian McCann, Yankees agree to $85M deal: report

Free-agent catcher Brian McCann and the New York Yankees are about to complete a five-year deal worth around $85 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday night.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't finalized. The contract is expected to include a vesting option worth $15 million. The deal's completion is pending a physical.

In an already brisk off-season throughout the majors, the McCann move would be the first major addition for the Yankees since they missed the playoffs for only the second time in 19 years. They finished fourth in the AL East this year.

The Yankees made finding a catcher a priority, and McCann was the best available. The seven-time All-Star played all nine of his big league seasons with the Atlanta Braves, hitting at least 20 homers for a sixth straight season before choosing to test the market after the World Series.

The 29-year-old McCann returned from off-season shoulder surgery in April and hit .256 with 57 RBIs in 356 at-bats for the NL East champions.

The Braves will receive a compensatory pick between the first and second round of the June draft because McCann turned down their $14.1 million qualifying offer.

The Yankees relied heavily on career backup Chris Stewart last year after Francisco Cervelli was injured, then suspended 50 games. They had let Gold Glove catcher Russell Martin leave as a free agent in a cost-cutting move before the 2013 season.

McCann bats left-handed, always a bonus for power hitters at Yankee Stadium with the short right field fence. He is a career .277 hitter with 176 home runs and 661 RBIs.

The Yankees still have their own free-agent business to deal with. Star second baseman Robinson Cano is on the market and seeking a contract worth up to $300 million, and the Yankees have said they won't go that high.

New York hopes to get under the 2014 tax threshold of $189 million for 2014. Not including McCann's deal, New York's luxury tax payroll so far is $97.1 million for seven signed players next year.

Several teams have been busy since the season ended.

The Detroit Tigers sent first baseman Prince Fielder to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Ian Kinsler in a swap of All-Stars with rich contracts, and the St. Louis Cardinals traded former World Series MVP David Freese to the Los Angeles Angels. Philadelphia recently re-signed Carlos Ruiz, taking another top free-agent catcher off the market.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Alex Rodriguez's lawyers rest case at hearing

Alex Rodriguez's grievance hearing to overturn his 211-game suspension ended Thursday when both sides rested their cases, a day after the New York Yankees third baseman angrily walked out and decided not to testify in his own defence.

The sides set a schedule to file briefs and reply briefs next month, which will close the record and submit the matter to arbitrator Fredric Horowitz.

His decision on whether to uphold or alter the discipline for the three-time AL MVP likely will be made in January, a person familiar with the proceedings told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.

Rodriguez's lawyers already are vowing to challenge the ruling in federal court, where judges usually are reticent to overturn an arbitration decision unless there is a finding the arbitrator was biased, exceeded his authority or failed to comply with the rules agreed to by the parties.

The exact timing of a decision is uncertain. Baseball's Joint Drug Agreement states the arbitrator shall make "all reasonable efforts" to close the record in time to permit a decision within 25 days of the start of the hearing. But in this case, the hearing began Sept. 30, making that timetable impossible to meet.

After the arbitrator renders his decision, the written opinion is to be issued within 30 days. It is unclear if Horowitz will issue his written opinion simultaneously with his decision.

The timing of the case could complicate planning for the Yankees, who don't know if they will have to pay Rodriguez his $25 million salary and are unsure whether they will need a different starting third baseman.

Rodriguez was suspended by Major League Baseball on Aug. 5 for alleged violations of its drug policy and labour agreement stemming from the league's investigation of the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic in Florida. The players' association filed a grievance, and because Rodriguez was a first-time offender of the drug agreement, the discipline automatically was stayed pending a resolution of the grievance.

Horowitz heard the case in a trio of four-day sessions, with management presenting its case from Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and Oct. 15-18. Rodriguez's side then took its turn during the first four days of this week.

While Horowitz had set aside six additional days for testimony through Wednesday, that time was not needed.

Rodriguez left in the middle of the 11th session Wednesday, furious the arbitrator refused to order baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to testify. Rodriguez and his lawyers then went on radio and television, accusing Selig of bias and the entire arbitration process of being flawed.

His lawyers returned without him Thursday to complete their case, and MLB started and finished its rebuttal. At the end of the hearing, the sides learned union head Michael Weiner had died from the brain tumour he was diagnosed with 15 months ago.

Outside MLB's offices, representatives of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, including state Sen. Ruben Diaz, held a prayer vigil to express opposition to Rodriguez's discipline.

Rodriguez lawyer James McCarroll issued a statement Thursday pointing out that this case is the first grievance under the drug agreement involving discipline that didn't stem from a positive test and involved "the commissioner's discretion and decision-making." While he said the commissioner in the past "was harshly criticized in the arbitrator's decision for not voluntarily appearing at a grievance," that statement appears to refer to arbitrator George Nicolau's 1987 decision cutting Peter Ueberroth's drug suspension of pitcher LaMarr Hoyt from one season to 60 days.

While Horowitz has issued an order for the proceeding to be confidential, Rodriguez's lawyers have said they may release some of the evidence Friday. Rodriguez spokesman Ron Berkowitz said no decision had been made.

"It's uncertain," he said. "They're still weighing their options of what they can and cannot release."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

MLB players' union head Michael Weiner dies at 51

Michael Weiner, the plain-speaking, ever-positive labour lawyer who took over as head of the powerful baseball players' union four years ago and smoothed its perennially contentious relationship with management, died Thursday, 15 months after announcing he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. He was 51.

The Major League Baseball Players Association said Weiner died at his home in Mansfield Township, N.J.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without his expertise," San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeremy Affleldt said in a text to The Associated Press. "We will all feel this loss of such a great man."

As Weiner's health deteriorated this summer, a succession plan was put in place. Former big league All-Star Tony Clark took over Thursday as acting executive director and is to be approved as Weiner's successor when the union's board meets from Dec. 2-5 at La Jolla, Calif.

"Words cannot describe the love and affection that the players have for Michael, nor can they describe the level of sadness we feel today," Clark said in a statement. "Not only has the game lost one of its most important and influential leaders in this generation, all involved in the game have lost a true friend."

At Weiner's last public speaking engagement, a 25-minute meeting with baseball writers on the day of the All-Star game in July, he was confined to a wheelchair and unable to move his right side. Yet, he wanted to respond to questions about his illness and issues in the game, and did so with the grace and humour he was known for throughout his life.

