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Mon Feb 18 201915:02Pineda hopes to return with Twins after 1½-season layoffMichael PinedaSPTwinsFree Agent
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Michael Pineda thinks he'll be ready to return to the major leagues with the Minnesota Twins after a layoff of 1½ seasons.Pineda needed Tommy John surgery in 2017 while with the New York Yankees. He signed with the Twins in December 2017 and as he neared a return late last season, he tore the meniscus in his right knee.The 30-year-old right-hander hasn't pitched in the major leagues since July 5, 2017. Nine days later, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed the injury, and Cincinnati Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek operated that July 18."Right now, I feel great," Pineda said. "I came here to spring training early. I came in here ready to emerge."At 6-foot-7, Pineda has long generated great expectations. Yet, he was 40-41 with a 4.05 ERA for the Yankees, including an 8-4 record at the time of the injury.He became a free agent after the season and signed a $10 million, two-year deal with Minnesota that included a $2 million salary in his first season.... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201914:12Toles has personal matter, doesn't report to DodgersMatt KempLFDodgersFree Agent
Yasiel PuigRFDodgersFree Agent
Andrew TolesLFDodgersFree Agent
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Andrew Toles did not report to spring training camp on Monday's voluntary full squad reporting day because of an unspecified personal matter.Manager Dave Roberts said there is no timeline for Toles' arrival. The mandatory reporting date is Saturday."We'll get Andrew here when things work out; he works through some personal things," Roberts said Monday. "He has our full support, certainly."Given the contact he and his staff keep with their players in the off-season, Robert said Toles' absence was surprising."Obviously, things are sometimes unpredictable and family, personal issues obviously have to come before baseball and you got to take care of that," Roberts said. "So, yeah, it was a surprise. And I think that is kind of the unpredictability of life. So, we've got to adjust, but like I said, he has our full support and we will go from there."Toles has a challenge to make the major league roster, even after outfielders Yasiel Puig and Matt Kemp were traded to Cincinnati.The left-handed hitting Toles spent most of last year at Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he hit .306 with seven home runs and 39 RBIs in 71 games. He was the Dodgers' starting left fielder in the second half of 2016 and until May 9 the following year, when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Mon Feb 18 201914:02Reds' Joey Votto tries to rebound from subpar seasonSonny GraySPYankeesFree Agent
Matt KempLFDodgersFree Agent
Yasiel PuigRFDodgersFree Agent
Tanner RoarkSPNationalsFree Agent
Joey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
Alex WoodSPDodgersFree Agent
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Joey Votto has spent the offseason trying to make sure he doesn't have another subpar season.The Cincinnati Reds star led the NL in on-base percentage last year but hit 12 homers, his fewest in a full season, and batted .284, his lowest since 2014. He had 67 RBIs."It was the first year where I had a poor offensive year," Votto said. "It is hard to speak on this without sounding arrogant. I've always performed at a certain level. Last year was a bit of a shock. I didn't perform anywhere near to what I'm used to."Votto, who turns 36 in September, was hit on the right knee by a pitch from Ryan Madson in August and went on the disabled list. His numbers were down even before the injury.Votto hit 37 homers during his 2010 NL MVP season and had 36 with 100 RBIs in 2017. He spent this offseason refining his swing."I did things differently, so I hope it works," Votto said. "Intuitively, I know why I wasn't ready and came up short last year. I just made sure I didn't do that... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201914:02Mets, Hechavarria agree to minor league dealAdeiny HechavarríaSSPiratesFree Agent
Amed RosarioSSMetsFree Agent
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and the New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league spring training.Hechavarria is a light hitter known for his defense. He gives New York a legitimate, established shortstop who could be a backup to young starter Amed Rosario. Even with a crowded infield, that's something the Mets were lacking as they opened spring training."From the onset we wanted to create depth and versatility at a variety of positions. The shortstop position in particular was one that we felt like we wanted to continue to create options," new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said at spring training media day. "Rosario is a premium guy. He's young and he's improving every day and the goal is to make sure we can surround him with not only support to get better, but also give us some protection in the event that we need to get him help or need to replace him in some scenario. So that was something we've wanted to do... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201913:42Tom Ricketts apologizes for distraction of father's emailsAddison RussellSSCubsFree Agent
