TOKYO (AP) — This is the Ichiro effect.Richard Snitzer had never been to Japan. What finally drove the Japanese-American to travel here from his home in Hayward, California, was Ichiro Suzuki; not family ties, not pure wanderlust, but a chance to see a player he called "simply the best."And get this. He's not even a Mariners fan, which he's advertised by wearing his A's jersey around the Tokyo Dome.He'll be there Wednesday when Major League Baseball opens the 2019 season with Seattle facing Oakland to start a two-game series. The 45-year-old Ichiro is expected to play in both. What happens next? Ichiro isn't saying.One thing is sure. It will be great theater."I'll have my phone ready to go, and I'll shoot and stand up and applaud when he bats," Snitzer said. "I just hope he doesn't get the winning hit against the A's. If he hits a home run that doesn't affect the game, I'll be thrilled."A's pitcher Liam Hendriks probably spoke for both teams."We're just happy to be along for the ride,"... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Miguel Sano walked into the Minnesota Twins' clubhouse just before 8 a.m., looking trimmed down in rainbow sneakers and a black sweat suit."You look good," said catcher Jason Castro, a sentiment echoed by teammates between hugs and handshakes with the 25-year-old slugger.A slimmer Sano is a promising sign for Minnesota. He struggled with his weight last season following offseason surgery on his left shin and was demoted to Class A Fort Myers in mid-June after hitting .203 over 37 games. He finished the year at .199 with 13 homers in 71 games."I worked really hard and I've been doing a lot of yoga and a lot of agility stuff and a lot of lifting, so I feel a lot different from last year," Sano said. "I feel like this year can be a lot different for everybody."One of Sano's first stops Sunday was expected to be the trainer's room. He arrived to camp with a cut on his lower right leg that he suffered near the end of the Dominican winter ball season."Otherwise, besides... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have locked up a pair of young position players for the long term by agreeing to five-year contracts with right fielder Max Kepler and shortstop Jorge Polanco.The contracts were announced Friday, a day after they were reached as pitchers and catchers went through their first workout in Fort Myers, Florida.Kepler's contract is worth $35 million and includes an option that could increase its value to at least $44 million over six years. Polanco's deal is valued at $25.75 million, has two options that could make it worth at least $47.25 million for seven seasons.Kepler, who turned 26 on Sunday, had agreed last month to a $3,125,000 salary for 2019 in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Entering his fourth full season as a regular in the lineup, Kepler won the team's defensive player of the year award in 2018. He never found a rhythm at the plate, batting a career-low .224, but he set his major league career high with 20 home runs.Raised in Berlin... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have locked up a pair of young position players for the long term by agreeing to five-year contracts with right fielder Max Kepler and shortstop Jorge Polanco, according to two people with direct knowledge of the deals.The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team had yet to announce the contracts, which were reached on Thursday as pitchers and catchers went through their first workout in Fort Myers, Florida. The Twins scheduled a news conference for Friday.Kepler's contract is worth $35 million and includes a $10 million club option for 2024 with a $1 million buyout. Polanco's deal, which is valued at $25.75 million, has a 2024 option that could become guaranteed as well as a 2025 club option.Kepler, who turned 26 on Sunday, had agreed last month to a $3,125,000 salary for 2019 in his first year of arbitration eligibility. Entering his fourth full season as a regular in the lineup, Kepler won the team's defensive... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Every day for several years, Felix Hernandez has walked past large photos of himself and Randy Johnson — the Seattle Mariners' only Cy Young Award winners — in the hallway leading to the clubhouse of their spring training complex.King Felix will make those walks for perhaps the last time this year, with a bigger goal as motivation."I know this is my final year, but I don't think I am done," the 33-year-old Hernandez said on Tuesday following Seattle's first spring training workout. "I think I can do a lot of good things, and it is going to be a push for my Hall of Fame career. It means a lot. Now Edgar (Martinez) is in the Hall of Fame. We'll see."Hernandez, who has 168 victories and a career 3.34 ERA, is trying to reverse recent trends entering the final season of a seven-year contract that calls for a $27 million salary.His fastball average velocity dropped to a career-low 90.4 mph last season as calculated by Fangraphs, and his ERA was a career-high 5.55 in 29 outings.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League Central 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:___Cleveland IndiansManager: Terry Francona (seventh season).2018: 91-71, first place, lost to Houston in Division Series.Training Town: Goodyear, Arizona.Park: Goodyear Ballpark.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: 1B-DH Carlos Santana, 1B Jake Bauers, C Kevin Plawecki, OF Jordan Luplow, RHP Chih-Wei Hu, RHP Nick Wittgren, LHP Oliver Perez, INF Ryan Flaherty, C Dioner Navarro.He's Outta Here: OF Michael Brantley, DH Edwin Encarnacion, LHP Andrew Miller, RHP Cody Allen, C Yan Gomes, 1B Yonder Alonso, 3B Yandy Diaz, 2B Erik Gonzalez.Going campin': The Indians followed up a third straight AL Central title with another postseason disappointment, getting swept in the Division Series by Houston. The offseason goal was to reduce payroll, and the Indians went at their roster with a wrecking ball.... