LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ask baseball managers what they think about the dreaded shift, and most of them have the same answer.It's not a problem if the hitters don't make it one."There's an easy way to combat that," Oakland's Bob Melvin said. "Just hit the ball the other way."It's a simple enough solution, though certainly an obvious one. Who among us, after all, hasn't screamed at a batter to push the ball the other way or even bunt for a sure hit when the defense is loaded up on one side of the infield?The guys in the dugout surely have, even if job security dictates they do their screaming silently."If a guy can use the whole field, they're not going to shift you," the Marlins' Don Mattingly said.Unfortunately, guys don't use the whole field anymore. They haven't for some time because they play baseball to make money and the players who make the most money try to hit the ball as hard as they can to the place they're most comfortable hitting it.Hitters aren't going to adapt. There's no real incentive... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ask baseball managers what they think about the dreaded shift, and most of them have the same answer.It's not a problem if the hitters don't make it one."There's an easy way to combat that," Oakland's Bob Melvin said. "Just hit the ball the other way."It's a simple enough solution, though certainly an obvious one. Who among us, after all, hasn't screamed at a batter to push the ball the other way or even bunt for a sure hit when the defense is loaded up on one side of the infield.The guys in the dugout surely have, even if job security dictates they do their screaming silently."If a guy can use the whole field they're not going to shift you," the Marlins' Don Mattingly said.Unfortunately, guys don't use the whole field anymore. They haven't for some time because they play baseball to make money and the players who make the most money try to hit the ball as hard as they can to the place they're most comfortable hitting it.Hitters aren't going to adapt. There's no real incentive... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt's move from Arizona to St. Louis made Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts so happy, he was smelling roses.Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, not so much.St. Louis acquired the six-time All-Star first baseman from the Diamondbacks last week for pitcher Luke Weaver, catcher Carson Kelly, minor league infielder Andy Young and a 2019 draft pick."I don't like the Diamondbacks right now at all, I really don't," Maddon said Tuesday, knowing the NL Central rival Cardinals had strengthened their batting order. "When he sashays into the clubhouse and everybody sees him walking in there, they all become better. That definitely makes them much more difficult to beat next year."Roberts' Dodgers will face Goldschmidt a lot less frequently in the NL West."Goldy, he can stay in the Central as long as he wants. I'm trying to work getting him in the American League next," Roberts said. "I hope he's happy. I got to send him flowers."Goldschmidt can become a free agent... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Here along the Strip, the Boston Red Sox are placing their bets on a new leadoff man.AL MVP Mookie Betts will hit second next year, a season after he led the big leagues in batting average and slugging percentage from the top spot.Andrew Benintendi will move up a slot and hit first for the majors' highest-scoring team, manager Alex Cora said Tuesday at the winter meetings."I think we're going to maximize Mookie in a different spot. Flip-flop them, Beni leading off and Mookie hitting second. Talked to him, it makes sense," Cora said."You guys saw what happened towards the end of the season, he became very passive again," he said. "And it's not that I don't like that, I know what type of hitter he is. But I think doing that, Beni can be aggressive. ... He's a good runner. He gets on base, and I put it this way to Mookie. And I know Beni's OK with it. But if you play 162 games, you're going to come up 162 at-bats with nobody on."Betts topped the majors in batting (.346) and... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton finalized a $5.25 million contract Tuesday that includes up to $1 million in performance bonuses and a mutual option for 2020.The Royals hope that spacious Kauffman Stadium will allow Hamilton to better use his speed than the bandbox of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where he spent his first six seasons with the Reds."Speed, athleticism, defensive ability. He brings a sense of trepidation when he steps on the field, not only as a defender but as an offensive player, too," manager Ned Yost said at the winter meetings in Las Vegas. "I've talked to a lot of Cincinnati people about him and they absolutely loved him. But we've been spoiled for years with Lorenzo Cain in center field, a tremendous defender in a big ballpark and having Billy roaming that ground from gap to gap out there."Hamilton's deal, announced Tuesday, calls for a $4.25 million salary next year and a $7.5 million mutual option with... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Los Angeles Angels slugger Albert Pujols has been cleared to do extensive upper body work and also has begun low-impact lower body exercises as he recovers from surgery on his left knee and right elbow.Pujols isn't yet ready to swing a bat but continues to progress as he works with a strength coach, general manager Billy Eppler said. The first baseman and designated hitter had season-ending knee surgery in August followed by the elbow procedure in September to remove bone spurs."I know that he's getting a lot of his work in," Eppler said. "We all know the work ethic of him."Pujols, who turns 39 next month, batted .245 with 19 homers and 64 RBIs playing 117 games in his 18th season. He has 633 career home runs.Two-way star Shohei Ohtani is back home in Japan continuing his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery Oct. 1. The AL Rookie of the Year's range of motion "is in very good shape," according to Eppler, and he has full extension and flexion of the right arm."That's a... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Andrew McCutchen moving into Philadelphia's outfield, more talk about a megadeal involving Noah Syndergaard and J.T. Realmuto and veteran pitcher Ivan Nova on the go.The winter meetings picked up a bit Tuesday, but any big deals for the likes of Corey Kluber, Manny Machado and Bryce Harper remained on deck.There were reports the Baltimore Orioles, finally, were close to hiring a manager in Chicago Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde. But the O's said those stories were premature and they wouldn't make a decision before leaving Las Vegas."We don't have a manager," newly hired general manager Mike Elias said.The World Series champion Red Sox made a move, too — with their lineup. AL MVP Mookie Betts will shift out of the leadoff spot and bat behind Andrew Benintendi, manager Alex Cora said."I think we're going to maximize Mookie in a different spot. Flip-flop them, Beni leading off and Mookie hitting second. Talked to him, it makes sense," Cora said."And I know Beni's OK with it.... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Oakland Athletics and catcher Chris Herrmann have agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract.General manager David Forst had put getting a catcher among his top to-do items, and the A's found one Tuesday at the winter meetings.The 31-year-old Herrmann played 36 games for Seattle last season, batting .237 with two homers and seven RBIs. He had a $1.3 million salary.Houston claimed him off waivers from the Mariners last month, then failed to offer a 2019 contract and allowed him to become a free agent.A lefty hitter, he can make an additional $100,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 200, 250, 300 and 350 plate appearances.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Right-hander Ivan Nova was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday for minor league pitcher Yordi Rosario and $500,000 in international signing bonus pool allocation.A 31-year-old right-hander, Nova was 9-9 with a 4.19 ERA in 29 starts this season, striking out 114 in 161 innings. He is 78-64 with a 4.26 ERA in nine seasons with the New York Yankees (2010-16) and Pirates (2016-18).Chicago was looking for a starter since touted rookie Michael Kopech had Tommy John surgery in September."We think he's going to be able to eat up some innings and pitch effectively for us," Chicago manager Rick Renteria said. "I think the front office was doing their due diligence in trying to acquire someone of Nova's status and stature, and all the reports from everybody we've spoken to, this kid's a good pick up for us."Nova has a $8.5 million base salary next year in the final season of a $26 million, three-year contract, then can become a free agent.Renteria... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals and speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton have finalized a $5.25 million contract that includes up to $1 million in performance bonuses and a mutual option for 2020.The Royals hope that spacious Kauffman Stadium will allow Hamilton to better use his speed than the bandbox of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, where he spent his first six seasons with the Reds.His deal, announced Tuesday, calls for a $4.25 million salary next year and a $7.5 million mutual option with a $1 million buyout He can earn $100,000 each for making 325 plate appearances and every additional 25 through 550.The 28-year-old made his big league debut in 2013, then proceeded to have four consecutive seasons in which he stole at least 50 bases. That number dipped to 34 last season, when the switch-hitting Hamilton hit .236 with four homers and 29 RBIs as the Reds' everyday center fielder.The Reds ultimately did not tender Hamilton a contract after paying him $4.6 million... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Troy Tulowitzki has been released by the Toronto Blue Jays, who owe the oft-injured shortstop $38 million for the remaining two years of his contract.Now 34, Tulowitzki has not played in the major leagues since July 2017. He was limited that year to 66 games because of a hamstring and right ankle injury. The ankle required surgery last spring and he missed the entire season.Tulowitzki was taken by Colorado with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft and became a five-time All-Star. The Rockies agreed after the 2010 season to a $157.75 million, 10-year contract that added $132 million over seven seasons, then traded him in July 2015 to Toronto in a deal that brought shortstop Jose Reyes to Colorado.While Tulowitzki helped the Blue Jays reach that year's AL Championship Series, he slumped the next year and then was derailed by injuries.He is owed $20 million for next year, $14 million for 2020 and a $4 million buyout of the 2021 team option.Toronto, which announced the move Tuesday at the winter meetings, will be paying Tulowitzki for many years: $5 million of his 2019 salary is deferred at 3 percent interest and is payable in 10 equal installments each Jan. 1 from 2025-34. In addition, the buyout is due in $2 million installments on July 1 in 2021 and 2022.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The champion Boston Red Sox aren't looking to cut the biggest payroll in the big leagues.After exceeding all three luxury tax thresholds paid off in a World Series title, the Red Sox anticipate going over the levels again next year even though they're increasing.Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski dismissed reports he is trying to trade some high-priced players, such as pitcher Rick Porcello."I've heard those tweets," he said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "We're not looking to move anybody. We're not driven to move anybody."Boston had the highest payroll for the first time in the free agent era. The Red Sox luxury tax payroll as of Aug. 31 was nearly $239 million, and Dombrowski said he thinks the Red Sox will be over $246 million next season.The Red Sox re-signed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi last week to a $68 million, four-year contract.Last season, Boston far exceeded the $197 million luxury tax threshold, the $217 million level for the first surcharge... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):4:04 p.m.The big-budget Boston Red Sox aren't looking to cut payroll after winning the World Series.Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is dismissing reports that he's trying to trade some high-priced players, such as pitcher Rick Porcello."We're not looking to move anybody. We're not driven to move anybody," he said.The Red Sox had the highest payroll in the majors for the first time in the free agent era. It was nearly $239 million in late August on Boston's way to a team-record 108 wins in the regular season.Dombrowski says he thinks the team payroll will be over $246 million next year.___3:55 p.m.The Oakland Athletics have reached agreement with catcher Chris Herrmann on a $1 million, one-year contract.General manager David Forst had put getting a catcher among his top to-do items, and the A's found one at the winter meetings.The 31-year-old Herrmann played 36 games for Seattle... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):3:26 p.m.The St. Louis Cardinals have traded third baseman Patrick Wisdom to the Texas Rangers for infielder/outfielder Drew Robinson.The 27-year-old Wisdom made his major league debut last season, hitting .260 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 32 games. He spent most of the season at Triple-A Memphis, hitting .288 with 15 homers and 61 RBIs.The 26-year-old Robinson batted .183 with three homers and nine RBIs in 47 games for Texas. He is from Las Vegas, where this trade was announced during the winter meetings.___3:19 p.m.Former Texas pitcher Brandon McCarthy has been hired by the Rangers as special assistant to the general manager.McCarthy ended his 14-year career by going 6-3 in 15 starts for the Braves last season. He pitched three years for Texas early in his career.The Rangers say the 35-year-old McCarthy will be involved in all aspects of pitching development at the major and minor league level.___2:02... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Seattle manager Scott Servais hopes his team can find success rebuilding with youth much the way the AL West rival Oakland Athletics have done.A flurry of offseason trades by general manager Jerry Dipoto sent lots of stars out of the Pacific Northwest in the past month."We've made a few changes, but we had to make a decision organizationally where we were at," Servais said Tuesday at the winter meetings. "We weren't quite good enough to get into the playoffs the last three years even though we won a lot of ballgames. So maybe taking a step back, a little bit younger, readjust the core and see where that takes us."Gone is the core of Seattle's roster: ace James Paxton, All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, along with infielders Robinson Cano and Jean Segura. Catcher Mike Zunino, right-handers Juan Nicasio, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and lefty setup man James Pazos, too."The James Paxtons and the Mike Zuninos. Then certainly Robbie and Jean, what can you say about Eddie Diaz?" Servais... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Troy Tulowitzki has been released by the Toronto Blue Jays, who owe the oft-injured shortstop $38 million for the remaining two years of his contract.Now 34, Tulowitzki has not played in the major leagues since July 2017. He was limited that year to 66 games because of a hamstring and right ankle injury. The ankle required surgery last spring and he missed the entire season.Tulowitzki was taken by Colorado with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft and became a five-time All-Star. The Rockies agreed after the 2010 season to a $157.75 million, 10-year contract that added $132 million over seven seasons, then traded him in July 2015 to Toronto in a deal that brought shortstop Jose Reyes to Colorado.While Tulowitzki helped the Blue Jays reach that year's AL Championship Series, he slumped the next year and then was derailed by injuries.He is owed $20 million for next year, $14 million for 2020 and a $4 million buyout of the 2021 team option.Toronto announced the move Tuesday at the winter meetings.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Jessica Mendoza will have more of a presence on various ESPN platforms starting next baseball season.Mendoza signed a multiyear extension with ESPN to remain part of the "Sunday Night Baseball" announcer's booth and make more studio appearances.In 2015, Mendoza became the first female analyst for a nationally televised MLB game. She did her first Sunday night game on Aug. 30, 2015."Being in New York for 10 days during the World Series and appearing on a bunch of shows, I felt like it was a trial run to have more of a studio presence," Mendoza said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. "The more consistently I started to do it, the more I grew to love it. It allows me to push baseball ideas and content in a bunch of different places."Mendoza, who has been with the network since 2007, has already been a fixture on "Baseball Tonight" for many seasons but the new agreement means she will appear more regularly on "SportsCenter" and "Get Up!"Mendoza's main assignment will remain "Sunday... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):2:02 p.m.Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais hopes his team can find success rebuilding with youth much the way the AL West rival Oakland Athletics have done.A flurry of offseason trades by general manager Jerry Dipoto sent so many stars out of the Pacific Northwest in the past month.Gone is the core of Seattle's old lineup: ace James Paxton, infielder Robinson Cano, catcher Mike Zunino. Infielder Jean Segura and right-handers Juan Nicasio and Edwin Diaz. Outfielder Guillermo Heredia and lefty setup man James Pazos, too.Whew! See why Mariners fans might understandably be a little apprehensive about the transformation, even after an 89-73 season that failed to end a nearly two-decade playoff drought — they were third in the AL West and missed the playoffs for a 17th straight season."We've made a few changes, but we had to make a decision organizationally where we were at," Servais said at the winter... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Latest on Major League Baseball's winter meetings (all times local):1:22 p.m.All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, is subject to a successful physical.The 32-year-old McCutchen was an All-Star each season from 2011-15, topping .300 in batting average from 2012-14. He was the NL MVP in 2013.McCutchen spent nine years with Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Francisco last winter. He was dealt to the New York Yankees on Aug. 31 and hit .255 with 20 homers and 65 RBIs in 155 games overall this year.McCutchen has 223 homers, a .287 average and 790 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.Philadelphia remains interested in Bryce Harper, the top free agent on the market, but has a surplus of outfielders, including Odubel... [More]

LAS VEGAS (AP) — All-Star outfielder Andrew McCutchen and the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a $50 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the agreement, which includes a club option for 2022, is subject to a successful physical.The 32-year-old McCutchen was an All-Star each season from 2011-15, topping .300 in batting average from 2012-14. He was the NL MVP in 2013.McCutchen nine years with Pittsburgh before he was traded to San Francisco last winter. He was dealt to the New York Yankees on Aug. 31 and hit .255 with 20 homers and 65 RBIs in 155 games overall this year.McCutchen has 223 homers, a .287 average and 790 RBIs in 10 major league seasons.Philadelphia remains interested in Bryce Harper, the top free agent on the market, but has a surplus of outfielders, including Odubel Herrera, Nick Williams, Aaron Altherr and Roman Quinn.Rhys Hoskins is moving from... [More]