Major League Baseball News Archives

Catcher Jason LaRue has agreed to a $950,000, one-year contract to remain with the St.

Average MLB salary nears $3-million The free-agent signing of Mark Teixeira helped the New York Yankees maintain the highest average salary in the majors for the 11th straight year.

According to Chicago Tribune columnist Phil Rogers, trade talks involving the Cubs and Detroit involving Tigers right-hander Edwin Jackson and center fielder Curtis Granderson likely will come to a conclusion at the winter meetings in Indianapolis.

CLEVELAND a ' Steamy photos of the Cleveland Indians' Grady Sizemore have popped up online, and the All-Star center fielder complains they were stolen from his girlfriend's e-mail. Sizemore tells The Plain Dealer of Cleveland that the nearly nude pictures were meant only for her.

The Toronto Blue Jays are close to sparking competition between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox to aquire starting pitcher Roy Halladay.

While the Tiger Woods affair and subsequent car accident may have sports fans feeling distraught these days, at least Grady Sizemore is around to lighten the mood.

After having his right elbow carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey for the past three years, Scott Mathieson set a modest goal before the 2009 season started.

LHP Jake McGee remembers two years ago when he and his buddy, RHP Wade Davis , were sitting side-by-side in lockers at Progress Energy Park during their first spring training.

By Tuesday night, the Tigers must give free-agent second baseman Placido Polanco a firm indication of how willing they are to re-sign him.

They're the ones who may have been overlooked because of the teams they played on, the markets they represented or the roles they had.

A story in the New York Daily News said the Red Sox were hoping to acquire Halladay before the winter meetings begin a week from Monday.

After spending Thanksgiving in the hospital following complications from offseason surgery, 47-year-old Jamie Moyer should be heading home Monday a spokesman for Moyer said.

When Bruce Springsteen played the Bradley Center in Milwaukee earlier this month, he led into his encore with "No Surrender," sending its haunting refrain of "no retreat, no surrender" echoing around the arena.

W hoever starts at shortstop for the Red Sox [ team stats ] next year, this much now is certain - it won't be Alex Gonzalez .

Veteran lefthander Jamie Moyer had minor surgery to wash out a blood clot that might have been infected, but he is still expected to be ready to participate in spring training, the Phillies announced yesterday.

While some writers might think decent relievers are worthy of MVP votes, I tend to disagree.

During his 19-year career with the Reds, Barry Larkin helped revolutionize the persona of the shortstop position by being both a superb fielder and hitter.

St. Louis Cardinals Mark McGwire hits a fly ball during the Grapefruit League season-opener against the Baltimore Orioles at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla., in this March 2, 2001 file photo.

A federal judge has rejected a lawsuit by a group of businessmen hoping to block the redevelopment of an industrial area near the New York Mets' new stadium.

Tim Lincecum is having an unprecedented career, and now he's in line for an unprecedented contract.

An e-mail requesting an internship arrived at the Agriculture Department this summer with an impressive resume: Princeton University degree in operations research and financial engineering, 3.8 college GPA, 1520 SATs.

The Red Sox continue to cast their net far and wide in the free agent market, with news arriving yesterday from a major league source that the ballclub has expressed preliminary interest in shortstop Marco Scutaro , and has sought medical records for starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar and reliever Rafael Soriano .

Misdemeanor charges against five people, including a former Houston Astros pitcher, remain in limbo more than 13 months after 30 police officers stormed an upscale bar.

Bob Sheppard tells MLB.com that he's officially calling it a career after over 50 years as the public address voice of the Yankees.

Give this to the Royals: they know how to pick a winner. Chris Getz, acquired by the Royals in a Nov.

There is usually at least one big-ticket free agent who signs before Thanksgiving.

The Royals have traded infielder Tug Hulett to the Boston Red Sox for cash or a player to be named.

On Thanksgiving eve, we have received word, via text message,A from the Phillies that Jamie Moyer has been readmitted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital with what theA team is terming "recurring symptoms from his groin surgery" in October.

Andruw Jones. Jones hit .214 with 17 homers and 43 RBIs in 82 games with Texas this year while making 53 starts as the designated hitter, 12 in left field, five in right field and four at first base.

Jays bringing back McDonald: source John McDonald, seen in this file photo from last season, is on the verge of signing a one-year deal to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays.

According to several media outlets, the Philadephia Phillies have agreed to terms with free agent Juan Castro on a one-year contract with a club option for 2011 pending a physical.

Evan Longoria's 2009 season has brought numerous accolades for the young third baseman.

Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked for an unprecedented reconsideration of an appeals court ruling that government agents illegally seized drug-testing samples and records of Major League Baseball players who allegedly tested positive for steroids in 2003.

Jimmie Johnson has put together the kind of winning streak that Johnny Damon and the Yankees can certainly appreciate.

Blue Jays starter Roy Halladay. Photograph by: Fred Thornhill, Reuters The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are once again trying to land Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Andy Pettitte hoists trophy after Yankees' 27th title, which Bombers hope isn't his last as they wait for his decision on coming back.

DeMarlo Hale has been named the next Red Sox bench coach and Tim Bogar will coach third base.

Ken Griffey Jr. is being rewarded for his leadership and seniority. According to contract figures obtained Monday by The Associated Press, the deal Griffey signed this month to return to the Seattle Mariners for one more season as a 40-year-old calls for a $2.35 million base salary for 2010.

Twins catcher Joe Mauer missed the first month of the season due to injury but bounced back to post an MVP campaign.

Omar Vizquel is an 11-time Gold Glove winner and has played mostly shortstop during 21 major league seasons.

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed pitcher Chris Jakubauskas off waivers from the Seattle Mariners on Friday, ending one of the Mariners' feel-good stories of 2009.

The Tigers added second baseman Scott Sizemore, shortstop Audy Ciriaco, first baseman-outfielder Ryan Strieby and outfielder Brennan Boesch to their 40-man roster Friday.

On Friday, the first day that players were able to sign with new teams, the Orioles made no contract offers to any available free agents.

The Cincinnati Reds tapped a familiar source on Friday, Nov. 20, adding seven former Dayton Dragons to their 40-man roster.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America will continue to hand out their postseason awards on Monday, as the American League's Most Valuable Player will be announced.

The Seattle Mariners made a number of moves Friday to prevent young players in their system from being exposed to the Rule 5 draft, but in the process lost two players who were claimed off waivers.

Teams send out feelers, check medical records and weigh their options. They might discuss parameters of a deal, but only rarely do they start sincere negotiations before Thanksgiving.

There will be no long-term contract for Marlins pitcher Josh Johnson. Not this year.

The Yankees kept their word and made no offers on the first day of free agency. They weren't kidding.

The Pirates on Friday pieced together their 40-man roster with an eye toward protecting their pitching.

Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession. A 20-DVD set of World Series films can be bought for $2,299, and it contains authenticated autographs of 12 Hall of Famers, including Yogi Berra, Bob Gibson, Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt.

Roy Halladay is reportedly not interested in re-signing with the Toronto Blue Jays once his current contract expires at the end of next season.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter is making good on his World Series bet with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Washington Nationals announced today the hiring of Jim Riggleman's 2010 field staff.

ChiSox close to Omar Vizquel deal File photo: Omar Vizquel stretches before batting practice Tuesday, Oct.

St. Louis Cardinals season ticket prices are increasing an average of 3 percent next year.

Jefferson City -- Missouri has added four new members to the exclusive Academy of Squires.

If the New York Yankees bring back Andy Pettitte, if could determine what the Bombers do in the rest of free agency.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor league outfielder Desmond Jennings and pitchers Jeremy Hellickson and Alexander Torres have been added to the Tampa Bay Rays' 40-man roster.

Some teams lost money in 2009, baseball commissioner Bud Selig said Thursday after the final owners meeting of the year.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announced on Thursday that American League Manager of the Year Mike Scioscia's entire coaching staff will return for the 2010 season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday acquired veteran right-handed pitcher Aaron Heilman from the Chicago Cubs for a pair of minor leaguers.

Linecum a repeat Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum is the first repeat winner of the Cy Young Award since Randy Johnson captured four in a row between 1999 abd 2002.

The Detroit Tigers are freezing ticket prices for 2010, and will lower the cost of some individual and season tickets.

The National League Cy Young Award will be announced early Thursday afternoon, and there are a trio of pitchers with viable claims to the trophy.

After years of working with national teams, Davey Johnson is returning to the Nationals.

The Red Sox released Kottaras today. The 26-year-old catcher was out of options and couldn't be sent to the minors again.

Jim Tracy of Colorado has won the NL manager of the year award while Mike Scioscia of the Los Angeles Angels has been selected for the AL honour.

Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane sees Andrew Bailey's rookie of the year award as reinforcement that a youth movement is the way to go.

The Kansas City Royals and Kauffman Stadium will reportedly play host to the 2012 All-Star Game.

Wally Backman wants another chance to manage in the majors. The former Mets second baseman, fired after four days with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2004, was introduced Tuesday as manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones, New York's class-A farm team in the New York-Penn League.