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American 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:___Houston AstrosManager: AJ Hinch (fifth season).2018: 103-59, first place, lost to Boston in ALCS.Training Town: West Palm Beach, Florida.Park: Ballpark of the Palm Beaches.First Workout: Feb. 14/18.He's Here: OF Michael Brantley, C Robinson Chirinos, LHP Wade Miley, INF Aledmys Diaz.He's Outta Here: INF-OF Marwin Gonzalez, LHP Dallas Keuchel, RHP Charlie Morton, DH Evan Gattis, LHP Tony Sipp, C Brian McCann, C Martin Maldonado.Going campin': The Astros won a franchise-record 103 games last season and reached the ALCS. But mounting injuries and inconsistent play led to their elimination by Boston in five games and kept them from repeating as champions after winning their first World Series title in 2017. Houston returns aces Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, who are both coming off great... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — While his bosses with the Minnesota Twins have been constructing the roster, new manager Rocco Baldelli has been busy building relationships with the players now under his supervision.His ability and desire to do that was one of the biggest reasons why he got the job, after all."People get a feel for other people over time, and you just try to be yourself and you end up proving yourself every day," Baldelli said. "That's how we're going to build what we're going to build here."Though Baldelli committed much of the last three months to those getting-to-know-you talks with players, coaches and other Twins staff he'll be working closely with, this week has provided his first significant opportunity to conducting these conversations in person with the first pitchers and catchers workout of spring training fast approaching on Feb. 14.After spending four days with starting pitcher Jose Berrios and left fielder Eddie Rosario for meet-and-greets with fans on one leg of the team's... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — Roenis Elias and the Seattle Mariners have avoided arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract for $910,000.The left-hander was 3-1 with a 2.65 ERA in four starts and 19 relief appearances last season, when he made $598,000. He allowed 15 earned runs in 51 innings. Elias is likely to be a long reliever in 2019.The only other Seattle player eligible for arbitration this winter was Domingo Santana. The outfielder agreed Thursday to a $1.95 million, one-year contract, getting a raise from $572,400 in his first year of arbitration eligibility.The team announced both deals Friday.Acquired in an offseason trade, Santana hit .265 with five home runs and 20 RBIs during a down season last year as he lost his regular spot in Milwaukee's outfield after the Brewers acquired Christian Yelich. In 2017, Santana batted .278 with a career-high 30 home runs and 85 RBIs.Seattle is banking on Santana providing right-handed power in a lineup looking to replace slugger Nelson Cruz.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SEATTLE (AP) — Right-hander Cory Gearrin agreed to a $1.4 million, one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners and infielder Tim Beckham struck a $1.75 million, one-year deal.The 32-year-old Gearrin was 2-1 with one save and a 3.77 ERA last year in 62 games for San Francisco, Texas and Oakland. He struck out 53 and walked 21 in 57 1/3 innings, holding batters to a .255 average.Gearrin also has pitched for Atlanta in a seven-year big league career. He is 12-9 with a 3.54 ERA in 270 relief appearances."Cory Gearrin brings much needed veteran experience and stability to the back of our bullpen," Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. "He has been a solid under-the-radar performer, particularly over the past two seasons."Gearrin can earn an additional $450,000 for games pitched: $75,000 for 30, $100,000 for 40, $125,000 for 50 and $150,000 for 60. He also can make $775,000 for games finished: $50,000 for 20, $175,000 for 30, $250,000 for 40 and $400,000 for 50.Beckham, who turns 29 this... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With an opening for a designated hitter and a need for more power in the lineup, the Minnesota Twins found quite a fit on the free agent market with a six-time All-Star in Nelson Cruz.They'll be counting on his impact beyond the middle of the batting order. There's a clubhouse filled with still-developing players who could use his wisdom, too.The Twins signed Cruz to a one-year, $14.3 million contract that comes with a $12 million club option for 2020, formalizing Wednesday their addition of a player whose 203 home runs over the previous five seasons are the most in the major leagues during that span."I don't think we view Nelson just as a DH," Twins general manager Thad Levine said. "He's clearly going to be occupying that spot in the lineup, but as we've intimated, and you've got to hear in his voice, what he brings to the table is so much more than that. So we did prioritize this type of offensive production. We did try to prioritize this type of quality of character... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Twins and veteran slugger Nelson Cruz have agreed to a one-year contract with an option for the 2020 season, giving Minnesota a boost at designated hitter.The Twins announced the deal Wednesday. Cruz played 144 games for the Seattle Mariners last season, hitting .256 with 37 home runs, 97 RBIs and a .342 on-base percentage.The 38-year-old from the Dominican Republic has been named an All-Star six times, including five of the last six seasons.The two-time Silver Slugger has played 14 seasons in the majors with Milwaukee, Texas, Baltimore and Seattle. Cruz has had five straight seasons of at least 37 home runs. His 203 homers in that span lead all major leaguers.Three players — Logan Morrison, Robbie Grossman and the now-retired Joe Mauer, made at least 30 starts at DH for the Twins last season.