NEW YORK (AP) — The average salary in the major leagues has dropped in consecutive years for the first time since the players' association started keeping records more than a half-century ago.The 988 players on Aug. 31 rosters and injured lists averaged $4,051,490, the union said Friday, down 1.1% from $4,095,686 last year. The average peaked at $4,097,122 in 2017.This was just the fifth decline since records started in 1967, when the average was $19,000. There also were drops in 1987, when clubs were found guilty of collusion; in 1995, after the end of a 7 1/2-month strike; and in 2004.This year's drop followed two slow free-agent markets and new contracts with large signing bonuses for Mike Trout, Alex Bregman, Manny Machado and A.J. Pollock. Those four players received $62 million in signing bonuses during in 2019 that are prorated over the length of each contract in the calculation of the average. If the entire amounts had been counted for 2019. the average would have been about $54,000... [More]

July 71923 — Lefty O'Doul, pitching for the Boston Red Sox, allowed 13 runs in the sixth inning to the Cleveland Indians, who won 27-3. In 1928, he was to return to the majors as a great hitting outfielder.1936 — The NL won its first All-Star game 4-3 at Braves Field in Boston.1937 — Lou Gehrig drove in four runs with a home run and a double to pace the AL to an 8-3 victory over the NL in the All-Star game at Washington's Griffith Stadium. In attendance was President Franklin D. Roosevelt.1959 — At Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, the first of two All-Star games played that season went to the NL, 5-4. The NL scored the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the eighth when Hank Aaron singled in a run and scored on a triple by Willie Mays.1964 — The NL beat the AL 7-4 in the All-Star game on Johnny Callison's two-out, three-run homer off Dick Radatz in the bottom of the ninth inning at New York's Shea Stadium. The win pulled the NL even with its rivals (17-17-1) for the first time since the... [More]

June 231917 — In baseball's greatest relief effort, Ernie Shore of the Boston Red Sox relieved pitcher Babe Ruth with nobody out and a man on first. The base runner was cut down stealing and Shore retired all 26 batters he faced to gain a 4-0 victory over Washington. Ruth walked Eddie Foster to open the game and was ejected after arguing with umpire Brick Owens.1930 — Hack Wilson drove in six runs on five hits, including the cycle, to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 21-8 rout of the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field.1950 — Hoot Evers' game-winning home run in the ninth inning gave the Detroit Tigers a 10-9 victory over the New York Yankees as the teams combined for 11 home runs, a major league record. The Yankees hit six and the Tigers five.1961 — The Philadelphia Phillies overcame two, nine-run, deficits to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-11. The Phillies trailed 9-0 and 11-2 before they scored four runs in eighth and six runs in ninth.1963 — Jimmie Piersall, playing for the Mets in New... [More]

Using the search engine at Baseball-Reference.com, The Associated Press evaluated each team's draft performance from 1996 through 2018, adding up wins above replacement (WAR) figures for drafted players.For each pick, the player's career WAR was added to the appropriate total for the team, depending on whether or not the player signed with the team after being drafted. Some players had their WAR totals included multiple times, if they were drafted more than once.Stats are through May 25. Compensation picks were considered part of the first round where applicable.___ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKSTotal WAR for all drafted players: 581.8 (MLB rank: 4th)Total WAR for drafted players who signed: 440.1 (rank: 5th)Total WAR for drafted players who did not sign: 141.7Impact players (10 WAR or more) drafted: 17 (rank: tie-9th)Impact players drafted and signed: 13 (rank: 12th)Most recent impact player drafted and signed: Trevor Bauer, 2011, first round, pick No. 3 (15.2 WAR)Lowest pick for impact player drafted... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Marty Noble, the longtime baseball writer and Hall of Fame voter who was a mainstay on the New York Mets beat for decades, has died. He was 70.He died Sunday in Florida, according to Newsday and MLB.com. Newsday said a family member confirmed his death, but no cause was given.Noble covered the New York Yankees and Mets for Newsday from 1981-2004, the newspaper said. After that he moved to MLB.com, remaining on the Mets beat through 2010 and then working in a general role until he retired in 2016. But he could still be found at the ballpark some days, making a visit to the Mets' spring training facility as recently as Friday, the website said.A dean among the city's many experienced baseball writers, Noble was a familiar presence to all in the press box and clubhouse at Shea Stadium and Citi Field, often smiling as he pulled up a chair to strike up a friendly chat with a Mets player sitting at his locker.A skillful writer who enjoyed producing long-form pieces, Noble was... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Marty Noble, a longtime baseball writer and Hall of Fame voter who was a mainstay on the New York Mets beat for decades, has died. He was 70.He died Sunday in Florida, according to Newsday and MLB.com. Newsday said a family member confirmed his death, but no cause was given.Noble covered the New York Yankees and Mets for Newsday from 1981-2004, the newspaper said. He later worked for MLB.com, chronicling the Mets there as well.A dean among the city's many experienced baseball writers, Noble was a familiar presence to all in the press box and clubhouse at Shea Stadium and Citi Field, often smiling as he pulled up a chair next to a Mets player sitting at his locker to strike up a friendly chat.An artful writer who was still producing long-form pieces, Noble was a go-to source on the history of both New York baseball teams. He established good relationships with generations of Mets stars from Tom Seaver and Keith Hernandez to Dwight Gooden and David Wright.According to Newsday,... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Former captain David Wright showed up at Mets spring training camp Monday and spoke to reporters before New York's game against the Washington Nationals, repeatedly referring fondly to "Al and Johnny."It's that kind of attitude and personal touch, a sort of chumminess that develops within a clubhouse and organization, that Wright thinks can be essential to a winning team."Al and Johnny" are Al Leiter and John Franco, former Mets pitchers who were added to the front office two weeks ago in advisory positions.Wright said the topic of close bonds and friendships that are forged during successful seasons was brought up in a morning meeting with them and new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, who has communicated regularly with Wright about player development in his own new advisory role."The biggest thing in listening to Al and Johnny, specifically, is it seemed like the years when we put it all together, it was more than just (games)," Wright said, referring to... [More]

