Thu Mar 21 2019 | 09:37 | Ichiro walks off into history in 'sayonara' at Tokyo Dome | Nori Aoki | RF/CF | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Yusei Kikuchi | | | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki seems to have said "sayonara."The 45-year-old Seattle Mariners star left the Tokyo Dome field in the eighth inning on Thursday night, waving goodbye to the packed crowd amid hugs from teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his great career has ended.The Japanese agency Kyodo News reported during the game against Oakland that Ichiro would announce his retirement after it was over.Ichiro went 0 for 4. He took his spot in right field in the eighth, but then was pulled by manager Scott Servais and the walk into history began in front of a sellout of 45,000.He strolled from right field, turned and waved to the crowd with all of the usually reserved Japanese fans on their feet.To chants of "Ichiro, Ichiro, Ichiro" he was greeted at the dugout — and later in the dugout — by emotional embraces from teammates. Yusei Kikuchi, the Japanese rookie pitcher who started the game, openly broke down crying when he embraced Ichiro.Oakland players stood solemnly and... [ More] |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 09:07 | Ichiro walks off into history before packed Tokyo Dome crowd | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki seems to have said "sayonara."The 45-year-old Seattle Mariner star left the Tokyo Dome field in the eighth inning on Thursday night, waving goodbye to the crowd and being hugged by teammates in a three-minute walk that signaled to all his great career has ended.The Japanese agency Kyodo News reported during the game against Oakland that Ichiro would announce his retirement after it was over.Ichiro went 0 for 4. He took his spot in right field in the eighth, but then was pulled by manager Scott Servais and the walk into history began in front of a sellout of 45,000.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 03:47 | Ichiro gets the start in what could be his last MLB game | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki is in the starting lineup for the Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in what might be his last game in the majors.Seattle manager Scott Servais had earlier hinted that, after Ichiro started in a season-opening victory against the A's on Wednesday, he might not start on Thursday in the final game of the brief series.Servais says: I wasn't quite sure. I thought we'd give him the opportunity to go out there. And I'd love to see him get a couple of hits and finish on a high note here."The future of 45-year-old Ichiro is unclear. Many expect him to retire after the Japan series, or when the Mariners return home for two spring training games with the San Diego Padres before the regular season resumes against the Boston Red Sox.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Thu Mar 21 2019 | 00:19 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | | | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | | | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | | | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 23:49 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | | | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | | | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | | | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 23:19 | Trout, Angels finalize record $432 million, 12-year deal | Zack Greinke | SP | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Bryce Harper | CF/RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Shohei Ohtani | | | Free Agent |
| | | Albert Pujols | 1B | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Rodriguez | 3B | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF/LF | Angels | Free Agent |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night announced their 12-year contract, a record deal that ties baseball's top player to the Orange County club for what likely will be the rest of his career.A person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal is worth $432 million, shattering baseball's previous high set when Bryce Harper and Philadelphia struck a $330 million, 13-year agreement earlier in spring training. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not yet been finalized.The Angels will celebrate with a public appearance by Trout outside Angel Stadium on Sunday when the team returns from spring training for the first of three exhibitions against the Dodgers. Fans are invited to welcome home the two-time AL MVP, who already ranks among the most accomplished players of his generation."This is where I wanted to be all along," Trout said in a statement. "I have enjoyed my time as an Angel and... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:59 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | | | Free Agent |
| | | Jason Kipnis | 2B | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | | | Free Agent |
| | | Eric Stamets | | | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:39 | Status for Indians' Lindor for opening day still uncertain | Trevor Bauer | SP | Diamondbacks | Free Agent |
| | | A.J. Cole | | | Free Agent |
| | | Francisco Lindor | | | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — With a hop off his feet turning a double play and by driving a ball nearly over the fence, Indians three-time All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor moved closer to returning from a right calf strain.Yet his status for opening day on March 28 at Minnesota remains uncertain.Batting every inning in a modified intrasquad minor league game, Lindor made eight plate appearances, going 0-for-6 with two walks.Eager to hit, Lindor swung on a 3-0 count during his sixth plate appearance, extending it to nine pitches and drawing a walk. Out of caution and because of his morning base running, he was replaced by a pinch runner.On a 3-0 count on his next plate appearance, he ripped a ball to the right field fence where prospect Oscar Gonzalez made a leaping catch, preventing a home run.Lindor was asked if he needs to appear in a Cactus League game to be ready for the season opener."I don't think so. I can play in the minor leagues or B games to be ready," he said."Baseball's such a... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 22:37 | Trout, Angels finalize record $432 million, 12-year deal | Bryce Harper | CF/RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF/LF | Angels | Free Agent |
