NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball players will take at least a few days and possibly until next week to respond to Major League Baseball’s proposed sliding scale of salary slashing for a pandemic-delayed season in ballparks without fans.Stars Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole would lose the most under the proposal teams made Tuesday, about 77% of the $36 million each they were set to be paid this season.A big leaguer earning $1 million or less would keep at least 43% of his salary under the six-tier scale. About 460 of approximately 900 players on rosters and injured lists when spring training was stopped in mid-March due to the new coronavirus make $1 million or less.Trout and Cole would be cut to about $8 million each. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado would drop from $35 million to $7.84 million.“Interesting strategy of making the best most marketable players potentially look like the bad guys,” Milwaukee pitcher Brett Anderson tweeted.The players’ association called the proposal “extremely disappointing.” The... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole aren’t the only major leaguers with a big financial incentive to get back on the field.While they head a starry quartet that would take in more than $200,000 per game, 65 players would earn at least $100,000 each time their team wins or loses if the pandemic-delayed major league season get under way, according to an analysis of their contracts by The Associated Press.Most rookies and those making the minimum would get nearly $3,500 each. Every game added to the big league schedule earns players about $24 million in aggregate.Clubs would benefit, too, with huge revenue streams flowing from regional sports networks and national broadcast contracts. A contentious negotiation is likely if Major League Baseball asks the players’ association to accept salary cuts to compensate for competing in empty ballparks.“I would need to be fully informed about revenue and things like that before I would decide if I think it’s fair for us to do that,” Washington... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Mike Trout and Gerrit Cole aren’t the only major leaguers with a big financial incentive to get back on the field.While they head a starry quartet that would take in more than $200,000 per game, 65 players would earn at least $100,000 each time their team wins or loses if the pandemic-delayed major league season get under way, according to an analysis of their contracts by The Associated Press.Most rookies and those making the minimum would get nearly $3,500 each. Every game added to the big league schedule earns players about $24 million in aggregate.Clubs would benefit, too, with huge revenue streams flowing from regional sports networks and national broadcast contracts. A contentious negotiation is likely if Major League Baseball asks the players’ association to accept salary cuts to compensate for competing in empty ballparks.“I would need to be fully informed about revenue and things like that before I would decide if I think it’s fair for us to do that,” Washington... [More]

April 291918 — Center fielder Tris Speaker executed the fourth unassisted double play of his career in the Cleveland Indians’ 8-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.1922 — The New York Giants hit four inside-the-park home runs at Braves Field in Boston. George Kelly hit two and Ross Youngs and Dave Bancroft hit the others.1931 — Wes Ferrell of the Cleveland Indians pitched a 7-0 no-hitter over the St. Louis Browns, including his brother Rick. Wes also knocked in four runs with a homer and a double.1933 — In a strange play at home plate, catcher Luke Sewell of the Washington Senators tagged out two Yankees runners on the same play. Lou Gehrig had held up, thinking a fly ball would be caught. Dixie Walker closed up on him, and both were tagged out trying to score.1981 — Steve Carlton struck out Montreal’s Tim Wallach in the first inning of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 6-2 victory over the visiting Expos to become the sixth major league pitcher — and first left-hander — to strike out 3,000 batters.1986... [More]

April 291918 — Center fielder Tris Speaker executed the fourth unassisted double play of his career in the Cleveland Indians’ 8-4 loss to the Chicago White Sox.1922 — The New York Giants hit four inside-the-park home runs at Braves Field in Boston. George Kelly hit two and Ross Youngs and Dave Bancroft hit the others.1931 — Wes Ferrell of the Cleveland Indians pitched a 7-0 no-hitter over the St. Louis Browns, including his brother Rick. Wes also knocked in four runs with a homer and a double.1933 — In a strange play at home plate, catcher Luke Sewell of the Washington Senators tagged out two Yankees runners on the same play. Lou Gehrig had held up, thinking a fly ball would be caught. Dixie Walker closed up on him, and both were tagged out trying to score.1981 — Steve Carlton struck out Montreal’s Tim Wallach in the first inning of the Philadelphia Phillies’ 6-2 victory over the visiting Expos to become the sixth major league pitcher — and first left-hander — to strike out 3,000 batters.1986... [More]

