GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Roberto Perez waited for his turn and vows to make the most of his big chance.Perez figures to get plenty of time behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians after the AL Central champions traded All-Star Yan Gomes to Washington.The 30-year-old Perez is eager to get going."I'm very excited," he said. "It was something I've always wanted. I knew Yan was the guy but now that I have the opportunity, I'm going to take advantage of it."Perez arrived in July 2014 from Triple-A after the Indians moved Carlos Santana to first base. Perez was promoted to take advantage of his defensive skill and the next season led the major leagues by throwing out 16 of the 41 runners attempting to steal — that 39 percent rate was tops among catchers with at least 40 tries.Although he hasn't hit much in his career, with a .205 batting average to go along with 21 home runs and 99 RBIs in 285 games, Perez was known for handling Cleveland's young, talented pitching staff."The biggest thing is... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Roberto Perez waited for his turn and vows to make the most of his big chance.Perez figures to get plenty of time behind the plate for the Cleveland Indians after the AL Central champions traded All-Star Yan Gomes to Washington.ThePerez arrived in JulyAlthough he hasn't hit much in his career, with a .205 batting average to go along with 21 home runs and ?99"?Even if he doesn't hit like Gomes,Francona's statement takes the pressure that Perez felt at the plate in spite of his two-homer performance in the"Playing once a week is tough,To improve his batting eye,There is more of a burden on him to help the team offensively after ?Yonder Alonso was traded to the Chicago White Sox and ?Edwin Encarnacion was sent to the Seattle Mariners.The Indians are trying to rebuild a bullpen that lost closer Cody Allen to the Angels and Andrew Miller to the Cardinals through free agency.Perez will have to prepare reliever

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Colorado Rockies will be without the reliever who boasted he could strike out Babe Ruth, but they believe the bridge between their solid starting rotation and premier closer Wade Davis remains sturdy.Colorado is counting on a veteran bullpen group that includes Scott Oberg, Seunghwan Oh, Chris Rusin and Bryan Shaw to step up the way Adam Ottavino did in 2018, when his career year with the Rockies led to a three-year, $27 million free agent deal with the New York Yankees."I think we have a lot of good arms and a lot of talented guys back there," catcher Chris Iannetta said."I think we can piece it together and be really good. Guys have good years. Guys have bad years. I don't think anyone expected Adam to have the year that he had last year after the previous year. It happens all the time."Oberg had a strong second half last season, Oh pitched well after being acquired at the trade deadline and the Rockies are counting on a return to normalcy by Shaw, Rusin,... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Ichiro Suzuki fluidly went through a variety of stretches on the floor in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse even before going onto the field. Once outside, he smoothly went through fielding, hitting and baserunning drills.At 45 and in spring training again, Suzuki is working toward the chance to play for his original major league team in his home country."Being able to put on the Seattle Mariners uniform as a player, being here the first day, it is just amazing, it is great," Suzuki said through a translator. "Very satisfied with today and how it went, and I'm just going to take it day by day."The former MVP and 10-time All-Star outfielder is in camp on a minor league deal after serving in a special assistant's role most of last year when he still worked out with the team. If he's healthy, Suzuki will be part of the Mariners' expanded 28-player roster next month for their season-opening two games in Tokyo against Oakland."My body really hasn't changed," he said.Suzuki,... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations says free agent Cameron Maybin is closing in on a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, who were still in the market for outfielders to add depth.Maybin must pass a physical, the person said Saturday, speaking to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal wasn't complete. The agreement would include an invitation to big league spring training.Maybin would join his ninth team in parts of 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 between Miami and Seattle. He batted a combined .249 with four home runs, 14 doubles and 28 RBIs. He was safe on 10 of 15 steal attempts.Giants position players report to spring training Sunday ahead of Monday's first full-squad workout at Scottsdale Stadium.The Athletic first reported Maybin was close to a deal Saturday.