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts apologized to the team's players and coaching staff at spring training on Monday for any distraction caused by offensive racist emails written by his father."The emails that were in there were unacceptable and had no place. My father has no direct role or economic interest in the team. That doesn't represent what this organization is," Tom Ricketts said after addressing the team. "I also said: 'Look, I'm sorry for the distraction this may have created the last couple days. We need to focus on baseball. We need to get back to our winning ways. We need to get off to a fast start.' The last thing the organization needs is more off-the-field distractions.'"Joe Ricketts' emails were published by Splinter News and included Islamophobic comments, such as "Islam is a cult and not a religion." Other emails discussed conspiracies about former President Barack Obama's birthplace and education.Tom Ricketts said he was surprised by the emails because... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201912:42Indians' All-Star Lindor focused on health, not big contractTrevor BauerSPIndiansFree Agent
Michael BrantleyLFIndiansFree Agent
Francisco LindorSSIndiansFree Agent
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor says now is not the time to worry about a long-term contract.The 25-year-old shortstop spoke Monday for the first time since straining his right calf during an offseason workout in Florida. Lindor, who could miss and opening day, said he's only focused on getting healthy and not his financial future.The Indians have control of Lindor through 2021. He avoided arbitration last month by agreeing to a $10.55 million, one-year contract.When asked whether he would consider signing a multiyear deal with Cleveland, Lindor said, "That's not where we are right now. We'll see what happens. At the end of the day I'm playing the game to win and this is a good place for me to win. If the Indians come up with the right numbers and some point it happens — and I'm not even thinking about it — we'll see."Lindor, who dyed his hair blue during the offseason, was asked why he chose not to go to arbitration like teammate Trevor Bauer."Did you... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201912:32Speedy Ben Revere in Rangers camp with Triple-A dealWillie CalhounLFRangersFree Agent
Joey Gallo1BRangersFree Agent
Nomar MazaraRFRangersFree Agent
Ben RevereRFAngelsFree Agent
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Speedy outfielder Ben Revere is in spring training with the Texas Rangers after signing a Triple-A contract.Revere was with the Rangers for their first full-squad workout Monday after completing a successful physical. The 30-year-old left-handed hitter last played in the majors with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, when he hit .275 with 21 stolen bases in 109 games.He is a .284 career hitter with 211 stolen bases for five teams over eight big league seasons.There are certainly no guarantees for Revere with the Rangers, who have young outfielders Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara, Delino DeShields and Willie Calhoun. Veteran Hunter Pence is also in camp on a minor league deal.Cincinnati released Revere at the end of spring training last year. He then played 40 games for Triple-A Salt Lake City in the Angels organization before August.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Mon Feb 18 201912:22OFs Maybin, Parra finalize minor league deals with GiantsBryce HarperRFNationalsFree Agent
Cameron MaybinRFMarinersFree Agent
Gerardo ParraLFRockiesFree Agent
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Outfielders Cameron Maybin and Gerardo Parra finalized minor league contracts with the San Francisco Giants after passing physicals.Maybin joins his ninth team in 13 major league seasons, including from 2011-14 in the NL West for the San Diego Padres. He played in the 2017 World Series for the champion Houston Astros.The 31-year-old Maybin spent 2018 with Miami and Seattle. He batted .249 with four home runs, 14 doubles and 28 RBIs, and he was safe on 10 of 15 steal attempts.Parra, 31, hit .284 last season with six homers and 53 RBIs in 142 games for Colorado. He also played in the NL West for Arizona.The Giants held their first full-squad spring training workout Monday.San Francisco met earlier this month with free agent outfielder Bryce Harper in Las Vegas. President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi wanted to add two veteran outfielders this offseason.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Mon Feb 18 201912:12Indians' All-Star Lindor focused on health, not big contractFrancisco LindorSSIndiansFree Agent