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout and the Angels announced their 12-year contract, a record deal that ties baseball's top player to Los Angeles for what likely will be the rest of his career.A person with knowledge of the contract told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the deal is worth $432 million, shattering baseball's previous high set when Bryce Harper and Philadelphia struck a $330 million, 13-year agreement earlier in spring training. The person spoke on condition of anonymity the deal had not yet been finalized.Angels owner Arte Moreno says in a statement Wednesday he is thrilled Trout "has agreed to wear an Angels uniform for his entire career."Trout had been due $66.5 million over the next two seasons under his previous deal, a $144.5 million, six-year agreement.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 18:59 | Ohtani: Mike Trout 'surely deserves' his big contract | Cody Allen | RP | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Jaime Barría | | | Free Agent |
| | | Torii Hunter | RF | Angels | Free Agent |
| | | Shohei Ohtani | | | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Trout | CF/LF | Angels | Free Agent |
TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Trout was back on the baseball field Wednesday, getting at-bats during an intrasquad minor league game against other Los Angeles Angels players. He finished his six plate appearances at Field 4 with a home run, signed some autographs, and chatted with former Angels outfielder Torii Hunter.Trout didn't speak to the media but Angels teammate Shohei Ohtani did, touting the two-time Most Valuable Player as being worthy of a new contract extension."I'm really happy and excited to play with such a great player for a long time," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "If anyone deserved such a big contract, it's Mike, and I think he surely deserves it."Trout, 27, and the Angels are close to finalizing a $432 million, 12-year contract. The deal was disclosed Tuesday by a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The contract was likely to be announced by the end of the week, the person said.Ohtani first met Trout during... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 15:59 | Harper gets 1st hit after 0-for-9 start in spring training | Bryce Harper | CF/RF | Nationals | Free Agent |
| | | Rhys Hoskins | | | Free Agent |
| | | Spencer Turnbull | | | Free Agent |
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper finally got his first spring training hit with the Philadelphia Phillies after a 0-for-9 start.The slugger lined a 97-mph fastball to center on a 2-1 pitch from Detroit Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game. He jokingly gestured toward the dugout that he wanted to keep the ball.It was Harper's 16th plate appearance over six exhibition games. He has struck out six times and drawn four walks. Turnbull struck him out swinging in the first.Harper agreed to a $330 million, 13-year contract in late February, almost two weeks after spring training began. He missed one game after getting hit by a pitch in the ankle on Friday.Phillies infielder Rhys Hoskins didn't play against the Tigers because of mild left shoulder soreness.Philadelphia opens the season on March 28 at home against Atlanta.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.comMLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 15:27 | Verlander, Upton unite service dogs with ailing veterans | Justin Verlander | SP | Tigers | Free Agent |
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander and Kate Upton combined two passions, creating the perfect marriage to help veterans suffering from PTSD.Their program is named Adopt. Rescue. Heal. It trains rescue dogs to become service dogs, then places them with veterans, aiding with the transition to civilian life."We're so excited to finally pair these dogs with their veterans," said the Houston Astros pitcher. "I think we all can agree that animals are so healing — at least in our family they are. I think it's such a great opportunity to help these veterans heal through animals."The first four veterans will receive their dogs, all mixed breeds, this week. The Astros honored the men and their dogs before Wednesday's spring training game against the New York Yankees.For Coy Webb, who served two naval tour on the USS John F. Kennedy in the Persian Gulf, the occasion marked his public debut with new companion Emily."I'm taken aback," Webb said. "It amazes me that there are still people out... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 13:55 | Pressly, Astros reach $20.4M, 3-year deal that adds $17.5M | Jose Altuve | 2B | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | Ryan Pressly | | | Free Agent |
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Right-hander Ryan Pressly remembered joining the Houston Astros and meeting Jose Altuve."The second I walked through the front door, Altuve gave me a big hug and said, 'Thank God I don't have to face you anymore.' I said I can say the same thing about you," Pressly said Wednesday.They aren't likely to face each other anytime soon. Pressly and the Astros agreed to a $20.4 million, three-year contract, a deal that adds $17.5 million over an additional two seasons.The 30-year-old agreed in January to a $2.9 million, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. The new deal keeps that salary and adds $8.75 million in each of the following two seasons.Houston has a $10 million option for 2022 that would become guaranteed if he pitches in 60 or more games in each of the previous two seasons.Pressly would have been eligible for free agency after this season. Except for stars, the market has been slow the past two offseasons."I wasn't really paying attention to... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 11:57 | Ichiro takes field with 45,000 voices in full support | Dee Strange-Gordon | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Yusei Kikuchi | | | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying."I thought it was amazing to see the crowd come out here for him," Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon said after a 9-7 win. "This whole situation is pretty much for him and he deserves it."Ichiro provided his usual flair early, catching a ball behind his back during batting practice.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the park when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 11:07 | Ichiro takes field with 45,000 voices in full support | Dee Strange-Gordon | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Yusei Kikuchi | | | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying."I thought it was amazing to see the crowd come out here for him," Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon said after a 9-7 win. "This whole situation is pretty much for him and he deserves it."Ichiro provided his usual flair early, catching a ball behind his back during batting practice.Cameras flashed and chants echoed all around the park when Ichiro came to bat in the third inning. But with fans eager to see him deliver, he popped up with a runner... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 06:26 | Bruce gets 1st hit of 2019 MLB season, Piscotty 1st home run | Jay Bruce | RF | Reds | Free Agent |