Sandy Alomar Jr. is back with the Cleveland Indians. The popular former All-Star catcher has been hired by new Indians manager Manny Acta as a first-base coach.

The Yankees have declined a $1.25 million option on pitcher Sergio Mitre. The right-hander was not on the Yankees' postseason roster.

Zack Greinke won the American League Cy Young Award on Tuesday, beating out Felix Hernandez after a spectacular season short on wins but long on domination.

Players from the National League East division swept the top three spots in voting for the NL rookie of the year, as Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the award in a narrow race over Philadelphia Phillies left-hander J.A. Happ, with Atlanta Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson finishing third.

In the American League, Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey won the award, with Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus finishing second and Detroit Tigers right-hander Rick Porcello third.

Coghlan, 24, became the third Marlins rookie honored with the award this decade, joining Dontrelle Willis (2003) and Hanley Ramirez (2006). Called up from Class AAA in early May, Coghlan led all NL rookies this year in batting average (.321), runs (84), hits (162) and on-base percentage (.390). After batting just .240 before the all-star break, he led all NL players in batting average (.372), runs (54) and hits (113) in the second half.

The Kansas City Royals today announced that Billy Butler has been named the 2009 Les Milgram Player of the Year.

New Indians manager Manny Acta has hired Tim Tolman as bench coach, Steve Smith as third-base coach and Scott Radinsky as bullpen coach.

Just in case the on-field performance , the lack of playing time and the exclusion from the playoff roster during the NL Division Series weren't indicative of the Phillies' lack of faith in Eric Bruntlett as a viable utility infielder, the team sent a even more definitive signal today by removing him from the 40-man roster and granting him free ...

President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced that the Cincinnati Reds and C Ramon Hernandez have agreed to terms on a 1-year contract through the 2010 season with an option for 2011.

Hall of Fame baseball player Hank Aaron will receive an award from the makers of the bats that he used to hit more than 700 home runs.

The Baseball Writers' Association of America will hand out their first two postseason awards on Monday, as the American and National League Rookies of the Year will be announced.

Happy 41st birthday, Sammy Sosa, or however old you really are. We send only our best wishes for you to stay young long after the tubes of anti-aging cream are squeezed dry.

I tried to get a hold of Bob Castellini last week. But he was out of the country.

Through his interpreter, free agent DH Hideki Matsui told the New York Daily News that it would be a disappointment if he didn't return to the Yankees for an eighth season in 2010.

One of the most fiery players in the history of the Mets is back with the organization, as Wally Backman -- who energized the successful teams of the 1980s -- has been appointed to manage the club's high-profile Brooklyn Cyclones affiliate.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.- The Royals have named Alberto Callaspo the 2009 Joe Burke Special Achievement Award winner.

Albert Pujols, the leading candidate to win the National League's most valuable player honor, gathered a different kind of hardware Thursday night when he was awarded the NL's Silver Slugger Award at first base.

A New York Mets baseball jacket, personalized for Bernard Madoff, is displayed during an auction preview of his seized items on Friday in New York.

Angel Villalona, a top prospect for the San Francisco Giants, has been stripped of his U.S. visa after he was charged with killing a man in his Caribbean homeland, The Associated Press reported Friday.

Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Vernon Wells is on the road to recovery. Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Vernon Wells is expected to be ready for spring training after undergoing successful surgery on his left wrist, a team spokesman said Friday.

Torre managed the Yankees for 12 years, leading them to four titles before leaving after the 2007 season.

"Pingpong diplomacy" thawed relations between the United States and China in 1971.

Aroldis Chapman simply left his room at the Domina Hotel in Rotterdam last July and went down to the lobby.

After shortstop Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle in a trade last summer, it didn't take long for him to know he wanted to stay.

Brewers part ways with Braden Looper. The Milwaukee Brewers have declined a $6.5-million US mutual option on Braden Looper, electing to pay the pitcher a $1-million buyout.

Aaron Hill and Adam Lind are a big part of the future envisioned by new Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos, and the Silver Slugger Awards they won Thursday underscore part of the reason why.

Former All-Star closer John Wetteland was resting at home Thursday night after a trip to a hospital, where the Seattle Mariners say he was treated for an elevated heart rate.

American League Gold Glove winners named Tuesday; No vote on what to do about instant replay in baseball; Kareem Abdul Jabbar has rare cancer; Michael ...

The Royals on Thursday confirmed they have agreed to a Minor League contract for 2010 with infielder Wilson Betemit.

Former New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens his former personal trainer Brian McNamee are still at odds.

Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, giving the team a wealth of starting pitching and setting up a likely trade to bolster the offense.

Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson hit a career-high 30 homers in 2009. The Detroit Tigers, looking to shave payroll in one of the nation's hardest-hit cities in the recent economic downturn, is reportedly open to trading All Star outfielder Curtis Granderson .

Mike Fontenot filed for salary arbitration on Wednesday. Chicago Cubs infielder Mike Fontenot earned the last arbitration spot for players with between two and three years of major-league service, beating out Baltimore centre-fielder Adam Jones and Cincinnati pitcher Micah Owings on a tiebreaker.

Catcher Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, choosing to remain with the team as a backup to Victor Martinez rather than become a free agent.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins has won his third consecutive NL Gold Glove and Philadelphia Phillies teammate Shane Victorino has won for the second straight time in the outfield.

Ken Griffey Jr. and the Mariners agreed Wednesday to another one-year contract that will keep the popular player in Seattle next year.

Free agency officially began Tuesday inside the O'Hare Hilton. Emerging from an hour-long sit-down with Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak, the agent for free agent left fielder Matt Holliday commissioned the franchise the USS Moneybags.

Mark Cuban lost out in the fight for the Chicago Cubs. But that didn't get him down - he told the Los Angeles Times on Monday he would consider buying the Los Angeles Dodgers if the terms were right.

Upon further review ... baseball general managers like instant replay the way it is.

Vin Scully said Tuesday he will continue in the broadcast booth for the Los Angeles Dodgers through the 2010 season, then decide whether he will walk away.

The steady Yankees shortstop won his fourth Gold Glove on Tuesday, joining New York first baseman Mark Teixeira among the American League players rewarded for fantastic fielding.

Sammy Sosa is once again the subject of Internet buzz, but this time it's not for home runs or steroids.

The Brewers have reinstated second baseman Rickie Weeks and relievers Mark DiFelice and David Riske from the 60-day disabled list.

The Rays took one of their most expected steps of the offseason today, exercising the $10 million option on left fielder Carl Crawford's contract for 2010.

Instead of swaying palm trees, the roar of 747s greeted baseball's general managers Monday as they began gathering for their annual meeting.

The Boston Red Sox have exercised their $7.7 million US option on Victor Martinez Monday.

The Detroit Tigers have named former infielder Tom Brookens as the team's first base, outfield and baserunning coach.

When Yankees revelers run out of confetti Derek Jeter # 2 of the New York Yankees, actress Minka Kelly , and Jorge Posada # 20 of the New York Yankees celebrate on a float during the Yankees World Series Victory Parade on November 6, 2009 in New York City.

The Red Sox declined their $6 million option for shortstop Alex Gonzalez on Sunday, according to The Boston Globe, which added that the club "still may have interest in bringing the player back in 2010 on a lesser salary." Gonzalez, an 11-year veteran, made $14 million his previous three years, with Boston reportedly taking a $500,000 buyout ...

The mother of former major league pitcher Victor Zambrano was kidnapped Sunday, Zambrano's agent Peter Greenberg said late Sunday night by phone.

Pedro Feliz hit .266 in 158 games this season with 12 home runs and 82 runs batted in.

Can aging team regroup for another World Series title? Phil Rogers On Baseball November 8, 2009 Now for the really hard part.

The Phillies are actively exploring alternatives to Pedro Feliz at third base before deciding whether to retain him, general manager Ruben Amaro Jr.

One day after the Yankees electrified the Canyon of Heroes with one of the wildest championship celebrations in recent memory, the home clubhouse at Yankee Stadium was almost silent, preparing for baseball's hibernation.

The Minnesota Twins threw open the doors to their closets and storerooms Saturday, drawing thousands of fans eager to buy leftover bobblehead dolls and cardboard cutouts.

Anthopoulos lays out his plan New Toronto Blue Jays general manager Alexander Anthopoulos talks with a reporter before the start of the Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles baseball game Saturday, Oct.

Mets reliever J.J. Putz and Twins pitcher Carl Pavano filed for free agency Saturday.

Johnny Damon soaked it all in as he shared a float with first-timers Nick Swisher and Jerry Hairston Jr.

The Detroit Tigers have removed outfielder Marcus Thames and catcher Matt Treanor from the roster, clearing the way for both players to become free agents.

Tim Belcher doesn't see his new job as Indians pitching coach to be a "daunting task." "I am challenged by it," said Belcher, who on Friday became the first coach named to manager Manny Acta's staff.