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Indians All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor says now is not the time to worry about a long-term contract.The 25-year-old shortstop spoke Monday for the first time since straining his right calf during an offseason workout in Florida. Lindor, who could miss and opening day, said he's only focused on getting healthy and not his financial future.The Indians have control of Lindor through 2021. He avoided arbitration last month by agreeing to a $10.55 million, one-year contract.When asked whether he would consider signing a multiyear deal with Cleveland, Lindor said, "That's not where we are right now. We'll see what happens. At the end of the day I'm playing the game to win and this is a good place for me to win. If the Indians come up with the right numbers and some point it happens — and I'm not even thinking about it — we'll see."Lindor batted .277 and set career-highs with 38 homers and 92 RBIs in 2018.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Mon Feb 18 201902:32Yelich, Brewers focus on clean slate after near-miss in 2018Jesús Aguilar1BBrewersFree Agent
Lorenzo CainCFBrewersFree Agent
Jhoulys ChacínSPBrewersFree Agent
Yasmani GrandalCDodgersFree Agent
Josh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Jimmy NelsonSPBrewersFree Agent
Christian YelichLFBrewersFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Yelich has already had conversations with some of his Milwaukee Brewers teammates about their biggest message this spring after coming up one win short of the World Series."What you did last year means nothing basically. Whether it was good or bad for you as an individual or as a team, it means absolutely nothing. It doesn't matter," Yelich said. "We all start with a clean slate. It's all what are you going to do in 2019 to help the Brewers win."Even for the young slugging outfielder who was the NL MVP after nearly winning the Triple Crown (.326, 36 homers, 110 RBIs) in his first season with the Brewers.Milwaukee's first full-squad workout is Tuesday, four months after losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the NL Championship Series. The Brewers made a late-September surge to force a Game 163 tiebreaker, beat the Chicago Cubs for their first NL Central title since 2011 and swept Colorado in the NL Division Series."It was a little shorter offseason, not... [More]
Mon Feb 18 201900:12AP source: Mets, Hechavarria agree to minor league dealAdeiny HechavarríaSSPiratesFree Agent
Amed RosarioSSMetsFree Agent
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Veteran shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria and the New York Mets have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training, according to a person familiar with the deal.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal is pending a physical planned for Monday, when Hechavarria is expected to arrive at Mets camp in Port St. Lucie.Hechavarria is a light hitter known for his defense. He gives New York a legitimate, established shortstop who could be a backup to young starter Amed Rosario. Even with a crowded infield, that's something the Mets were lacking as they opened spring training."From the onset we wanted to create depth and versatility at a variety of positions. The shortstop position in particular was one that we felt like we wanted to continue to create options," new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said at spring training media day. "Rosario is a premium guy. He's young and he's improving every day... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201922:12AP source: Moustakas, Brewers nearing deal for $10MRyan Braun1BBrewersFree Agent
Clayton KershawSPDodgersFree Agent
Mike Moustakas3BBrewersFree Agent
Brett PhillipsCFRoyalsFree Agent
Christian YelichLFBrewersFree Agent
Mike Moustakas and the Brewers are nearing a deal that would keep the third baseman in Milwaukee for a guarantee of $10 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because the agreement will be subject to a successful physical. The sides were negotiating a deal that includes a mutual option for 2020, the person said.Talks toward a deal were first reported by The Athletic.Moustakas' deal would be his second in a row for one guaranteed year on the free-agent market. He rejected a $17.4 million qualifying offer from Kansas City after the 2017 season and returned to the Royals in mid-March for a one-year contract that included a guaranteed $6.5 million: a $5.5 million salary and $1 million option buyout. Moustakas earned an additional $2.2 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances, raising his total earnings in the deal to $8.7 million.Moustakas hit .256 with eight homers and 33 RBIs in 54 games... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201921:52Pitch clock coming for spring training gamesJustin VerlanderSPAstrosFree Agent