"I don't know if I look at things differently. Maybe they just became more important to me and more conscious to me going forward," he said. "As corny as this sounds, I get up in the morning and I feel I'm going to live each day as it comes. I don't take any day for granted. I don't take the next morning for granted. What I look for each day is beauty, meaning and joy, and if I can find beauty, meaning and joy, that's a good day."

Weiner first experienced weakness and tingling on his right side in July 2012 and was diagnosed with a glioma the following month. By June 2013, he had experienced a rapid increase in symptoms. As he sat in a wheelchair in foul territory at Citi Field the following month before the All-Star game, players lined up to speak with him.

His voice had gotten raspy by early August, when he responded on behalf of the union to drug suspensions handed down to Alex Rodriguez, Ryan Braun and other players.

"Michael is a tremendous person. That's why everybody loves him," New York Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera said Thursday before Weiner's death was announced. "He can relate with every player and had time to talk with every player."

Known for wearing blue jeans and Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star sneakers to work, Weiner's easygoing manner with players was a change from former head Donald Fehr's more lawyerly approach. His style connected both with players and the students he taught during Sunday school at his synagogue.

"Lost a great friend today," Arizona reliever Brad Ziegler tweeted. "One of the best leaders & men I knew. Prayers for his family."

Weiner was hired by the union as a staff attorney in 1988 and wound up succeeding Fehr in December 2009. Weiner became just the fourth head of the organization since 1966.

A longtime New Jersey resident and a graduate of Williams College and Harvard Law School, Weiner clerked for U.S. District Judge H. Lee Sarokin in Newark before joining the players' association. Once at the union, he became a key figure in the lengthy process to parse the $280 million collusion settlement among individual players.

Weiner also was a junior lawyer during the 7 1/2-month players' strike in 1994-95 strike and the negotiations that finally led to a new labour agreement in March 1997.

"I think that helped some people on the owners' side to finally accept that the union was a fixture and the union was an entity they were going to have to deal with," he said. "There was never a chance for anything to settle in until we got through collusion, and really until then we got through the bargaining in '94 and '95."

Following eight work stoppages in a 23-year span, baseball has since negotiated three straight labour deals without interruption.

Weiner headed talks for the last deal, in November 2011, which instituted a series of significant changes that included restraints on signing bonuses for amateur players and increased the number of free agents able to switch teams without requiring the loss of draft picks as compensation.

"It took a while for the owners to appreciate that the union is not only here to stay, but that the union and its members can contribute positively to a discussion about the game — about its economics, about the nature of the competition, about how it's marketed in every way," he said.

In addition to the labour contract, he headed the legal team that in 2012 convinced an arbitrator to overturn a 50-game suspension imposed on Braun, the Milwaukee outfielder who was the previous year's NL MVP. The union argued his urine sample had not been handled properly.

Last summer Braun agreed to accept a 65-game suspension for his activities relating to the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic and his public statements.

Following a line of leaders that began with Marvin Miller and went on to include the short reign of Kenneth Moffett and the long tenure of Fehr, Weiner was exceedingly conscious of the union's history and traditions of player involvement. He appeared with Fehr and the then 95-year-old Miller at a 2012 discussion at New York University's School of Law marking the 40th anniversary of the first baseball strike and the rise of the union.

His hair nearly gone from his treatment, Weiner returned to NYU in January for a memorial celebrating the life of Miller, who died two months earlier. He humbly referred to "our little sport of baseball."

Weiner is survived by his wife, the former Diane Margolin, and daughters Margie, Grace and Sally.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ex-Blue Jays pitcher Josh Johnson joins Padres

Josh Johnson was looking for a team close to his Las Vegas home, and the San Diego Padres were looking for a potential top-of-the rotation pitcher.

The sides quickly agreed on an $8 million US, one-year contract that was finalized on Wednesday.

The Padres, coming off a second straight finish of 76-86, hope they're getting the Johnson who was an All-Star with Miami in 2009 and 2010 and not the one slowed by triceps and forearm injuries last year while with Toronto.

General manager Josh Byrnes said the Padres decided that if they could find a starter who had the chance to a difference-maker, they were going to pursue him. 

'We know there's risk in any signing but we're very excited about the upside, what he can bring and now what our rotation can do to deliver us toward our goal. We want to be an October team.'- Padres GM Josh Byrnes

"Here's a guy who led the league in ERA who has been a dominant pitcher," Byrnes said. "We know there's risk in any signing but we're very excited about the upside, what he can bring and now what our rotation can do to deliver us toward our goal. We want to be an October team. We really feel like the evolution of our starting pitching and bringing in Josh, we've taken a big step in that direction over the last 12 months."

The Padres have had losing records in four of the last five seasons and have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons.

Johnson, who had bone spurs removed from his right elbow on Oct. 1, was 2-8 with a 6.20 ERA 16 appearances this season. In addition to his base salary, Johnson would earn a $1.25 million bonus for making 26 starts.

He said the top teams on his list were the Giants and Padres, and that he and his agent jumped at the first good offer.

"Every time you come in here you want to stay here," Johnson said. "The park's great, the city's great, so those two things, that's pretty much what you want. It's a great park to pitch in. That and the staff, and then the team, it's a perfect fit."

While not saying who is going to be the No. 1 starter, manager Bud Black said he envisions Johnson fitting in at the top of the order along with Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross.

"He's done it in the past," Black said. "Obviously he's had some great performances."

Add in Ian Kennedy and Eric Stults, and "We have the makings of a very solid rotation," Black said.

The Padres also expect to get young pitchers Joe Wieland and Cory Luebke back from reconstructive elbow surgery. Casey Kelly also is recovering from elbow surgery.

Johnson led the NL with a 2.30 ERA in 2010. He has a career record of 58-45 with a 3.40 ERA.

"I've seen Josh from the other side, when he was with Toronto, when he was with Florida," Black said. "This guy, potentially for us, brings a lot to the table. We're really, really pumped to have Josh here."

The Padres expect Johnson to be ready to go by spring training.