In his 18 years with the Angels, Tony Reagins has set up bat-boy promotions, evaluated minor league players and signed one of the top center fielders in Torii Hunter.

The Mets do not plan to pick up reliever J.J. Putz's option for 2010. The Mets have told reliever J.J. Putz they are unlikely to pick up his $9.1 million option for 2010, his agent said Friday.

Phillies pick up Lee's option Cliff Lee will try to prolong the World Series when he starts for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 5 on Monday night.

Crowds roared and church bells pealed in lower Manhattan on Friday as the Yankees' World Series championship celebration revved up with a ticker-tape parade.

Mariners third baseman Adrian Beltre and designated hitter Mike Sweeney were among the 79 players who filed for free agency on Thursday, the first day eligible players were allowed to file.

On the day the Angels re-signed Bobby Abreu to a multiyear deal, the future of the Dodgers started to take shape on the eighth floor of the Los Angeles Superior Court building.

San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges following a traffic stop in his home state.

The Angels agreed to a two-year deal with a club option for 2012 with veteran outfielder Bobby Abreu .

It didn't take long for the Royals to surface in baseball's off-season trade rumors.

Mariano Rivera wasn't needed for seven outs last night. Or even six. He stayed in the bullpen longer and came in later because Joe Girardi wanted Damaso Marte to face the Phillies' two toughest hitters.

When the New York Yankees clinched their spot in the World Series last week, the casual TV viewer might have wondered if they were about to go swim the 200-meter butterfly with Michael Phelps.

Ted Lilly has won 44 games, including 12 in 2009, in three seasons with the Cubs.

When Joe Girardi left the dugout every few minutes to switch relievers against the Angels, some wondered whether he was getting paid per pitching change.

According to the Detroit Free Press , Detroit Tigers 3B Brandon Inge had surgery on Tuesday to correct the patellar tendinitis in both of his knees.

Vicente Padilla, who revived his career in the Dodgers' run to the National League Championship Series, was treated for a minor self-inflicted gunshot wound in his right leg at a hospital in his native Nicaragua on Tuesday, his agent Adam Katz said.

A day of off-the-record confirmations and one for-the-record denial about who will become the Texas Rangers' hitting coach came to an end Tuesday with the club expected to add Clint Hurdle to the coaching staff later this week.

The New York Yankees are just one win away from sealing their 27th World Series title.

Wrist surgery for Encarnacion, Wells Toronto centre fielder Vernon Wells will have surgery done on his left wrist next week.

Reports out of Tampa late Tuesday afternoon are that the Rays have dealt second baseman Akinori Iwamura to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Kate Hudson seems to have men, or as she calls them 'boys,' all figured out. While her boyfriend is red hot at the plate, Kate Hudson is steaming up the pages of the glossies.

The mother of New York Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain faces up to 20 years in prison on a felony drug-sale charge.

By JEFF WILSON Four finalists to be the Texas Rangers' hitting coach were interviewed Monday in Arlington, and chances are good that one will be hired this afternoon to replace Rudy Jaramillo.General manager Jon Daniels led a group of five who conducted interviews with Rusty Greer, Clint Hurdle, Thad Bosley and Gerald Perry.

The San Francisco Giants have promoted Triple-A hitting coach Hensley Meulens to the major league club.

Jeff Franceour, shown here in a game against Florida , had successful surgery on his thumb, and is not expected to miss any action.

Originally published November 2, 2009 at 7:27 a.m., updated November 2, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ST.

Activision and Infinity Ward faced another backlash over the weekend, as the latest video promotion for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 caused offence almost immediately after being aired.

When the White Sox were breezing through the 2005 postseason, left-hander Damaso Marte didn't get much attention in a bullpen that featured an emerging Bobby Jenks , setup men Neal Cotts and Cliff Politte and even interloper Mark Buehrle .

Time out! Jorge Posada pops out of his crouch, stands up in the catcher's box and raises both arms above his head.

Derek Jeter is stockpiling awards named after Hall of Famers. The New York Yankees shortstop and Albert Pujols of the St.

Batboy Phil Sheraton brings out the signature blazer and loafers worn by Philadelphia Phillies' broadcaster Harry Kalas in the team's dugout before Game 3 of the Major League Baseball World Series Saturday, Oct.

Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson was awarded this year's Marvin Miller Man of the Year for his on-field and off -field performance this past season.

Miami and St. Petersburg will select new mayors Tuesday with the candidates disagreeing over economic plans for their respective cities and the construction of stadiums for baseball's Florida Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays.

The guy anointed the best pitcher in the history of baseball is not a craggy graybeard who won 511 ballgames a century ago.