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Twins C Mauer runaway AL MVP (AP)

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:17:26 PST

Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote. The Minnesota Twins star received 27 of 28 first-place votes and 387 points in balloting by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Yankees teammates Mark Teixeira (225 points) and Derek Jeter (193) followed.

Vizquel, ChiSox agree on $1.375M deal (AP)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:44:47 PST

Omar Vizquel is joining a team with a long history of Venezuelan shortstops, and that was part of the attraction in coming to the Chicago White Sox. The 42-year-old Vizquel agreed Monday to one-year contract worth nearly $1.4 million to add depth, experience and perhaps advice to a young infield. Last season, the White Sox made 113 errors.

Griffey could earn $3.9 million in 2010 (AP)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:51:55 PST

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. Baseball's active home run leader would earn $3.9 million if he again has at least 400 plate appearances,...

Red Sox name Hale new bench coach (AP)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:45:53 PST

DeMarlo Hale is the new bench coach for the Boston Red Sox under manager Terry Francona. Hale, the team's third base coach the past four seasons, replaces Brad Mills, hired as manager of the Houston Astros last month. Tim Bogar, who served one season as Boston's first base coach, replaces Hale at third.

Yanks attend World Series film premiere (AP)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:31:58 PST

Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman stood a few feet from each other on the red carpet near the World Series trophy, wearing blue jeans and sports jackets without ties. They were dressed for success, if not for a gala. While an elegantly attired crowd assembled across the street on a similar carpet for the International Emmy Awards, the Yankees manager and general manager attended Monday night's...

A's sign McPherson to minor league deal (AP)

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:44:52 PST

The Oakland Athletics have signed free-agent third baseman Dallas McPherson to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. McPherson is expected to compete for a starting job, and he provides Oakland with insurance at third base. Six-time Gold Glove winner Eric Chavez might not be able to return to that position after recovering from a second back surgery that cost him most of this...

Strasburg hurts knee, won't need surgery (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:52:54 PST

The Nationals say No. 1 draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a dislocation in his left knee joint and should be fine for spring training. Strasburg was examined Friday by Dr. Lewis Yocum in Los Angeles. The Nationals say Strasburg will not require surgery, and that treatment will include rest and physical therapy.

Free agents face tough market (AP)

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:04:59 PST

It's the time of year in baseball for courting and bluffing -- sometimes simultaneously. Free agent signing season began Friday with teams competing for a dearth of stars and a large number of players nearing the end of their careers. With only pitcher John Lackey and outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay considered elite players by most, it could be a slow signing season as teams seek to...

Cubs, Grabow agree to 2-yr, $7.5M deal (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:34:08 PST

Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs. The 31-year-old left-hander combined to go 3-0 with a 3.36 ERA last season in a career-high 75 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cubs.

New-age stats shed light on Cy Youngs (AP)

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:38:56 PST

For so many years, the formula for winning a Cy Young Award was pretty simple: Win a lot of games. Denny McLain was a unanimous pick in 1968 and deservedly so. He posted 31 victories -- the combined total of this year's Cy Young starters, Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke. A whopping win total, a good ERA and a bunch of strikeouts often brought home the hardware.