WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dusty Baker wants action from Major League Baseball: End the criticism of the Astros from across baseball over sign stealing, and take steps to ensure pitchers don't throw at his players.“It's not good for the game, it's not good for kids to see it, so I think both,” the new Houston manager said Saturday. “Stop the comments and also stop something before it happens.”Baker spoke in response to a wave of harsh comments during spring training about the Astros' use of video to steal signs in 2017 and 2018. Los Angeles Dodger first baseman Cody Bellinger said Friday the Astros “stole” the 2017 World Series title from them and adds that Jose Altuve did likewise with the MVP, denying the Yankees' Aaron Judge.Houston players, management and ownership spent the first day of camp apologizing for their actions and professing remorse. But many players and front offices around the league didn't feel they went far enough.Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said he wanted... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant realized all along his service-time grievance against the team would be tough to win, and he still believes how he handled himself might help players in the future.The 28-year-old Bryant will be eligible for free agency in two years after arbitrator Mark Irvings ruled against the third baseman last month. If Bryant had been successful, he could have become a a free agent after the 2020 season.Irvings' decision was applauded by Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.“I just saw this as a process that is eventually going to help the players in the next round of negotiating and I was going to be that guy to have the courage to do it,” Bryant said Saturday, speaking to reporters for 35 minutes upon his arrival in Cubs camp.“I know there’s going to be backlash for it and I understand it. It was really important to me to stand up for what I believe in, what we as players believe in and that’s a good thing. There’s no hard feelings at all.” Bryant, who... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Back in a familiar bullpen, Greg Holland is hoping to recapture the glory days.Holland was part of the dominant Royals relief corps that led them to back-to-back World Series. He was a two-time All-Star selection and logged 145 of his career 205 saves with Kansas City.That bullpen also included Wade Davis and Kelvin Herrera, who also were closers.“It’s a good feeling when you have a lead after six, that you’ve won the game. That was kind of the process,” Holland said. “That was a top bullpen from top to bottom for several years. That will be a lasting memory for me."“I try not to take too many steps down memory lane. I just try to stay in the moment,” he said.At 34, Holland is now at spring training with the Royals on a minor league contract. After having surgery near the end of the 2015 season, sitting out 2016 and pitching erratically the last two years, he is trying to earn a job in a bullpen that has a plethora of openings.“They gave me a chance to come into camp,... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Zack Wheeler wants to dial down his little dispute with his former team's general manager.The new Philadelphia right-hander has been trading barbs with New York Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen recently, adding even more intrigue after Wheeler left the Mets to sign with the rival Phillies. On Saturday, Wheeler figured there wasn't much more he needed to add.“I don't want to make this go on any further. I don't think it's meant to go on any further. We're two grown-ups here, and we're battling like little kids, you know what I mean?" Wheeler said. "I'm happy to be here with this group of guys.”Wheeler signed a $118 million, five-year contract with Philadelphia this offseason after pitching for the Mets since his debut season in 2013. Wheeler told the New York Post on Thursday that he circled back with the Mets before signing with Philadelphia. He told the Post “it was basically just crickets.”“It's how they roll,” Wheeler told the newspaper.Van Wagenen responded sharply.“Our... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Three days after telling reporters he wanted to push harder in spring training to improve on last year's slow start, Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke pumped the brakes on two key players.Left-hander Chris Sale and outfielder Alex Verdugo are both recovering from setbacks that could keep them out of the opening day lineup. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is also contemplating his career after playing just nine games in the past two seasons, but the pneumonia-induced weakness that has left Sale short of 100% is the biggest surprise for a team that won it all in 2018 and then never got its title defense going last year.“If we think it's important for him to get a certain amount of starts to build him up at a certain point, that's what we're going to do,” Roenicke said. “And if it means he's not there for opening day, then he's not there for opening day.”Verdugo, who was acquired from the Dodgers in the Mookie Betts trade, has a stress fracture in his spine that Roenicke said... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The first baseball trade in almost 30 years between two teams separated only by a bay and a bridge happened Saturday, when the San Francisco Giants and Oakland Athletics completed a deal.In a move to add experience to their bullpen, the A’s got right-hander Burch Smith from the Giants for cash.The last time Oakland and San Francisco made a trade was on Dec. 4, 1990, when the Athletics acquired outfielder Ernest Riles from the Giants for outfielder Darren Lewis and minor league pitcher Pedro Pena.“So that broke the string, huh?” Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi worked for the A's as their assistant general manager from 2011-14. Zaidi and Oakland general manager David Forst and executive Billy Beane figured they'd talk about deals at some point.“Anytime they feel like they make an upgrade, even if it’s incremental, you do it," Melvin said.Smith was designated for assignment by the Giants last week. He posted a 2.08 ERA... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — A week ago, San Diego Padres outfielder Wil Myers did not expect to start spring training in Arizona.Already traded twice in his career, Myers figured he would be in Florida after another deal.“It seemed extremely real at that given moment,” Myers said.But after a winter of rumors, Myers arrived in the Padres' camp Saturday with no hard feelings, a $20 million salary and a new approach that he believes will help him return to previous production levels.“That's the way that things go. Trades come and go. Sometimes they get serious and sometimes they kind of fade out. That's the way the way the game goes. There's no fault to anybody. That's the way the business of baseball is," he said."We’re just here to play, and wherever they decide to play me or whatever team it is, that's just the way it goes,” he said.After hitting 58 homers and stealing 28 bases in 2016-17 while becoming an All-Star, Myers suffered arm, oblique and foot injuries that limited him to 83 games in... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dusty Baker wants action from Major League Baseball: End the criticism of the Astros from across baseball over sign stealing, and take steps to ensure pitchers don't throw at his players.“It's not good for the game, it's not good for kids to see it, so I think both,” the new Houston manager said Saturday. “Stop the comments and also stop something before it happens.”Baker spoke in response to a wave of harsh comments during spring training about the Astros' use of video to steal signs in 2017 and 2018. Los Angeles Dodger first baseman Cody Bellinger said Friday the Astros “stole” the 2017 World Series title from them and adds that Jose Altuve did likewise with the MVP, denying the Yankees' Aaron Judge.Houston players, management and ownership spent the first day of camp apologizing for their actions and professing remorse. But many players and front offices around the league didn't feel they went far enough.Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said he wanted... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Yankees manager Aaron Boone is embracing the enhanced high expectations after the addition of ace Gerrit Cole to his 103-win team.Nine-time Stanley Cup-winning coach and baseball fan Scotty Bowman agrees with the approach."He had a good young team last year and they're all back, and now they added," Bowman said. "So, how can he not be like he's got a good shot at winning. It's got to give them a lot of confidence."Bowman won five of his titles, including four in a row from 1976-79, in Montreal, where expectations rival those in New York.But it takes more than talent to win it all. Perseverance, commitment and sometimes luck play roles, too."There's no magic formula," the 86-year-old Bowman said.Currently a Chicago Blackhawks senior adviser, Bowman lives in Florida and is a regular at spring training games.The Yankees haven't won the World Series since 2009. New York captured the AL East and swept Minnesota in the division series before losing to Cole and the Astros in... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Stephen Strasburg has no interest in engaging in the typical spring training chatter between a pitcher and his manager or coaching staff or GM.How did it go out there today? How's the arm after that bullpen session? How do you feel?"I kind of don't really like people asking me how I'm feeling. Because it doesn't matter, you know?" the Washington Nationals right-hander explained. "It doesn't matter in October, so you kind of have to get used to learning to listen to your body, but know when to push, when to scale back, and just try and ride the wave of the season."So, naturally, listen to how Nationals skipper Dave Martinez described his regular patter with his guys."I've asked them, probably 12 times a day, 'How you feeling? How you feeling? How you feeling? How you feeling?' And they're all like, 'Good, ready to go,'" Martinez said. That, in part, is because this spring is different from others for the Nationals: It follows a shorter-than-usual offseason, on... [More]