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — When Atlanta Braves hitters talk about their goals, they rarely speak about number of home runs, RBIs, steals or average.Instead, it's three words: "Just stay healthy."Ender Inciarte understands that so well after an injury-plagued 2019 season. The two-plus months of recovery and rehabilitation left him thinking, "I don't want to repeat that ever again."Inciarte is part of a full Braves outfield that includes one of the most talented young players in the game in Ronald Acuna Jr., free-agent acquisition Marcell Ozuna, productive Nick Markakis and veteran Adam Duvall.When he's feeling fine, Inciarte is one of baseball's best defensive players.From 2016-18, Inciarte was one of just four players in the majors to win a Gold Glove three straight years. The others were third baseman Nolan Arenado, pitcher Zack Greinke and outfielder Mookie Betts.Inciarte also proved to be a solid offensive player by averaging 22 steals and a .287 batting average in that span.Last season,... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado outfielder David Dahl likes to keep his numerical goals private, but there is one he is willing to share — 150. As in games.A series of injuries have limited Dahl to 100 games or fewer in a three-year career with the Rockies that has featured extended periods of high-level production interspersed with rehab and recovery.Dahl hit .302 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs in a career-high 100 games last season before suffering a season-ending high right ankle sprain in early August, his fourth debilitating setback. “If you look at my career numbers and stuff, they've been broken up a lot by those injuries,” said Dahl, an All-Star last season, “and I haven't been able to really get in a rhythm for a whole season.“You start getting into a rhythm and then something freaky would happen, and I'd have to wait a couple months and then try to go play again. It's hard when it is broken up and you're not getting consistent (time). So I'm doing everything I can to go out there... [More]