"I was pretty close last year, just not healthy," Johnson said. "It was tough trying to throw through it and all of a sudden I'm getting these weird pains all the way up my triceps and my forearm's getting tight because of everything going on with my elbow. Hopefully that took care of everything."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers send Prince Fielder to Rangers for Ian Kinsler: report

Less than two years after boldly signing Prince Fielder to a $214 million contract, the Detroit Tigers traded the slugging first baseman to Texas in another blockbuster move.

Fielder was dealt to the Rangers on Wednesday night for second baseman Ian Kinsler. The Tigers agreed to pay the Rangers $30 million as part of the swap, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the amount of money exchanged was not revealed when the teams announced the trade. The $30 million is payable from 2016-20.

"Obviously, a very exciting trade for us in adding Prince Fielder to the organization," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "Also a tough trade to make in that Ian Kinsler's been with the organization since he was drafted in '03, and we've signed him here a couple of times. Been here, a catalyst for our World Series clubs, and a huge part of this. A winning guy, a heart-and-soul guy, and Detroit got a tremendous player and person."

It's the first headline-grabbing move of baseball's off-season, and it involves two of the American League's top teams. Detroit has won three consecutive AL Central titles and reached the World Series in 2012, while Texas won the AL pennant in 2010 and 2011.

Fielder, a five-time All-Star, had to consent to the trade before it could be completed. The big first baseman signed a $214 million, nine-year contract with the Tigers before the 2012 season that includes a limited no-trade provision.

"We're thankful for what he did for us," Detroit general manager Dave Dombrowski said. "It'll be a bat that we miss at times — there's no doubt about it."

Kinsler just finished the first season of a $75 million, five-year contract.

With stars like Fielder, Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera and Anibal Sanchez in the fold, Detroit's payroll had become one of the game's biggest. And although Fielder hit 55 home runs over the last two years for the Tigers, his numbers dipped this season and he struggled in the playoffs when Detroit lost to Boston in the AL championship series.

Fielder hit .279 with 25 homers this year. He drove in 106 runs, but it was his lowest home run total over a full season. He did not have a single RBI in the 2013 post-season and hit .182 in the ALCS.

Daniels said the trade came together quickly — the first discussions took place Tuesday. The Rangers will welcome the durable Fielder, who has played 162 games in four of the last five seasons. Texas was interested in Fielder when he signed with Detroit as a free agent.

"Our offer was well below what it ended up being, so we weren't that close," Daniels said. "I thought he was a genuine guy that really loved the game, really loved playing the game, loved his boys, his sons."

Kinsler batted .277 with 13 homers this year. The a three-time All-Star was limited to 136 games because of injuries to his ribs and right side. Kinsler stole 15 bases in 2013 — not a high total by his standards but more than any player on the Detroit team he is joining.

Financial flexibility

The trade could save the Tigers more than $75 million in the long run, giving them more financial flexibility with Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer a year from free agency.

Fielder is still only 29, and the Rangers are set to add a big bat to the middle of their lineup while also resolving a logjam in the middle of their infield. Jurickson Profar, a highly touted 20-year-old prospect, appeared to be blocked by Kinsler and shortstop Elvis Andrus. Now, Profar should have a chance to play regularly.

The Tigers signed Fielder to a huge contract shortly before spring training in 2012 — after designated hitter Victor Martinez injured his knee. Martinez came back in 2013. With Fielder gone, Cabrera may move from third base back to first.

"I'm really not sure what we're going to do as we sit here now today," Dombrowski said. "Eventually, we see him as a first baseman. Will it happen this year or not? I'm not sure."

The 31-year-old Kinsler fills a need at second base for Detroit after Omar Infante became a free agent.

Fielder is due $168 million through 2020, a salary of $24 million per season. Under his no-trade clause, he submits a list of 10 teams each year that he can be traded to without his approval.

Texas was not on that list this year, but Fielder agreed to accept the trade and instructed agent Scott Boras to approve the deal.

"If he was coming off the best year of his career, he's not available," Daniels said. "I think that's kind of the whole idea of this deal — if anybody feels like that's a sign of things to come, that he's slipping, you may not like the deal. We don't feel that way. We don't feel that way at all."

Kinsler is guaranteed $62 million through 2017: $16 million in each of the next two seasons, $14 million in 2016, $11 million in 2017 and a $5 million buyout of a $10 million option.

'Instant threat'

It's already been an unpredictable off-season for the Tigers. Manager Jim Leyland stepped down after the season and was replaced by Brad Ausmus. Detroit could have come back with a similar roster and probably been favoured to win the division again, but now more changes seem possible.

"If you put Kinsler's bat at the top of the lineup, that's an instant threat," Ausmus said. "It changes the dynamic, but it doesn't mean it's any less potent."

If Cabrera moves back to first base, prospect Nick Castellanos might replace him at third. Previously, it appeared Castellanos would have to play the outfield if both Cabrera and Fielder were still on the team.

Andy Dirks is still available to play left field, but that's a spot the Tigers could still try to upgrade. They also have six capable starting pitchers — Drew Smyly was used in the bullpen this year — so that's a surplus that could come in handy in a possible trade.

Detroit's bullpen will likely undergo a makeover after struggling last season.

The Rangers lost slugging outfielder Nelson Cruz to a late-season suspension as a result of MLB's investigation in the Biogenesis case. He's now a free agent, and if Texas loses him, Fielder, who hit 50 homers in 2007 for Milwaukee at 23, should help replace his production.

"A huge focus for us this winter was finding some kind of middle-of-the-order presence and power, and at 29 years old, I still think there's still a lot of big run production and years ahead of him," Daniels said.

Adrian Beltre and Alex Rios are among the dangerous hitters under contract next season in Texas. Beltre had an AL-high 199 hits and Rios, acquired from the Chicago White Sox in August after Cruz was suspended, has a year left on his deal.

The Rangers lost a one-game tiebreaker to Tampa Bay for the second AL wild card this year.

The trade agreement was first reported by CBSSports.com.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Giants bring pitcher Tim Hudson back to Bay Area

Tim Hudson is headed back to the Bay Area.

The San Francisco Giants have finalized a $23 million US, two-year contract with the free-agent pitcher, who began his career with Oakland.

Hudson had a physical Monday, and the team announced the agreement Tuesday.

He made his major league debut with the Athletics in 1999 and went 92-39 in six seasons with Oakland, where the right-hander teamed with Mark Mulder and Barry Zito to form a successful "Big Three."