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]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets infielder Robinson Cano had a youthful perspective after reporting to spring training with the New York Mets."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... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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:___Atlanta BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [More]

A team-by-team look at the National League East 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:___Atlanta BravesManager: Brian Snitker (fourth season).2018: 90-72, first place, lost to Dodgers in Division Series.Training Town: Kissimmee, Florida.Park: Champion Stadium.First Workout: Feb. 16/21.He's Here: 3B Josh Donaldson, C Brian McCann, C Raffy Lopez, pitching coach Rick Kranitz.He's Outta Here: C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Anibal Sanchez, RHP Brandon McCarthy, RHP Brad Brach, 3B Ryan Flaherty, RHP Peter Moylan, 1B Lucas Duda, C Rene Rivera, OF Lane Adams, pitching coach Chuck Hernandez.Going campin': The 2018 Baby Braves were a surprise breakthrough team, winning the club's first NL East championship since 2013. A repeat title in a tougher NL East might be a bigger challenge. A key to the start of spring will be the health of Donaldson, who signed a one-year, $23 million deal after a left... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets captain David Wright is becoming a special adviser to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.In making the announcement Monday, the Mets said the 36-year-old third baseman would be placed on unconditional release waivers on Tuesday. His contract called for New York to pay him salaries of $15 million this year and $12 million in 2020, with $2.5 million annually deferred without interest.Sidelined with leg, back and neck injuries, Wright did not play for the Mets from May 2016 until the final week of last season, when he announced his retirement. Wright made three plate appearances during the season's final series against Miami.Wilpon called Wright "an iconic Met" and said he "will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors."Wright attended last month's winter meetings as a member of the Mets' front office."We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets captain David Wright is becoming a special adviser to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.In making the announcement Monday, the Mets said the 36-year-old third baseman would be placed on unconditional release waivers on Tuesday. His contract called for New York to pay him salaries of $15 million this year and $12 million in 2020, with $2.5 million annually deferred without interest.Sidelined with leg, back and neck injuries, Wright did not play for the Mets from May 2016 until the final week of last season, when he announced his retirement. Wright made three plate appearances during the season's final series against Miami.Wilpon called Wright "an iconic Met" and said he "will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors."Wright attended last month's winter meetings as a member of the Mets' front office."We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets captain David Wright is becoming a special adviser to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.In making the announcement Monday, the Mets said the 36-year-old third baseman would be placed on unconditional release waivers on Tuesday. His contract called for New York to pay him salaries of $15 million this year and $12 million in 2020, with $2.5 million annually deferred without interest.Sidelined with leg, back and neck injuries, Wright did not play for the Mets from May 2016 until the final week of last season, when he announced his retirement. Wright made three plate appearances during the season's final series against Miami.Wilpon called Wright "an iconic Met" and said he "will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors."Wright attended last month's winter meetings as a member of the Mets' front office."We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Former New York Mets captain David Wright is becoming a special adviser to chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Brodie Van Wagenen.In making the announcement Monday, the Mets said the 36-year-old third baseman would be placed on unconditional release waivers on Tuesday. His contract called for New York to pay him salaries of $15 million this year and $12 million in 2020, with $2.5 million annually deferred without interest.Sidelined with leg, back and neck injuries, Wright did not play for the Mets from May 2016 until the final week of last season, when he announced his retirement. Wright made three plate appearances during the season's final series against Miami.Wilpon called Wright "an iconic Met" and said he "will be forever remembered for his contributions on the field as well as his numerous charitable endeavors."Wright attended last month's winter meetings as a member of the Mets' front office."We are thrilled he will remain close to the Mets family... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Wearing red Santa's helper hats, Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz got right to work for the New York Mets — as elves, handing out presents to school kids during the team's holiday party at Citi Field.A day after the club added the star second baseman and ace closer, new general manager Brodie Van Wagenen offered a gift to all Mets fans, too."We did not make this move to have it be our last move," Van Wagenen vowed Tuesday.Chimed in Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon: "I think there's a lot more that's going to happen."Still too early to tell if that means something major, such as a swing at free agent slugger Bryce Harper. That was the buzz on radio talk station WFAN, where the seven-player trade with Seattle drew strong, mixed reaction from Mets rooters.Van Wagenen, however, seemed to throw shade on the notion that pitcher Noah Syndergaard was going anywhere. Despite recent speculation the Mets might trade him, the GM said it would take "very special circumstances for... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — David Price has won the Babe Ruth award as postseason MVP in voting by the New York chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America.After pitching the Boston Red Sox to their World Series title, Price will be honored along with other award winners at the chapter's 96th annual dinner on Jan. 26 in Manhattan.Mets ace Jacob deGrom was selected New York player of the year Friday, and teammate David Wright took the Joe DiMaggio Toast of the Town award. Former general manager Sandy Alderson, who stepped down last summer after his cancer returned, was saluted with the Arthur and Milton Richman You Gotta Have Heart award.Yankees GM Brian Cashman will receive the Joan Payson/Shannon Forde award for community service. Longtime broadcaster Ken Singleton was tabbed for the Casey Stengel You Could Look It Up award, 40 years after he finished runner-up for AL MVP.Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo was an overwhelming choice for the Ben Epstein/Dan Castellano Good Guy award. Media relations dean Jay Horwitz got the William J. Slocum and Jack Lang Award for Long and Meritorious Service as he transitions to a new role as vice president of alumni public relations and team historian.The Willie, Mickey & The Duke award will go to the 1969 Miracle Mets on the 50th anniversary of their championship season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — On the final day of an emotionally draining season, Mickey Callaway knew exactly how to describe what he just went through with the New York Mets."It's been a roller-coaster ride," the rookie manager said. "There definitely were highs and lows."New York said goodbye to captain David Wright, general manager Sandy Alderson and former ace Matt Harvey.Jacob deGrom delivered a Cy Young-caliber performance that went to waste.Zack Wheeler and Brandon Nimmo had breakout years. Yoenis Cespedes and Jay Bruce got derailed by injuries. Harvey, Jeurys Familia and Asdrubal Cabrera were traded away.There was pain and frustration. There was pride in deGrom. There were electric nights and empty seats at Citi Field.And a sizzling start was wiped out by June, making the solid finish a formality.At the end of it all, the Mets went 77-85 and came in fourth in the NL East. It was a seven-win improvement over last year, but a second consecutive losing season marked a major disappointment for a... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes is scheduled for his second heel surgery in a few weeks, but the oft-injured New York Mets slugger says he can't yet predict how much he'll be able to play next season.Cespedes had surgery Aug. 2 performed by Dr. Robert Anderson in Wisconsin to remove bone calcification in his right heel, the first of two operations expected to sideline the outfielder for eight to 10 months. The procedure on his left heel is set for Oct. 23, five days after his 33rd birthday.Because Cespedes' status is uncertain, Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon says the team must plan in the offseason as though the two-time All-Star will be unavailable.In his first comments to Mets reporters since the initial surgery, Cespedes said Sunday through a translator that he feels very good — even better than he expected at this stage. Cespedes said he returned to Citi Field this weekend because he wanted to see his teammates at the end of the season and be on hand for David Wright's farewell Saturday night.Cespedes has played in only 119 games over the past two seasons after signing a $110 million, four-year contract. He batted .262 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 38 games this season.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched baseball's final playoff berth and gave themselves a chance to still win the NL West, getting a go-ahead triple from Manny Machado in the eighth inning Saturday and beating the San Francisco Giants 10-6.The defending NL champions locked up their sixth straight trip to the postseason, assuring at least a spot in the wild-card game. The Dodgers joined Colorado, Atlanta, the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee in the NL playoff field.Los Angeles began the day one game behind Colorado for the division lead, and the Rockies hosted Washington later in the day. The regular season is scheduled to end Sunday — if Los Angeles and Colorado finish even, there will be a one-game tiebreaker for the West title Monday at Dodger Stadium.Machado, the star infielder acquired from Baltimore during the All-Star break, hit a two-out triple off Mark Melancon (1-4) for a 6-5 lead. Max Muncy added a two-run double during a four-run ninth.Alex Wood (9-7) pitched the seventh... [More]