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball is unilaterally starting the use of pitch clocks for spring training games, while brushing off complaints from players about the slow free agent market.With the sport looking for ways to speed the pace of play, pitchers generally will have 20 seconds to deliver to the plate when teams play exhibition games in Arizona and Florida beginning this week. The intention is to get players and umpires accustomed to the clock in the event MLB makes the rule change for the upcoming regular season."We will start getting ready for the possibility that we're going to use the pitch clock on opening day," Commissioner Rob Manfred said Sunday at spring training media day in Florida. "We have to get going."After the 2016 and 2017 seasons, players rebuffed management's proposal for a pitch clock. Owners have the right to implement one this year without consent, but Manfred has been reluctant to initiate on-field modifications without agreement from players... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201921:32Pitch clock coming for spring training gamesJustin VerlanderSPAstrosFree Agent
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Major League Baseball is unilaterally starting the use of pitch clocks for spring training games, while brushing off complaints from players about the slow free agent market.With the sport looking for ways to speed the pace of play, pitchers generally will have 20 seconds to deliver to the plate when teams play exhibition games in Arizona and Florida beginning this week. The intention is to get players and umpires accustomed to the clock in the event MLB makes the rule change for the upcoming regular season."We will start getting ready for the possibility that we're going to use the pitch clock on opening day," Commissioner Rob Manfred said Sunday at spring training media day in Florida. "We have to get going."After the 2016 and 2017 seasons, players rebuffed management's proposal for a pitch clock. Owners have the right to implement one this year without consent, but Manfred has been reluctant to initiate on-field modifications without agreement from players... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201920:52AP source: Moustakas, Brewers nearing deal for $10MRyan Braun1BBrewersFree Agent
Mike Moustakas3BBrewersFree Agent
Brett PhillipsCFRoyalsFree Agent
Christian YelichLFBrewersFree Agent
Mike Moustakas and the Brewers are nearing a deal that would keep the third baseman in Milwaukee for a guarantee of $10 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because the agreement will be subject to a successful physical. The sides were negotiating a deal that would include a mutual option for 2020, the person said.Talks toward a deal were first reported by The Athletic.Moustakas' deal would be his second in a row for one guaranteed year on the free-agent market. He rejected a $17.4 million qualifying offer from Kansas City after the 2017 season and returned to the Royals in mid-March for a one-year contract that included a guaranteed $6.5 million: a $5.5 million salary and $1 million option buyout. Moustakas earned an additional $2.2 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances, raising his total earnings in the deal to $8.7 million.Moustakas hit .256 with eight homers and 33 RBIs in 54... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201919:32Cano says he feels 25, not 36, as he reports to MetsRobinson Canó2BMarinersFree Agent
Jeff McNeil2BMetsFree Agent
David Wright3BMetsFree Agent
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets infielder Robinson Cano had a youthful perspective after reporting to spring training."I feel like I'm 25," the 36-year-old All-Star second baseman said Sunday, a day ahead of the team's first full-squad workout.Cano took a physical and held a news conference. He took over the spot in the clubhouse that used to belong to Mets captain David Wright, who retired because of neck and back injuries."First of all, nobody's going to replace David Wright," Cano said. "David Wright is the organization. We all know what he did through the years. I feel special that I get to have his locker. This is a game that you play as a team. I'm going to go out and do my best and give it everything I've got, yes I will. But I don't like to pressure myself and go out and be that guy."Cano was acquired Dec. 3 from Seattle along with All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, the first big move made by new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen — Cano's former agent."He said he was going to... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201918:22Grandal gets proactive about learning staff with BrewersWalker BuehlerSPDodgersFree Agent
Yasmani GrandalCDodgersFree Agent
Josh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Kenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Clayton KershawSPDodgersFree Agent
Corey KnebelRPBrewersFree Agent
Erik KratzCBrewersFree Agent