The 38-year-old went 8-7 with a 3.97 ERA in 21 starts this season for Atlanta. His season was cut short by a broken right ankle that required surgery. The Braves earlier this month declined to make a qualifying offer to Hudson, who won 49 games during the previous three seasons.

"I'm pumped," Giants lefty reliever Jeremy Affeldt said by text message. "Great signing for us. Competitor and innings eater. Knows how to win!"

Hudson was hurt July 24 in New York when the Mets' Eric Young Jr. inadvertently stepped on the back of the pitcher's lower right leg while Hudson covered first base.

San Francisco, which missed the playoffs this year after winning the World Series in 2010 and '12, is seeking another starter to join Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner and Tim Lincecum in a rotation losing Zito and probably also free-agent righty Ryan Vogelsong.

Cain and Bumgarner are signed long term, while Lincecum received a $35 million, two-year deal last month.

Hudson was drafted by the A's in the sixth round of the 1997 amateur draft out of Auburn.

Oakland traded Hudson to the Braves in December 2004 and he pitched nine seasons in Atlanta. The three-time All-Star earned NL Comeback Player of the Year honours in 2010 after he returned from elbow ligament replacement surgery to go 17-9 with a 2.83 ERA. He had surgery for a herniated disk in November 2011.

The Giants had been eager to find an experienced starter to fill in the rotation. Zito just finished a $126 million, seven-year contract and had his $18 million option declined for 2014. Vogelsong's $6.5 million option for 2014 was declined by the club.

Hudson is 205-111 in a 15-year career and was coming off a $36 million, four-year contract.

After snapping a career-worst 10-game winless streak with a 13-4 victory July 6 at Philadelphia, Hudson went 4-0 with a 3.10 ERA in his last four starts.

Hudson will pitch to 2012 NL MVP and batting champion Buster Posey, who is signed through 2021. Right fielder Hunter Pence was given a $90 million, five-year contract before the season ended.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

New York Mets have dinner with Robinson Cano's agent Jay Z

Jay Z, the new agent for Robinson Cano, had dinner Monday night with top officials of the New York Mets.

Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy Alderson were among those there. The get-together also included sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen, but not Cano.

A five-time All-Star second baseman, Cano is a free agent. He is seeking a 10-year contract for more than $300 million from the Yankees. Alderson said last week he doubted the Mets would offer any nine-figure contracts.

"They requested a meeting," Alderson said Tuesday. "We talked generally and that was it. As I said, we were approached. Having said last week that I didn't foresee contracts in the $100 million range for the Mets this season, I think that statement still attains. On the other hand, we are committed to improving the team and we will explore whatever possibilities arise, however remote and eventual outcome."

Alderson called it "a very preliminary meeting" and said it included a PowerPoint, books and pamphlets.

"We certainly have a high regard for Robinson Cano as a player," he said. "It was my sense the presentation was a little bit overdone."

Jay Z's Roc Nation Sports formed a partnership this year with Van Wagenen's CAA Baseball.

"We felt it would be useful enough for us to meet Jay Z and Brodie, whether it's in connection with Robinson Cano or some future client that they may have," Alderson said.

While the Mets have more money to spend after getting large contracts for Johan Santana and Jason Bay off their books, Alderson says free-agent prices have been high. He said he didn't team's payroll would be below its 2013 level of about $95 million.

"We have to be realistic about the market and not sort of deny the inevitable. If the market is as robust as it seems to be, then we have to acknowledge that," he said, adding: "It may not be manifest yet to the average fan, the average person, but I think we are more active than we were last year."

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carlos Ruiz, Phillies agree to 3-year deal: report

Former All-Star catcher gets $26 million US

The Associated Press Posted: Nov 18, 2013 1:44 PM ET Last Updated: Nov 18, 2013 1:44 PM ET

Two people familiar with the negotiations tell the Associated Press that Carlos Ruiz and the Phillies have agreed to a $26 million US, three-year contract that will keep the former All-Star catcher in Philadelphia.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal hasn't been officially announced. The contract also includes a club option for 2017.

The 34-year-old hit .268 in 92 games last year after serving a 25-game suspension for using a banned amphetamine.

Ruiz is known for excellent defensive skills and strong rapport with the pitching staff. He had career-highs with a .325 average, 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 2012, when he made his first All-Star team. Several teams actively sought Ruiz on the free-agent market, and retaining him was Philadelphia's top priority.

Comments on this story are pre-moderated. Before they appear, comments are reviewed by moderators to ensure they meet our submission guidelines. Comments are open and welcome for three days after the story is published. We reserve the right to close comments before then.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Police reopening A-Rod document theft investigation

Alex Rodriguez's grievance hearing to overturn his 211-game suspension resumed Monday with the first of what could be 10 straight days of sessions.

The sides spent their ninth day before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, who also heard the case from Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and Oct. 15-18. Rodriguez's legal team was set to call witnesses when the hearing resumed.

MLB and the players' association appear to be trying to finish testimony before Thanksgiving, and it remained unclear whether the New York Yankees third baseman would testify. He had been scheduled for an investigatory interview with MLB on Friday, but the session was cancelled when Rodriguez's side said he was ill with flu-like systems and could not travel from California.

Rodriguez arrived at MLB's office on Monday morning.

MLB has been expected to assert that Rodriguez should not be allowed to testify at his grievance if he first refused to answer MLB's questions at the investigatory interview.

Rodriguez was suspended for 211 games by MLB on Aug. 5 for alleged violations of the sport's drug agreement and labour contract, and the players' association filed the grievance to overturn the penalty.

The three-time AL MVP said four years ago he used performance-enhancing drugs while with the Texas Rangers from 2001-03, but he has denied using them since. At the time of his suspension, MLB said the penalty was for "use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited performance-enhancing substances, including testosterone and human growth hormone over the course of multiple years" and for "engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate the office of the commissioner's investigation."

A Florida police department said Monday it had reopened an investigation into the theft of documents related to baseball's inquiry.

Boca Raton police officer Sandra Boonenberg said the investigation was reopened several weeks ago based on new information stemming from Rodriguez's lawsuit against MLB, which accused the sport of engaging in a "witch hunt."

Boonenberg offered few details on the open investigation but said detectives have "a lot of leads that they're pursuing."