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — At 45 and in spring training again, Ichiro Suzuki insists his focus is on each day and not the season-opening series back home in Japan.Suzuki says was he very satisfied with how things went during the first full-squad workout Saturday with the Seattle Mariners. The former MVP and 10-time All-Star outfielder is in camp with his original major league team on a minor league deal.He served in a special assistant's role most of last season, and still worked out with the team. The Mariners expect him being part of their expanded 28-player roster for the two games in Tokyo against Oakland if he's healthy.Suzuki checked in at camp with only 7 percent body fat. He went through fielding, hitting and baserunning drills with the team, and was followed by large groups of fans and Japanese media every time he changed locations.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers had their first organized workout Saturday, officially ending a relatively quiet winter for the team that won the NL East.It may have been a little too quiet for some critics, considering the aggressive roster moves made by their division rivals. But All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman begs to differ."Pretty much everyone came back, and we added Josh Donaldson and B-Mac (Brian McCann)," Freeman said. "I feel we have a 90-win team that got better, so I think we're going to be very good this year."Darren O'Day was the other major winter acquisition, adding veteran depth to a bullpen that was tested last season as the Braves won the division by eight games and qualified for the postseason for the first time in five years."We've kind of gotten to the point where there's not a lot of holes, maybe one starter, and we'll take the best eight (relievers) with us north," said Brian Snitker, who won the NL Manager of the Year award.... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — It's early in spring training, time to get the new mitt ready.Or is it?For the World Series champion Boston Red Sox, some like the feel of new leather, some like it old. Some are superstitious and don't like change and others don't worry about that even after a great season."A new glove every year," reigning AL MVP and three-time Gold Glove winner Mookie Betts said Saturday morning at the team's spring training complex.But, is the right fielder a bit superstitious about changing after such a successful year?"No, they all catch the same," he said, breaking into a grin. "It's the operator."Shortstop Xander Bogaerts agreed."New year, new glove," he said.World Series MVP Steve Pearce had a different thought. He'll likely start the season with a new one if he's broken it in on time but gave some thought to not changing anything after winning the title last fall."I have them right here in my locker," the first baseman said. "I'm bringing almost everything back I had last... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Jameson Taillon will be the Pittsburgh Pirates' opening-day starter.The right-hander will pitch March 28 against the Reds at Cincinnati, manager Clint Hurdle said Saturday. It will be the first opening-day start of Taillon's four-year career.Taillon was 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts last season."It's a big honor to kick off the season for the boys, try to set the tone," Taillon said at the Pirates' spring training camp. "Obviously, I care about the body of work but it's a big honor. Growing up as a fan of baseball, there was a certain (aura) about being the opening-day starter."Chris Archer will start the home opener April 1 against the St. Louis Cardinals."We put two men in play to represent the club and get us out of the blocks well in the first four games of the season," Hurdle said.Trevor Williams and Joe Musgrove will pitch the second and third games at Cincinnati. The Pirates are undecided on a fifth starter.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Last spring, Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson addressed the Oakland Athletics players before the first full-squad workout in spring training. A's manager Bob Melvin admitted to being a little superstitious and asked the pair of Oakland greats to speak again on Saturday.Why not? The Athletics won 97 games last season and secured a wild-card berth. Melvin wanted to remind the players there's still work to do."We talked about expectations a little bit, kind of where we came from, where we are now and where we expect to go," Melvin said of his address to the full squad.The Athletics' spring will be interrupted by a trip to Japan to play two regular-season games against the Mariners on March 20-21. Both teams will have 28-man rosters so there's no need to push anyone now.Khris Davis, the major League home run leader with 48 last season, looked as if he was ready, launching balls over the fence off Melvin in batting practice."I think he took advantage of the wind," Melvin... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — CC Sabathia can envision the perfect ending to his final big league season."Right now I'm just focused on trying to win the championship and have a parade at the end of the year," Sabathia said Saturday. "That would be a great way to top this thing off."The 38-year-old Sabathia agreed in early November to an $8 million one-year contract and said 2019 will be his last season.Sabathia had a stent inserted after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart in December. He has had chronic right knee problem that has required several operations."Why now? It's time," Sabathia said with a laugh. "My knee, just the shape that it's in. My family is getting older. It's time for me to be with them and be around them."When asked about his dad being home more, son Carter replied, "I know it will be two times funnier in the house because you're funny and mom's funny."Pitchers and catchers at Yankees spring training camp, and some position players taking part in early workouts were... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — St. Louis Cardinals left fielder Marcel Ozuna will be on a limited throwing program to start the spring but is expected to be ready for opening day, manager Mike Shildt said Saturday.Ozuna underwent offseason shoulder surgery and is still in the rehabilitation process."Just making sure that he's being stretched out, healthy and moving forward," Shildt said. "But his program has been nothing but positive feedback, has been great, and he's feeling good."St. Louis acquired Ozuna in a trade with Miami before the 2018 season. He had 37 homers and 124 RBIs in 2017. Hampered by a lingering shoulder injury, Ozuna hit .280 with 23 homers and 88 RBIs for St. Louis last season.Ozuna will serve mostly as a designated hitter once Grapefruit League play begins. He'll be eased back into left field as the spring schedule progresses.Shildt isn't at all worried that the slugger won't be ready when the Cardinals open the season at Milwaukee on March 28."Hasn't caused me (to lose) a wink of sleep," Shildt said.St. Louis is showing similar caution with catcher Yadier Molina, who underwent offseason knee surgery. Molina isn't catching bullpens and probably won't appear behind the plate until a couple weeks into Grapefruit League play.Like Ozuna, Molina will likely DH for the first few weeks of spring games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles have agreed to terms with shortstop Alcides Escobar on a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.Baltimore has been looking to increase its infield depth, and Escobar is expected to challenge for the starting shortstop spot.The 32-year-old Escobar has played 11 seasons with Milwaukee and Kansas City and has a .258 lifetime average. In 2018, he hit .231 with four homers and 31 RBIs.Escobar won the Gold Glove and was an All-Star in 2015, the same year Kansas City won the World Series.In 2014, 2016 and 2017, Escobar played all 162 games.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Veteran reliever Sergio Romo believes Miami's rebuilt roster can become his fountain of youth."I think the youth here gives me energy, gives me confidence that I can still play because I'm with them every day," Romo said. "Yesterday we were running and, yeah, they beat me, but they didn't beat me by much."Miami bucked the trend of clubs filling bullpens with fireballing relievers by signing the 35-year-old right-hander and his 85-mph fastball to a one-year, $2.5 million contract on Friday. Romo employs an array of curves and sliders to set up a fastball that arrives at the plate at the same speed as many major leaguers' change-ups."It's 85, but it's coming hot," said Romo, who will become the second-oldest Marlin should 37-year-old Curtis Granderson make the club out of spring training.Romo saved 84 games for San Francisco from 2008 to 2016, winning three World Series rings. After a year with the Dodgers, he spent the past two seasons with Tampa Bay, recording 25 saves... [More]

DUNDEIN, Fla. (AP) — Reliever John Axford and the Toronto Blue Jays have completed a minor league contract.If added to the 40-man roster, the 35-year-old right-hander would get a one-year contract with a $1.65 million salary while in the major leagues. In the deal, announced Saturday by Toronto, he would have the chance to earn $1.7 million in performance bonuses based on games.Axford was 4-1 with a 4.41 ERA in 45 appearances for Toronto last year, striking out 50 and walking 20 in 51 innings.He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 31, gave up six runs against Houston in his Dodgers debut on Aug. 4, then broke his right leg eight days later when hit by a comebacker against Colorado. He returned Sept. 17, made just one more appearance and did not appear in the postseason.A veteran of 10 major league seasons, Axford also has pitched for Milwaukee (2009-13), St. Louis (2013), Cleveland (2014), Pittsburgh (2014), Colorado (2015) and Oakland (2016-17___More AP MLB: www.apnews.com/MLB and www.twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — After the Cubs lost