Todd Frazier and Greg Bird are at opposite corners for the Texas Rangers, and at different stages in their careers. Frazier clearly wasn't the top choice at third base for the Rangers, considering their well-publicized pursuit of top free agent Anthony Rendon this offseason. But the former two-time All-Star can provide some veteran stability after six different players started at the hot corner for Texas last season following the retirement of Adrian Beltre. “I'm just trying to be who I am, and trying to maintain that position,” said the 34-year-old Frazier, with his fifth team and going into his 10th big league season. “So for me, play the defense I know how, focus on driving guys in, and the rest will take care of itself."The 27-year-old Bird signed a non-roster deal before spring training, getting an opportunity to compete to be the Rangers' first baseman after being plagued by a series of injuries the past five years with the New York Yankees. “He's an impressive, impressive kid,” Rangers... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — If, as he hopes, and the Washington Nationals hope, Carter Kieboom earns a job this spring as the reigning World Series champions' starting third baseman, he'll do so with the help of years' worth of ideas typed into the Notes app on his cellphone.Ever since Kieboom was in high school in Marietta, Georgia -- OK, not all that long ago, given that he's still just 22 -- the 2016 first-round draft pick has kept a list of tips and observations he figures will make him a better ballplayer."There's no one right way to do things, which is what makes this game so special. For me, especially at a young age, we're given so much information, and I'm constantly trying to improve my game," said Kieboom, who split fielding reps at third with versatile veteran Asdrúbal Cabrera on Wednesday."It's too much just to keep in your head," Kieboom said. "You've got to put it down and read it as you go along and fall back on it."His development should be one of the most intriguing story... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says he doesn't feel an urgency to clear the air with apparently disgruntled third baseman Nolan Arenado.Bridich displayed no worries about his relationship with his best player Tuesday night when he spoke at the Cactus League media day.The executive says he'll have a conversation at some point with Arenado, who recently said he felt “disrespect” from Bridich and disappointment in the Rockies' direction.“Today was Day Two, (and) yesterday was Day One with him in camp,” Bridich said. “We’ve seen each other. We haven’t sat yet, but I trust that we will. He’s just like all the other players. We’ll find time to sit down and interact, both with myself and others, so I trust we’ll find the right time for that.”Arenado and the Rockies are one week shy of the anniversary of the five-time All-Star's agreement on an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with his only big league club. The three-time NL homers leader's relationship... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says he doesn't feel an urgency to clear the air with apparently disgruntled third baseman Nolan Arenado.Bridich displayed no worries about his relationship with his best player Tuesday night when he spoke at the Cactus League media day.The executive says he'll have a conversation at some point with Arenado, who recently said he felt “disrespect” from Bridich and disappointment in the Rockies' direction.“Today was Day Two, (and) yesterday was Day One with him in camp,” Bridich said. “We’ve seen each other. We haven’t sat yet, but I trust that we will. He’s just like all the other players. We’ll find time to sit down and interact, both with myself and others, so I trust we’ll find the right time for that.”Arenado and the Rockies are one week shy of the anniversary of the five-time All-Star's agreement on an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with his only big league club. The three-time NL homers leader's relationship... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Nolan Arenado said he never went as far as to request a trade from the Colorado Rockies in the wake of feeling a “disrespect” from the club given he was part of trade discussions this offseason, and the All-Star third baseman is ready to move forward despite frustrations with a quiet winter by his team.“There was different talks. I wouldn't say it went to those lengths,” Arenado said Sunday, when he reported to Rockies camp ahead of Monday's first full-squad workout. It has nearly been a year since Arenado signed a $260 million, eight-year contract — and now it's unclear how long he will stay.“I'm committed here. I'm here and I'm ready to go out there, I'm going to play hard," he said. "I'm not going to be a negative presence in that locker room. That's never really been my style. So I feel like I'm going to be me, nothing's going to change. I want to win."Arenado said he sent text messages to teammates and that he is committed to Colorado as spring training begins... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League West entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Los Angeles Dodgers Manager: Dave Roberts (fifth season). 2019: 106-56, first place, lost to Nationals in Division Series. Training Town: Glendale, Arizona. Park: Camelback Ranch. First Workout: Feb. 14/18. He's Here: OF Mookie Betts, LHP David Price, LHP Alex Wood, RHP Blake Treinen, RHP Jimmy Nelson, 2B Clayton Daniel.He's Outta Here: LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, RHP Kenta Maeda, LHP Rich Hill, OF Joc Pederson, OF Alex Verdugo, 1B David Freese, RHP Yimi Garcia, 3B Jedd Gyorko, C Russell Martin, RHP JT Chargois, 2B Kristopher Negron.Going campin': In what's become a familiar refrain, the Dodgers arrive at camp still looking for their first World Series championship since 1988. After losing in two straight World Series, they were ousted by Washington in five games in the NL Division Series last fall.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies and All-Star shortstop Trevor Story finalized a $27.5 million, two-year deal Friday, avoiding arbitration.His agreement leaves 18 players still headed to arbitration hearings, which run from Tuesday through Feb. 21.Story gets a $2 million signing bonus payable within 30 days and salaries of $8 million this year and $17.5 million in 2021. He can earn $100,000 bonuses for league MVP and World Series MVP, $75,000 for League Championship Series MVP. $50,000 for Silver Slugger and $25,000 each for All-Star selection and Gold Glove.Story remains eligible to become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. The 27-year-old hit 35 homers and swiped 23 bases last season. He also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363).His goals for 2020 include stealing more bases and being more of a vocal leader. "Leading by example is more natural for me," Story said last weekend during fan fest at Coors Field. “But I think it's... [More]

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Rockies and All-Star shortstop Trevor Story finalized a $27.5 million, two-year deal Friday, avoiding arbitration.His agreement leaves 18 players still headed to arbitration hearings, which run from Tuesday through Feb. 21.Story remains eligible to become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. The 27-year-old hit 35 homers and swiped 23 bases last season. He also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363).His goals for 2020 include stealing more bases and being more of a vocal leader. "Leading by example is more natural for me," Story said last weekend during fan fest at Coors Field. “But I think it's a total evolution of me trying to be the player I want to be.”Story is a career .276 hitter since making his debut in April 2016. He was a first-round draft pick in 2011.The Rockies are trying to rebound from a 71-91 campaign after making the playoffs two years in a row. They've been quiet on the free-agent front all winter. But they have made quite a bit of noise over the constant speculation that standout third baseman Nolan Arenado could be traded. Story doesn't think the Arenado situation will be a distraction heading into spring training."Whatever happens, we'll do a good job of handling it," Story said last weekend. “We're all pros here and we'll continue that way.”___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