The documents were stolen in March from the car of Porter Fischer, who took them from Biogenesis of America, the now-closed Florida anti-aging clinic where he worked.

The clinic and its owner, Anthony Bosch, have been accused of providing banned performance-enhancing drugs to Rodriguez and other major leaguers. Bosch agreed to co-operate with baseball's investigators, and baseball later suspended 14 players.

Citing unidentified sources close to the investigation, ESPN reported last week that MLB impeded the Florida investigation.

"MLB investigators knowingly purchased stolen documents in their quest to allow Commissioner Selig to act, for the first time, as if he was tough on PED use in baseball despite striking a co-operation deal with Anthony Bosch who MLB knows is under federal investigation for providing steroids to minors," Jordan Siev, one of Rodriguez's lawyers, said in a statement.

MLB has repeatedly denied the accusation.

"The truth continues to be that we did not knowingly purchase stolen documents and there is an active police investigation to determine if the documents were in fact stolen," the commissioner's office said in a statement.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miguel Cabrera, Andrew McCutchen win MVP awards

All those who marvel at Miguel Cabrera can only wonder what he might've done this year if completely healthy.

Even so, Cabrera was a huge hit in Motown.

Despite being hobbled by all sorts of ailments, the Detroit Tigers slugger won his second straight American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, once again beating Angels outfielder Mike Trout by a comfortable margin.

A season after winning baseball's first Triple Crown in 45 years, Cabrera came back to lead the majors in hitting at .348 and finish second with 44 home runs and 137 RBIs. 

'I think this year was tougher because of the injuries. It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it.'- Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera

"I think this year was tougher because of the injuries," he said on a conference call from the Miami area.

"It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it," he said.

The eight-time All-Star missed several games after the break because of a bad back, a sore left hip flexor, a strained lower abdomen, shin trouble and a groin tear. He recently had surgery to fix the tear and said he'll be ready for spring training.

Still, Cabrera got 23 of 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He became the first player to win consecutive AL MVPs since Frank Thomas for the Chicago White Sox in 1993 and 1994.

Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen took the NL MVP by a surprisingly wide margin after leading a baseball revival in Pittsburgh.

Easy win for 'Cutch'

McCutchen drew 28 of the 30 first-place votes to finish far ahead of Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina.

"I'm floating right now," McCutchen said in Pittsburgh. "But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect."

McCutchen ranked among the NL leaders by hitting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also scored 97 runs, stole 27 bases and had a .404 on-base percentage.

The 27-year-old with the long, flowing dreadlocks helped the Pirates stop a record streak of 20 losing seasons and make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Cabrera finished with 385 points, while Trout got five first-place votes and 282 points. The difference was 81 points last season, when Trout was AL Rookie of the Year. 

'I'm floating right now. But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect.'- Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen

Baltimore first baseman Chris Davis, who led the majors with 53 homers and 138 RBIs, was third.

"I think all three guys deserve this trophy," Cabrera said.

Davis and Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson each received a first-place vote.

Cabrera took his third AL batting title in a row. He also drew a $1 million bonus for winning a second MVP during his current contract with the Tigers.

No AL player has won three straight MVPs. Albert Pujols was the last repeat NL MVP winner in 2008 and 2009; Barry Bonds took four straight from 2001-04.

The Tigers have virtually owned the major post-season awards during a three-year run of success. Justin Verlander was the MVP and Cy Young winner in 2011, Cabrera took the MVP last season and Detroit ace Max Scherzer won this year's Cy Young Award on Wednesday.

"I'm on the right team," Cabrera said.

The 30-year-old third baseman from Venezuela also captured the AL MVP last year when he hit .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBIs. Cabrera topped Trout 22-6 in first-place votes in that balloting.

Trout hit .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs this year, stole 33 bases and led the AL in runs and walks.

Baseball's most feared hitter

Cabrera clearly was baseball's most dominant hitter for most of the season as the Tigers won their third straight AL Central crown.

Voting for the BBWAA awards was done before the playoffs. Cabrera hit .262 with two homers and seven RBIs in 11 post-season games, and made a couple of key outs in Detroit's six-game loss to Boston in the AL championship series.

Cabrera was in contention for a second straight Triple Crown for much of the year, and was hitting .359 with 43 homers and 130 RBIs through Aug. 26. But he managed only two extra-base hits in his next 25 games through the end of the regular season.

Cabrera said he didn't think rest would have helped heal his injuries near the end.

Instead, he took a different approach: "OK, let's play through it and see what happens," he said.

Cabrera still became the first right-handed hitter to win three straight batting titles in either league since Rogers Hornsby in 1920-25.

Cabrera also kept amazing his teammates with his prowess at the plate.

In mid-August, he homered in all three games of a series at Yankee Stadium, twice connecting off career saves leader Mariano Rivera.

His shot in the opener was the most impressive, even though Detroit eventually lost. After fouling two balls off his left shin, Cabrera was having trouble standing in the batter's box when he tagged Rivera for a tying, two-run drive with two outs in the ninth inning.

Cabrera had bedeviled the Yankees before. As a 20-year-old rookie, he helped the Marlins beat New York in the 2003 World Series.

McCutchen, third in MVP balloting last season, got 409 points. Goldschmidt finished second with 242, while Molina received the other two first-place votes and came in third.

McCutchen's win came two days after Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was picked as the NL Manager of the Year. McCutchen was the first Pittsburgh player to win the MVP since Bonds in 1992.

The Pirates went 94-68 this year, a season after going 79-83. Along the way, McCutchen became the face of the franchise and heard loud "MVP!" chants when he would step to the plate at PNC Park this summer.

"I'd lie to you if I said it didn't enter my mind ever," he said. "It's awesome to hear something like that."

Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in the NL wild-card game, then lost to St. Louis in a division series that went the full five games.

Boston wound up beating St. Louis in the World Series. No one on the Red Sox or Cardinals won any of the major BBWAA awards.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays add veteran Dan Johnson

First baseman gets invite to spring training

The Canadian Press Posted: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET Last Updated: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to terms with veteran first baseman Dan Johnson on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Johnson, 34, appeared in three games for the Baltimore Orioles last season after being acquired from the New York Yankees organization on Aug. 30.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of Coon Rapids, Minn., spent most of last season at Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He had a .253 average with the triple-A team and hit 21 homers and drove in 69 runs.