| | | Edwin Encarnación | DH | Blue Jays | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Fiers | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Marco Gonzales | | | Free Agent |
| | | Dee Strange-Gordon | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Ryon Healy | | | Free Agent |
| | | Stephen Piscotty | | | Free Agent |
| | | Marcus Semien | SS | White Sox | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Jay Bruce of the Seattle Mariners has gotten the first hit of the 2019 Major League Baseball season and Oakland's Stephen Piscotty has connected for the first home run.Bruce lined a single off the glove of shifted Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien with two outs in the top of the first inning Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome. Piscotty homered to center field in the bottom of the first off Marco Gonzales.Oakland's Mike Fiers threw the first pitch of the season, a ball to Dee Gordon at 6:36 p.m. (5:36 a.m. EDT).Mariners newcomer Edwin Encarnacion was the first player to strike out this year and Seattle third baseman Ryon Healy made the first error.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 06:07 | Ichiro takes with field with 45,000 voices in full support | Mike Fiers | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Dee Strange-Gordon | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Yusei Kikuchi | | | Free Agent |
| | | Ichiro Suzuki | RF/LF | Yankees | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Talk about a serious home-field advantage.Ichiro Suzuki had it on a night to celebrate all things Ichiro — "Ichiromania" in other words — as he started for the Seattle Mariners against the Oakland Athletics in MLB's opening game of the season.About 45,000 voices in a sellout crowd on Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome chanted his name as he took his place in right field. The scene is likely to be repeated on Thursday when the teams finish their Tokyo series. That game may also mark and end for the 45-year-old Ichiro, though no one is saying.The season began at 6:36 p.m. (5:36 a.m. EDT) when Mike Fiers threw ball one to Mariners leadoff man Dee Gordon.But there was no doubt which player most fans came to see.Hundreds wore Ichiro jerseys — of different eras and colors — emblazoned with No. 51, and a military band played a Sousa march in the pregame ceremonies.A half-dozen fans lined up just behind the third-base dugout and held up cards spelling out his name in Japanese. Another wore... [ More] |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 05:57 | Bruce gets 1st hit of 2019 MLB season, Piscotty 1st home run | Jay Bruce | RF | Reds | Free Agent |
| | | Mike Fiers | SP | Brewers | Free Agent |
| | | Marco Gonzales | | | Free Agent |
| | | Dee Strange-Gordon | SS | Dodgers | Free Agent |
| | | Stephen Piscotty | | | Free Agent |
| | | Marcus Semien | SS | White Sox | Free Agent |
TOKYO (AP) — Jay Bruce of the Seattle Mariners has gotten the first hit of the 2019 Major League Baseball season and Oakland's Stephen Piscotty has connected for the first home run.Bruce lined a single off the glove of shifted Athletics shortstop Marcus Semien with two outs in the top of the first inning Wednesday at the Tokyo Dome. Piscotty homered to center field in the bottom of the first off Marco Gonzales.Oakland's Mike Fiers threw the first pitch of the season, a ball to Dee Gordon at 6:36 p.m. (5:36 a.m. EDT). |
Wed Mar 20 2019 | 00:56 | AP source: Alex Bregman, Astros agree to $100M, 6-year deal | Jose Altuve | 2B | Astros | Free Agent |
| | | Alex Bregman | | | Free Agent |
HOUSTON (AP) — Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros have agreed on a $100 million, six-year deal that keeps the All-Star third baseman under contract with the team through 2024, according to a person with direct knowledge of the situation.The agreement includes this season, buys out three years of arbitration eligibility (2020-22) and pushes back Bregman's opportunity to become a free agent by two years. The person spoke Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because details had not been released by the team. The agreement was first reported by KRIV-FOX 26.The 24-year-old Bregman made his first All-Star team last season and was selected MVP of the game after hitting a home run to help the American League win. He set career highs with a .286 batting average, 31 homers, 103 RBIs and a major league-leading 51 doubles, finishing fifth in AL MVP balloting.The second overall pick in the 2015 amateur draft out of LSU, Bregman has hit .282 with 58 homers and 208 RBIs in 2½ seasons with the Astros,... [ More] |
Tue Mar 19 2019 | 21:08 | Former Rockies star Gonzalez gets new start with Indians | Michael Brantley | CF | Indians | Free Agent |
| | | Carlos González | LF | Rockies | Free Agent |
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Carlos Gonzalez's career is laden with personal achievements — a batting title, three All-Star appearances, three Gold Gloves.He has earned the respect of teammates and opponents and the unwavering devotion of Colorado fans, who have spent the past decade cheering the outfielder known simply as "CarGo."But something is missing and Gonzalez thinks he might find it in Cleveland. The free agent signed a minor league contract on Tuesday with the Indians, who might have a starting outfield spot for him."Looking at the roster and the past of this organization, this was an easy decision," Gonzalez said. "This is a team that not too long ago was playing in a World Series. As a baseball player, I think it is everybody's dream to be at that stage, to play for a championship. I want to be in the position to be in that category. This lineup, the rotation, this bullpen is built for winning."Gonzalez could help the Indians settle their outfield situation, which became muddled following... [ More] |