TAMPA. Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had suspected that the Houston Astros had been breaking rules against electronic sign stealing long before Commissioner Rob Manfred released his report in January that resulted in three big league managers losing their jobs."I'll acknowledge that we had many a conversation with Major League Baseball the last number of years about suspicions, but having suspicions and being able to prove it are two different things," Cashman said Friday.Cashman also talked with other teams regarding the matter. Manfred recently disciplined the Astros after he agreed the team broke rules by using electronics to steal signs during 2017 and 2018. Houston manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow were given one-year suspensions by Manfred and were then fired by Astros owner Jim Crane. Boston manager Alex Cora and New York Mets skipper Carlos Beltrán also lost their jobs. Cora was a coach and Beltrán played for the 2017 Astros in his final season as... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dusty Baker wants action from Major League Baseball: End the criticism of the Astros from across baseball over sign stealing, and take steps to ensure pitchers don't throw at his players.“It's not good for the game, it's not good for kids to see it, so I think both,” the new Houston manager said Saturday. “Stop the comments and also stop something before it happens.”Baker spoke in response to a wave of harsh comments during spring training about the Astros' use of video to steal signs in 2017 and 2018. Los Angeles Dodger first baseman Cody Bellinger said Friday the Astros “stole” the 2017 World Series title from them and adds that Jose Altuve did likewise with the MVP, denying the Yankees' Aaron Judge.Houston players, management and ownership spent the first day of camp apologizing for their actions and professing remorse. But many players and front offices around the league didn't feel they went far enough.Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said he wanted... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Chicago Cubs star Kris Bryant realized all along his service-time grievance against the team would be tough to win, and he still believes how he handled himself might help players in the future.The 28-year-old Bryant will be eligible for free agency in two years after arbitrator Mark Irvings ruled against the third baseman last month. If Bryant had been successful, he could have become a a free agent after the 2020 season.Irvings' decision was applauded by Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.“I just saw this as a process that is eventually going to help the players in the next round of negotiating and I was going to be that guy to have the courage to do it,” Bryant said Saturday, speaking to reporters for 35 minutes upon his arrival in Cubs camp.“I know there’s going to be backlash for it and I understand it. It was really important to me to stand up for what I believe in, what we as players believe in and that’s a good thing. There’s no hard feelings at all.” Bryant, who... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Astros manager Dusty Baker wants action from Major League Baseball: End the critcism of his team from across baseball over sign stealing, and take steps to ensure pitchers don't throw at his players.“It's not good for the game, it's not good for kids to see it, so I think both,” the new Houston manager said Saturday. “Stop the comments and also stop something before it happens.”Baker spoke in response to a wave of harsh comments during spring training about the Astros' use of video to steal signs in 2017 and 2018. Los Angeles Dodger first baseman Cody Bellinger said Friday the Astros “stole” the 2017 World Series title from them and adds that Jose Altuve did likewise with the MVP, denying the Yankees' Aaron Judge.Houston players, management and ownership spent the first day of camp apologizing for their actions and professing remorse. But many players and front offices around the league didn't feel they went far enough.Washington general manager Mike Rizzo said... [More]

TAMPA. Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had suspected that the Houston Astros had been breaking rules against electronic sign stealing long before Commissioner Rob Manfred released his report in January that resulted in three big league managers losing their jobs."I'll acknowlege at that we had many a conversion with Major League Baseball the last number of years about suspicions, but having suspicions and being able to prove it are two different things," Cashman said Friday.Cashman also talked with other teams regarding the matter. Manfred recently disciplined the Astros after he agreed the team broke rules by using electronics to steal signs during 2017 and 2018. Houston manager AJ Hinch and GM Jeff Luhnow were given one-year suspensions by Manfred and were then fired by Astros owner Jim Crane. Boston manager Alex Cora and New York Mets skipper Carlos Beltrán also lost their jobs. Cora was a coach and Beltrán played for the 2017 Astros in his final season as... [More]