The eight-year major-league veteran has a career .236 average with 56 home runs and 194 RBIs with Oakland, Tampa Bay, the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore.

Comments on this story are pre-moderated. Before they appear, comments are reviewed by moderators to ensure they meet our submission guidelines. Comments are open and welcome for three days after the story is published. We reserve the right to close comments before then.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miguel Cabrera, Andrew McCutchen win MVP awards

All those who marvel at Miguel Cabrera can only wonder what he might've done this year if completely healthy.

Even so, Cabrera was a huge hit in Motown.

Despite being hobbled by all sorts of ailments, the Detroit Tigers slugger won his second straight American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, once again beating Angels outfielder Mike Trout by a comfortable margin.

A season after winning baseball's first Triple Crown in 45 years, Cabrera came back to lead the majors in hitting at .348 and finish second with 44 home runs and 137 RBIs. 

'I think this year was tougher because of the injuries. It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it.'- Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera

"I think this year was tougher because of the injuries," he said on a conference call from the Miami area.

"It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it," he said.

The eight-time All-Star missed several games after the break because of a bad back, a sore left hip flexor, a strained lower abdomen, shin trouble and a groin tear. He recently had surgery to fix the tear and said he'll be ready for spring training.

Still, Cabrera got 23 of 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He became the first player to win consecutive AL MVPs since Frank Thomas for the Chicago White Sox in 1993 and 1994.

Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen took the NL MVP by a surprisingly wide margin after leading a baseball revival in Pittsburgh.

Easy win for 'Cutch'

McCutchen drew 28 of the 30 first-place votes to finish far ahead of Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina.

"I'm floating right now," McCutchen said in Pittsburgh. "But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect."

McCutchen ranked among the NL leaders by hitting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also scored 97 runs, stole 27 bases and had a .404 on-base percentage.

The 27-year-old with the long, flowing dreadlocks helped the Pirates stop a record streak of 20 losing seasons and make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Cabrera finished with 385 points, while Trout got five first-place votes and 282 points. The difference was 81 points last season, when Trout was AL Rookie of the Year. 

'I'm floating right now. But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect.'- Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen

Baltimore first baseman Chris Davis, who led the majors with 53 homers and 138 RBIs, was third.

"I think all three guys deserve this trophy," Cabrera said.

Davis and Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson each received a first-place vote.

Cabrera took his third AL batting title in a row. He also drew a $1 million bonus for winning a second MVP during his current contract with the Tigers.

No AL player has won three straight MVPs. Albert Pujols was the last repeat NL MVP winner in 2008 and 2009; Barry Bonds took four straight from 2001-04.

The Tigers have virtually owned the major post-season awards during a three-year run of success. Justin Verlander was the MVP and Cy Young winner in 2011, Cabrera took the MVP last season and Detroit ace Max Scherzer won this year's Cy Young Award on Wednesday.

"I'm on the right team," Cabrera said.

The 30-year-old third baseman from Venezuela also captured the AL MVP last year when he hit .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBIs. Cabrera topped Trout 22-6 in first-place votes in that balloting.

Trout hit .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs this year, stole 33 bases and led the AL in runs and walks.

Baseball's most feared hitter

Cabrera clearly was baseball's most dominant hitter for most of the season as the Tigers won their third straight AL Central crown.

Voting for the BBWAA awards was done before the playoffs. Cabrera hit .262 with two homers and seven RBIs in 11 post-season games, and made a couple of key outs in Detroit's six-game loss to Boston in the AL championship series.

Cabrera was in contention for a second straight Triple Crown for much of the year, and was hitting .359 with 43 homers and 130 RBIs through Aug. 26. But he managed only two extra-base hits in his next 25 games through the end of the regular season.

Cabrera said he didn't think rest would have helped heal his injuries near the end.

Instead, he took a different approach: "OK, let's play through it and see what happens," he said.

Cabrera still became the first right-handed hitter to win three straight batting titles in either league since Rogers Hornsby in 1920-25.

Cabrera also kept amazing his teammates with his prowess at the plate.

In mid-August, he homered in all three games of a series at Yankee Stadium, twice connecting off career saves leader Mariano Rivera.

His shot in the opener was the most impressive, even though Detroit eventually lost. After fouling two balls off his left shin, Cabrera was having trouble standing in the batter's box when he tagged Rivera for a tying, two-run drive with two outs in the ninth inning.

Cabrera had bedeviled the Yankees before. As a 20-year-old rookie, he helped the Marlins beat New York in the 2003 World Series.

McCutchen, third in MVP balloting last season, got 409 points. Goldschmidt finished second with 242, while Molina received the other two first-place votes and came in third.

McCutchen's win came two days after Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was picked as the NL Manager of the Year. McCutchen was the first Pittsburgh player to win the MVP since Bonds in 1992.

The Pirates went 94-68 this year, a season after going 79-83. Along the way, McCutchen became the face of the franchise and heard loud "MVP!" chants when he would step to the plate at PNC Park this summer.

"I'd lie to you if I said it didn't enter my mind ever," he said. "It's awesome to hear something like that."

Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in the NL wild-card game, then lost to St. Louis in a division series that went the full five games.

Boston wound up beating St. Louis in the World Series. No one on the Red Sox or Cardinals won any of the major BBWAA awards.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays add veteran Dan Johnson

First baseman gets invite to spring training

The Canadian Press Posted: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET Last Updated: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to terms with veteran first baseman Dan Johnson on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Johnson, 34, appeared in three games for the Baltimore Orioles last season after being acquired from the New York Yankees organization on Aug. 30.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of Coon Rapids, Minn., spent most of last season at Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He had a .253 average with the triple-A team and hit 21 homers and drove in 69 runs.

The eight-year major-league veteran has a career .236 average with 56 home runs and 194 RBIs with Oakland, Tampa Bay, the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore.

Comments on this story are pre-moderated. Before they appear, comments are reviewed by moderators to ensure they meet our submission guidelines. Comments are open and welcome for three days after the story is published. We reserve the right to close comments before then.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miguel Cabrera, Andrew McCutchen win MVP awards

All those who marvel at Miguel Cabrera can only wonder what he might've done this year if completely healthy.

Even so, Cabrera was a huge hit in Motown.