two straight games at Wrigley Field to give up the NL Central Division title and fall in the wild card game to end the 2018 season, reasons as to why a 95-win season finished short of equaling expectations began to surface.One that was echoed by the front office and the players was the level of leadership that seemed to walk out of the clubhouse with David Ross' retirement after the 2016 World Series."I think they made it clear to everybody," starting pitcher Jon Lester said Wednesday about the front office's belief there was a lack of leadership. "I think they hit the nail on the head."Clearly it was something that had to be addressed by the players already in the clubhouse but the front office did its part by bringing in a veteran like Daniel Descalso.The 32-year old came up in the Cardinals system and has earned the reputation as hard-nosed, clutch, fundamentally strong player who also plays the game hard while at multiple positions.It's that kind... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes says he thinks he'll be able to play at some point this season.Recovering from surgery on both heels, the New York Mets slugger told reporters through a translator at spring training Friday he is finally pain-free. He has been working out and plans to begin throwing next week, but there's no timetable for when the 33-year-old left fielder will start running or hitting — and he's not sure when he might return to the lineup.The team has said Cespedes is expected to be sidelined until at least July. Mets manager Mickey Callaway said this week he hopes Cespedes can contribute "late in the season."The oft-injured Cespedes, who said he's been frustrated and bored while recovering, has been limited to 119 games since signing a $110 million, four-year contract after the 2016 season.He had separate operations to remove calcification and bone spurs from both heels, the first last August and the second in late October.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Yoenis Cespedes says he thinks he'll be able to play at some point this season.Recovering from surgery on both heels, the New York Mets slugger told reporters through a translator at spring training Friday he is finally pain-free. He has been working out and plans to begin throwing next week, but there's no timetable for when the 33-year-old left fielder will start running or hitting — and he's not sure when he might return to the lineup.The team has said Cespedes is expected to be sidelined until at least July. Mets manager Mickey Callaway said this week he hopes Cespedes can contribute "late in the season."The oft-injured Cespedes, who said he's been frustrated and bored while recovering, has been limited to 119 games since signing a $110 million, four-year contract after the 2016 season.He had separate operations to remove calcification and bone spurs from both heels, the first last August and the second in late October.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Forget about this bullpen obsession for a moment. Believe it or not, plenty of big league teams are still anchored by well-armed rotations.In this age of openers and closers, with relievers starting games and starters rarely finishing them, it might seem starting pitchers have been devalued by executives all over baseball.Dallas Keuchel, the 2015 AL Cy Young Award winner, is a 31-year-old free agent still looking for a job. Same for fellow lefty Gio Gonzalez, a two-time All-Star one season removed from going 15-9 with a 2.96 ERA in 201 innings.Meanwhile, short relievers like Zack Britton ($39 million), Jeurys Familia ($30 million), Kelvin Herrera ($18 million) and Joakim Soria ($15 million) had no trouble getting multiyear deals this winter.Doesn't anyone remember what Koufax and Drysdale did for the Dodgers?Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz with the Braves?"At the end of the day, your starting staff is the backbone of your team," Washington ace Max Scherzer said.... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Once Carlos Rodon settled back into the Chicago White Sox rotation last season after returning from shoulder surgery, the left-hander had an impressive stretch of starts before fading badly down the stretch.All that really mattered for Rodon and the White Sox was that he made it through the rest of the season healthy, and got to spring training that way."It felt like a normal year, but actually didn't really feel like a normal year because a normal year for me was going through an injury," Rodon said Friday. "I had a good offseason, got to be healthy, and show I'm healthy and have a healthy spring, so I'm excited."Rodon missed the beginning of the last two seasons because of injury. He was coming back from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder when he made his 2018 debut in June. He made five so-so starts that month.Then came those impressive nine starts in July and August, when he was 5-0 with a 1.84 ERA, a huge boost for a rebuilding White Sox team that lost... [More]