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Zack Wheeler wants to dial down his little dispute with his former team's general manager.The new Philadelphia right-hander has been trading barbs with New York Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen recently, adding even more intrigue after Wheeler left the Mets to sign with the rival Phillies. On Saturday, Wheeler figured there wasn't much more he needed to add.“I don't want to make this go on any further. I don't think it's meant to go on any further. We're two grown-ups here, and we're battling like little kids, you know what I mean?" Wheeler said. "I'm happy to be here with this group of guys.”Wheeler signed a $118 million, five-year contract with Philadelphia this offseason after pitching for the Mets since his debut season in 2013. Wheeler told the New York Post on Thursday that he circled back with the Mets before signing with Philadelphia. He told the Post “it was basically just crickets.”“It's how they roll,” Wheeler told the newspaper.Van Wagenen responded sharply.“Our... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — New Boston Red Sox outfielder Kevin Pillar grew up in the Los Angeles area as a Lakers fan and named his daughter “Kobie,” after Kobe Bryant.He said he was most impressed with what Bryant has done after he retired from the NBA. Pillar said he hopes to write a children's book about baseball like the one Bryant wrote about basketball, but he was waiting until his playing career is over to approach Bryant about it.“That's something that's going to haunt me,” Pillar said.Bryant died in a helicopter crash Jan. 26 with his 12-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people. Pillar said he was at a park with his wife and daughter when he saw a tweet reporting the news, but he couldn't believe it at first.“I'll have that memory as long as I live," he said.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander elected not to throw his scheduled bullpen session and No. 2 starter Zack Greinke isn't even in camp yet, adding to an unusual start to Houston's spring training.Verlander's name appeared on Houston's daily schedule as a thrower, but a team spokesman said Verlander threw a 60-pitch bullpen on Tuesday before camp opened and requested “a little extra time before he threw again.”Greinke isn't expected to arrive in camp until Feb. 22 — opening day of the Astros' Grapefruit League schedule. His absence is not a surprise to the club.Astros manager Dusty Baker said Greinke is 100% healthy.“He’s working out and is in contact with our training staff and (pitching coach) Brent Strom,” Baker said. “We’re not worried about him. This guy is a guy who works and so when he comes to camp we expect him to fall back in place with everybody else.”Verlander and Greinke have three Cy Young Awards between them, with Verlander claiming the award last season.This will... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander elected not to throw his scheduled bullpen session and No. 2 starter Zack Grienke isn't even in camp yet, adding to an unusual start to Houston's spring training.Verlander's name appeared on Houston's daily schedule as a thrower, but a team spokesman said Verlander threw a 60-pitch bullpen on Tuesday before camp opened and requested “a little extra time before he threw again.”Grienke isn't expected to arrive in camp until Feb. 22 — opening day of the Astros' Grapefruit League schedule. His absence is not a surprise to the club.Astros manager Dusty Baker said Grienke is 100% healthy.“He’s working out and is contact with our training staff and (pitching coach) Brent Strom,” Baker said. “We’re not worried about him. This guy is a guy who works and so when he comes to camp we expect him to fall back in place with everybody else.”Verlander and Grienke have three Cy Young Awards between them, with Verlander claiming the award last season.This will... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians are already dealing with adversity before taking the field for their first full-squad workout.Starter Mike Clevinger could be sidelined two months after undergoing surgery Friday to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury the right-hander sustained while working out at the team's training complex in Goodyear, Arizona, earlier this week.“He was doing some drills a couple days ago,” manager Terry Francona said before Clevinger had the procedure. "He felt something. We took him to the training room. Then we let him go home to see how he feels. I think our trainers were a little nervous at the outset that this has meniscus written all over it. He was pretty sore so they got him an MRI."The Indians estimate Clevinger will be able to return to “major league game activity” in 6 to 8 weeks. Cleveland opens the season on March 26 against Detroit.If there's a bright spot, it's that the injury happened early in camp and not closer to the season's start.“It's... [More]