Despite being hobbled by all sorts of ailments, the Detroit Tigers slugger won his second straight American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, once again beating Angels outfielder Mike Trout by a comfortable margin.

A season after winning baseball's first Triple Crown in 45 years, Cabrera came back to lead the majors in hitting at .348 and finish second with 44 home runs and 137 RBIs. 

'I think this year was tougher because of the injuries. It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it.'- Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera

"I think this year was tougher because of the injuries," he said on a conference call from the Miami area.

"It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it," he said.

The eight-time All-Star missed several games after the break because of a bad back, a sore left hip flexor, a strained lower abdomen, shin trouble and a groin tear. He recently had surgery to fix the tear and said he'll be ready for spring training.

Still, Cabrera got 23 of 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He became the first player to win consecutive AL MVPs since Frank Thomas for the Chicago White Sox in 1993 and 1994.

Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen took the NL MVP by a surprisingly wide margin after leading a baseball revival in Pittsburgh.

Easy win for 'Cutch'

McCutchen drew 28 of the 30 first-place votes to finish far ahead of Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina.

"I'm floating right now," McCutchen said in Pittsburgh. "But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect."

McCutchen ranked among the NL leaders by hitting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also scored 97 runs, stole 27 bases and had a .404 on-base percentage.

The 27-year-old with the long, flowing dreadlocks helped the Pirates stop a record streak of 20 losing seasons and make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Cabrera finished with 385 points, while Trout got five first-place votes and 282 points. The difference was 81 points last season, when Trout was AL Rookie of the Year. 

'I'm floating right now. But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect.'- Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen

Baltimore first baseman Chris Davis, who led the majors with 53 homers and 138 RBIs, was third.

"I think all three guys deserve this trophy," Cabrera said.

Davis and Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson each received a first-place vote.

Cabrera took his third AL batting title in a row. He also drew a $1 million bonus for winning a second MVP during his current contract with the Tigers.

No AL player has won three straight MVPs. Albert Pujols was the last repeat NL MVP winner in 2008 and 2009; Barry Bonds took four straight from 2001-04.

The Tigers have virtually owned the major post-season awards during a three-year run of success. Justin Verlander was the MVP and Cy Young winner in 2011, Cabrera took the MVP last season and Detroit ace Max Scherzer won this year's Cy Young Award on Wednesday.

"I'm on the right team," Cabrera said.

The 30-year-old third baseman from Venezuela also captured the AL MVP last year when he hit .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBIs. Cabrera topped Trout 22-6 in first-place votes in that balloting.

Trout hit .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs this year, stole 33 bases and led the AL in runs and walks.

Baseball's most feared hitter

Cabrera clearly was baseball's most dominant hitter for most of the season as the Tigers won their third straight AL Central crown.

Voting for the BBWAA awards was done before the playoffs. Cabrera hit .262 with two homers and seven RBIs in 11 post-season games, and made a couple of key outs in Detroit's six-game loss to Boston in the AL championship series.

Cabrera was in contention for a second straight Triple Crown for much of the year, and was hitting .359 with 43 homers and 130 RBIs through Aug. 26. But he managed only two extra-base hits in his next 25 games through the end of the regular season.

Cabrera said he didn't think rest would have helped heal his injuries near the end.

Instead, he took a different approach: "OK, let's play through it and see what happens," he said.

Cabrera still became the first right-handed hitter to win three straight batting titles in either league since Rogers Hornsby in 1920-25.

Cabrera also kept amazing his teammates with his prowess at the plate.

In mid-August, he homered in all three games of a series at Yankee Stadium, twice connecting off career saves leader Mariano Rivera.

His shot in the opener was the most impressive, even though Detroit eventually lost. After fouling two balls off his left shin, Cabrera was having trouble standing in the batter's box when he tagged Rivera for a tying, two-run drive with two outs in the ninth inning.

Cabrera had bedeviled the Yankees before. As a 20-year-old rookie, he helped the Marlins beat New York in the 2003 World Series.

McCutchen, third in MVP balloting last season, got 409 points. Goldschmidt finished second with 242, while Molina received the other two first-place votes and came in third.

McCutchen's win came two days after Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was picked as the NL Manager of the Year. McCutchen was the first Pittsburgh player to win the MVP since Bonds in 1992.

The Pirates went 94-68 this year, a season after going 79-83. Along the way, McCutchen became the face of the franchise and heard loud "MVP!" chants when he would step to the plate at PNC Park this summer.

"I'd lie to you if I said it didn't enter my mind ever," he said. "It's awesome to hear something like that."

Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in the NL wild-card game, then lost to St. Louis in a division series that went the full five games.

Boston wound up beating St. Louis in the World Series. No one on the Red Sox or Cardinals won any of the major BBWAA awards.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blue Jays add veteran Dan Johnson

First baseman gets invite to spring training

The Canadian Press Posted: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET Last Updated: Nov 15, 2013 1:00 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays have agreed to terms with veteran first baseman Dan Johnson on a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Johnson, 34, appeared in three games for the Baltimore Orioles last season after being acquired from the New York Yankees organization on Aug. 30.

The six-foot-two, 210-pound native of Coon Rapids, Minn., spent most of last season at Scranton Wilkes-Barre. He had a .253 average with the triple-A team and hit 21 homers and drove in 69 runs.

The eight-year major-league veteran has a career .236 average with 56 home runs and 194 RBIs with Oakland, Tampa Bay, the Chicago White Sox and Baltimore.

Comments on this story are pre-moderated. Before they appear, comments are reviewed by moderators to ensure they meet our submission guidelines. Comments are open and welcome for three days after the story is published. We reserve the right to close comments before then.

Submission Policy

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

MLB nixes proposal for Japan bidding system

Major League Baseball is withdrawing its proposal for a new bidding system with Japan, making it uncertain whether prized pitcher Masahiro Tanaka will be on the market this off-season.

MLB chief operating officer Rob Manfred said Japanese officials had not acted quickly enough on MLB's proposal for a new agreement and that a new proposal will be forwarded.

"We warned them, told them if this sat too long, there could be shifting winds out there, and suffice it to say there are shifting winds," Manfred said.

Under the so-called "posting system," agreed to in December 1998, more than a dozen Japanese players have moved to MLB before the nine years of service time they would have needed to become a free agent. Under the system, MLB clubs submit bids, and the highest bidder has 30 days to reach an agreement with the player.