Manny PiñaCBrewersFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — The ink was hardly dry on his $18.25 million, one-year contract with Milwaukee when Yasmani Grandal started working the phone, reaching out to as many new teammates as possible from his offseason home in Peoria. The Brewers' new backstop wanted to get a running start when pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.He scheduled bullpen sessions with pitchers ready to work off the mound, and sat down to talk strategy with those that weren't. He studied video of his new battery mates and even met with members of Milwaukee's coaching staff.When Grandal showed up to camp in Phoenix last week, he was ready to work."I didn't want to spend a lot of time at spring training getting to know them," Grandal said. "By the time we started, we'd already spoken, I had an idea of what guys wanted to do and different things like that."Grandal, 30, was a surprising signing for a team that appeared set at the catcher position with a combination of Manny Pina and Erik Kratz. Both are regarded... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201918:02Grandal gets proactive about learning staff with BrewersWalker BuehlerSPDodgersFree Agent
Yasmani GrandalCDodgersFree Agent
Josh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Kenley JansenRPDodgersFree Agent
Clayton KershawSPDodgersFree Agent
Corey KnebelRPBrewersFree Agent
Erik KratzCBrewersFree Agent
Manny PiñaCBrewersFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — The ink was hardly dry on his $18.25 million, one-year contract with Milwaukee when Yasmani Grandal started working the phone, reaching out to as many new teammates as possible from his offseason home in Peoria. The Brewers' new backstop wanted to get a running start when pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.He scheduled bullpen sessions with pitchers ready to work off the mound, and sat down to talk strategy with those that weren't. He studied video of his new battery mates and even met with members of Milwaukee's coaching staff.When Grandal showed up to camp in Phoenix last week, he was ready to work."I didn't want to spend a lot of time at spring training getting to know them," Grandal said. "By the time we started, we'd already spoken, I had an idea of what guys wanted to do and different things like that."Grandal, 30, was a surprising signing for a team that appeared set at the catcher position with a combination of Manny Pina and Erik Kratz. Both are regarded... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201917:22Cubs' Maddon foresees 'fluid' situation for bullpenTony BarnetteRPRangersFree Agent
Brad BrachRPOriolesFree Agent
Steve CishekRPCubsFree Agent
Carl Edwards Jr.RPCubsFree Agent
Mike MontgomerySPCubsFree Agent
Brandon MorrowRPCubsFree Agent
Pedro StropRPCubsFree Agent
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Cubs manager Joe Maddon has a lot of experience cobbling together bullpens from pitchers without defined roles.Until closer Brandon Morrow is mended and ready, Maddon will once again be faced with a juggling act of sorts in the late innings.Maddon said Sunday the Cubs bullpen is a "fluid" situation. While that's not ideal, it's nothing new for the three-time manager of the year. He's not so big on in-game guidelines, anyway."I think primarily the focus will be who's rested, who hasn't pitched a couple days in a row," Maddon said. "And work it that way until Brandon becomes available. And when he becomes available, it's still not going to be an everyday kind of thing. So, I will work off numbers, but I think with this particular group, a lot of it will have to do with who's most rested."Morrow had right elbow surgery in November after being shut down in mid-July, and he's unlikely to be ready for opening day. Without him, Chicago still had the NL's top bullpen last year,... [More]
Sun Feb 17 201916:22M's new backstop Narvaez playing catch up with new staffAlex ColoméRPMarinersFree Agent
Omar NarváezCWhite SoxFree Agent
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Omar Narvaez is expected to do plenty with the bat as the Seattle Mariners new catcher.In his first spring training with the organization, he's doing some important work with a 5 iron, too.Narvaez has come into camp committed to establishing a rapport with Seattle's young pitching staff, and he's putting in overtime on that effort. The 27-year-old isn't just talking shop around the clubhouse and the dugout — he's also played golf with several of the team's pitchers already, and he's using the time learn about his battery mates."The more you know the guys, the more it's going to help me to call the game better," Narvaez said. "I like (golf), so that way, it makes it easy for me to meet everybody."Narvaez is expected to start the majority of Seattle's games after being acquired from the Chicago White Sox for reliever Alex Colome in November. David Frietas is the top reserve catching candidate.Narvaez, a left-handed hitter, was quietly one of baseball's best offensive... [More]
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