DENVER (AP) — There was left-hander Kyle Freeland discussing his new, pause-free delivery. And there was shortstop Trevor Story hinting at agreeing to a $27.5 million, two-year deal that he really wasn't at liberty to discuss since it's not official yet. But there was no Nolan Arenado. And there was no media availability with general manager Jeff Bridich, either, during the Colorado Rockies fan fest Saturday at Coors Field.Manager Bud Black recently reached out to Arenado, who said this week he felt a level of "disrespect" from the front office in the wake of trade rumors and the team not being active in player acquisition this winter.Black left a message.Still, he fully believes that once the Rockies get to spring training, the situation will work itself out."Things are going to be fine," Black said. “Players, they stay united. ... It's a group of players that is pretty bonded, pretty united.”The notion that Arenado could be dealt began to bubble last month at the winter meetings in San... [More]

DENVER (AP) — All-Star shortstop Trevor Story and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $27.5 million, two-year contract that avoids an arbitration hearing, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday night because the agreement was pending a physical and had not been announced. Story can become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. When players and teams exchanged proposed 2020 salaries in salary arbitration two weeks ago, he asked for $11.5 million and Colorado offered him $10.75 million.A slick fielder and power hitter, the 27-year-old Story had 35 home runs and 23 stolen bases last season — making him the second shortstop in major league history with multiple 30-20 seasons. Alex Rodriguez is the other.Story also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363) in 2019.A first-round draft pick in 2011, Story is a career .276 hitter since making his debut in April 2016.... [More]

DENVER (AP) — All-Star shortstop Trevor Story and the Colorado Rockies have agreed to a $27.5 million, two-year contract that avoids an arbitration hearing, according to a person familiar with the deal. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday night because the agreement was pending a physical and had not been announced. Story can become a free agent following the 2021 World Series. When players and teams exchanged proposed 2020 salaries in salary arbitration two weeks ago, he asked for $11.5 million and Colorado offered him $10.75 million.A slick fielder and power hitter, the 27-year-old Story had 35 home runs and 23 stolen bases last season — making him the second shortstop in major league history with multiple 30-20 seasons. Alex Rodriguez is the other one.Story also set career highs in runs (111), batting average (.294) and on-base percentage (.363) in 2019.A first-round draft pick in 2011, Story is a career .276 hitter since making his debut in April... [More]

DENVER (AP) — Rockies star Nolan Arenado said he feels disrespected after Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich acknowledged listening to trade offers for the seven-time Gold Glove winner.Bridich told The Denver Post on Monday that he expected Arenado to be Colorado's third baseman this season after discussing potential deals involving the 28-year-old this winter. The five-time All-Star agreed to a $260 million, eight-year contract with the Rockies last February.Asked via text message about Bridich's comments, Arenado told The Associated Press: “I don't care what he says there's a lot of disrespect around there.”The slugger insisted he doesn't envision mending fences with Bridich. “There is no relationship anymore it's just play hard for my teammates and the fans,” Arenado said. Arenado was set to become a free agent after last season before signing his long-term contract, which includes a full no-trade clause. He can opt out of the deal after the 2021 season and become a free agent. Arenado hit a career-high .315 with 41 home runs, 118 RBIs and a .962 OPS last season, but Colorado went 71-91 and finished fourth in the NL West after making the playoffs the previous two seasons. The Rockies have had a quiet offseason — aside from constant speculation that Arenado could be shipped out. Colorado has not made a trade or signed any major league free agents since the end of the World Series.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Harrison Bader is confident he'll be in center field for the St. Louis Cardinals when the season begins.Bader was in St. Louis on Saturday taking part in the annual Cardinals Winter Warm-Up."I'm the starting center fielder," the 25-year-old Bader said. "It's my position. I'm going to take it. There's no sense in talking about it. I'm looking forward to showing up Day One guns blazing and ready to go."While there is no question about his defensive ability and speed in center, it's his bat that gives some pause.Last season, Bader finished with a .205 batting average. He hit 12 home runs, drove in 39 runs and stole 11 bases."Last year, individually it wasn't what I wanted it to be production-wise," Bader said. "The biggest thing I've taken away at this point is how I responded. I've been very fortunate to be with people behind the scenes who've helped me take steps in the right direction to help me produce like I want to and how I know I can."There's no secret to it. There's... [More]