Boston obtained pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka from the Seibu Lions before the 2007 season for $51.1 million US, and Texas got pitcher Yu Darvish from the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters before the 2012 season for $51.7 million. Those figures don't include the players' contracts with the new teams.

"I think the concerns with the system was it was a blind bidding process that led to inflated numbers," Manfred said, "and that those inflated numbers make that market unavailable to a broad cross-section of our teams."

Tanaka, a 25-year-old right-hander, went a 24-0 with a 1.27 earned-run average during the regular season for the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan's Pacific League.

Without an agreement, Japanese players would not be able to sign with MLB until they had nine years of service time

"If that's the way we get Japanese professionals, I think that the 30 major league clubs are prepared to live with that result," Manfred said.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More

Miguel Cabrera, Andrew McCutchen win MVP awards

All those who marvel at Miguel Cabrera can only wonder what he might've done this year if completely healthy.

Even so, Cabrera was a huge hit in Motown.

Despite being hobbled by all sorts of ailments, the Detroit Tigers slugger won his second straight American League Most Valuable Player award Thursday, once again beating Angels outfielder Mike Trout by a comfortable margin.

A season after winning baseball's first Triple Crown in 45 years, Cabrera came back to lead the majors in hitting at .348 and finish second with 44 home runs and 137 RBIs. 

'I think this year was tougher because of the injuries. It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it.'- Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera

"I think this year was tougher because of the injuries," he said on a conference call from the Miami area.

"It was the last two months. It was tough to play through it," he said.

The eight-time All-Star missed several games after the break because of a bad back, a sore left hip flexor, a strained lower abdomen, shin trouble and a groin tear. He recently had surgery to fix the tear and said he'll be ready for spring training.

Still, Cabrera got 23 of 30 first-place votes from members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. He became the first player to win consecutive AL MVPs since Frank Thomas for the Chicago White Sox in 1993 and 1994.

Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen took the NL MVP by a surprisingly wide margin after leading a baseball revival in Pittsburgh.

Easy win for 'Cutch'

McCutchen drew 28 of the 30 first-place votes to finish far ahead of Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina.

"I'm floating right now," McCutchen said in Pittsburgh. "But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect."

McCutchen ranked among the NL leaders by hitting .317 with 21 home runs and 84 RBIs. He also scored 97 runs, stole 27 bases and had a .404 on-base percentage.

The 27-year-old with the long, flowing dreadlocks helped the Pirates stop a record streak of 20 losing seasons and make the playoffs for the first time since 1992.

Cabrera finished with 385 points, while Trout got five first-place votes and 282 points. The difference was 81 points last season, when Trout was AL Rookie of the Year. 

'I'm floating right now. But I definitely didn't expect it to be a landslide with those other guys — Goldschmidt and Molina. They were great candidates and I didn't know what to expect.'- Pirates centre fielder Andrew McCutchen

Baltimore first baseman Chris Davis, who led the majors with 53 homers and 138 RBIs, was third.

"I think all three guys deserve this trophy," Cabrera said.

Davis and Oakland third baseman Josh Donaldson each received a first-place vote.

Cabrera took his third AL batting title in a row. He also drew a $1 million bonus for winning a second MVP during his current contract with the Tigers.

No AL player has won three straight MVPs. Albert Pujols was the last repeat NL MVP winner in 2008 and 2009; Barry Bonds took four straight from 2001-04.

The Tigers have virtually owned the major post-season awards during a three-year run of success. Justin Verlander was the MVP and Cy Young winner in 2011, Cabrera took the MVP last season and Detroit ace Max Scherzer won this year's Cy Young Award on Wednesday.

"I'm on the right team," Cabrera said.

The 30-year-old third baseman from Venezuela also captured the AL MVP last year when he hit .330 with 44 homers and 139 RBIs. Cabrera topped Trout 22-6 in first-place votes in that balloting.

Trout hit .323 with 27 homers and 97 RBIs this year, stole 33 bases and led the AL in runs and walks.

Baseball's most feared hitter

Cabrera clearly was baseball's most dominant hitter for most of the season as the Tigers won their third straight AL Central crown.

Voting for the BBWAA awards was done before the playoffs. Cabrera hit .262 with two homers and seven RBIs in 11 post-season games, and made a couple of key outs in Detroit's six-game loss to Boston in the AL championship series.

Cabrera was in contention for a second straight Triple Crown for much of the year, and was hitting .359 with 43 homers and 130 RBIs through Aug. 26. But he managed only two extra-base hits in his next 25 games through the end of the regular season.

Cabrera said he didn't think rest would have helped heal his injuries near the end.

Instead, he took a different approach: "OK, let's play through it and see what happens," he said.

Cabrera still became the first right-handed hitter to win three straight batting titles in either league since Rogers Hornsby in 1920-25.

Cabrera also kept amazing his teammates with his prowess at the plate.

In mid-August, he homered in all three games of a series at Yankee Stadium, twice connecting off career saves leader Mariano Rivera.

His shot in the opener was the most impressive, even though Detroit eventually lost. After fouling two balls off his left shin, Cabrera was having trouble standing in the batter's box when he tagged Rivera for a tying, two-run drive with two outs in the ninth inning.

Cabrera had bedeviled the Yankees before. As a 20-year-old rookie, he helped the Marlins beat New York in the 2003 World Series.

McCutchen, third in MVP balloting last season, got 409 points. Goldschmidt finished second with 242, while Molina received the other two first-place votes and came in third.

McCutchen's win came two days after Pirates manager Clint Hurdle was picked as the NL Manager of the Year. McCutchen was the first Pittsburgh player to win the MVP since Bonds in 1992.

The Pirates went 94-68 this year, a season after going 79-83. Along the way, McCutchen became the face of the franchise and heard loud "MVP!" chants when he would step to the plate at PNC Park this summer.

"I'd lie to you if I said it didn't enter my mind ever," he said. "It's awesome to hear something like that."

Pittsburgh beat Cincinnati in the NL wild-card game, then lost to St. Louis in a division series that went the full five games.

Boston wound up beating St. Louis in the World Series. No one on the Red Sox or Cardinals won any of the major BBWAA awards.

22.49 | 0 komentar | Read More