___More AP baseball coverage: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto was in a hospital, making a trade from a bed.Cleveland counterpart Chris Antonetti was boarding a plane headed back home, trying to finalize the deal before the flight pulled away from the gate.They managed to complete the swap as the winter meetings came to an end. Carlos Santana was sent back to Cleveland, where he was an Indians fan favorite. Edwin Encarnacion is headed to Seattle — no telling how long he'll stick there.The star hitters were dealt for each other Thursday, part of a three-team trade that also involved Tampa Bay.The Rays got infielder Yandy Diaz and minor league right-hander Cole Sulser from Cleveland. The Indians also acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, while the busy Mariners wound up with a draft pick. Tampa Bay will send $5 million to Seattle and the Mariners will pay $6 million to Cleveland."I called Edwin earlier this morning before we had final sign-off because again I wanted him to hear... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Carlos Santana and Jeurys Familia found friendly landing spots, Edwin Encarnacion took off for a more uncertain future. Joe Kelly joined the team he helped beat in the World Series, the Milwaukee Brewers boosted their imposing bullpen.The winter meetings wrapped up Thursday with a three-team trade involving Cleveland, Seattle and Tampa Bay, plus a couple more relievers reached free-agent deals.Even so, baseball fans might've felt a bit cheated this week. Because even after all clubs gathered along the Strip, no one went all in.Hometown slugger Bryce Harper stayed put, Manny Machado didn't move. A lot of trade talk about Corey Kluber, Noah Syndergaard and J.T. Realmuto, but no deals.Blame that, maybe, on a new way of doing business.In older days, a general managers or agent would've met around the blackjack table or roulette wheel in the wee hours and hammered out a swap on a handshake. Now, with so many financial, medical and analytical components, that's virtually impossible."There's... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto was in the hospital, making a trade from a bed.Cleveland counterpart Chris Antonetti was boarding a plane headed back home, trying to finalize the deal before the flight pulled away from the gate.They managed to complete the swap as the winter meetings came to an end. Carlos Santana was sent back to Cleveland, where he was an Indians fan favorite. Edwin Encarnacion is headed to Seattle — no telling how long he'll stick there.The star hitters were dealt for each other Thursday, part of a three-team trade that also involved Tampa Bay.The Rays got infielder Yandy Diaz and minor league right-hander Cole Sulser from Cleveland. The Indians also acquired first baseman Jake Bauers from Tampa Bay, while the busy Mariners wound up with a draft pick. Tampa Bay will send $5 million to Seattle and the Mariners will pay $6 million to Cleveland."I called Edwin earlier this morning before we had final sign-off because again I wanted him to... [More]

Paul Goldschmidt and Robinson Cano have already switched teams this offseason, going to the Cardinals and Mets in major trades.As for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper — the jewels of the free agent market — they're still waiting.Patrick Corbin and Josh Donaldson are already signed, but there are plenty of significant free agents still available heading into the winter meetings this week. The market appears less sluggish than a year ago, and Machado and Harper will remain focal points.Here's a look at the top free agents — broken down by position — who are still available. Players are listed with their most recent teams, with their ages in parentheses:LEFT-HANDED STARTERDallas Keuchel, Astros (30)With Corbin off the board , Keuchel may be the top remaining starter on the market. He slipped a bit after his Cy Young-winning performance of 2015, but this past season was encouraging from a health standpoint. He made a career-high 34 starts and posted a 3.74 ERA.Other options: J.A. Happ hasn't... [More]

Paul Goldschmidt and Robinson Cano have already switched teams this offseason, going to the Cardinals and Mets in major trades.As for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper — the jewels of the free agent market — they're still waiting.Patrick Corbin and Josh Donaldson are already signed, but there are plenty of significant free agents still available heading into the winter meetings this week. The market appears less sluggish than a year ago, and Machado and Harper will remain focal points.Here's a look at the top free agents — broken down by position — who are still available. Players are listed with their most recent teams, with their ages in parentheses:LEFT-HANDED STARTERDallas Keuchel, Astros (30)With Corbin off the board , Keuchel may be the top remaining starter on the market. He slipped a bit after his Cy Young-winning performance of 2015, but this past season was encouraging from a health standpoint. He made a career-high 34 starts and posted a 3.74 ERA.Other options: J.A. Happ hasn't... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Washington outfielder Bryce Harper and Boston closer Craig Kimbrel were among just seven free agents who received $17.9 million qualifying offers from their former clubs Friday, when Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw agreed to a $93 million, three-year contract rather than test the market.Left-handers Patrick Corbin (Arizona), Dallas Keuchel (Houston) and Hyun-Jin Ryu (Los Angeles Dodgers) also received qualifying offers as did outfielder A.J. Pollock (Diamondbacks) and catcher Yasmani Grandal (Dodgers).Players have until Nov. 12 to accept. If a team makes a qualifying offer to a player who signs a major league contract with another club before the June amateur draft, his former club would receive a draft pick as compensation at the end of the first round.Only five of 73 players given qualifying offers have accepted since the process began in 2012.The Chicago Cubs exercised their $20 million option on left-hander Cole Hamels, who went 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA in 12... [More]