TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton imagined having the advantage the Houston Astros gained in their scam."If knew what was coming in '17, I probably would have hit 80-plus home runs," he said Wednesday.Stanton agreed with teammate Aaron Judge that the Astros should be stripped of their 2017 World Series title and that they kept on cheating during the 2019 season.Major League Baseball concluded the Astros used a video camera to steal catchers' signs in 2017, including during the postseason, and in 2018. "They did their investigation and it was clear-cut that they cheated that year, which means it should be taken away," Stanton said. "If you cheat in another way during the season, you can't even be in the playoffs. It's pretty much the same difference."Houston owner Jim Crane said at a news conference last week he wasn't sure how much of an advantage the sign stealing was for his team.Houston beat the Yankees in a seven-game AL Championship Series in 2017, winning... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Marcus Semien stayed with his batting cage routine from the start of last season, and it paid off with career numbers for the Oakland Athletics’ slugging shortstop.Semien posted career-best numbers with 33 home runs, 92 RBIs, a .285 batting average and 187 hits. All from almost exclusively the leadoff spot in 2019, from where he helped lead the A’s to their second straight AL wild-card game.“In years past I felt like I was searching a little bit, trying to find something that felt right,” Semien said Wednesday at spring training. “And I stuck with something the whole year. I did in my lower half. It was more in my legs with my swing and just learned a lot about my swing.”Semien, at 29 years old now in his sixth season with the A’s, said his home runs were a byproduct of being ahead in the count more often and swinging at strikes. He hit 22 of his home runs from July to September.Semien was as reliable as any A’s player in the A’s 97-win 2019 campaign. He played all 162... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Christian Yelich was driven last year by a desire to improve on the performance that earned him the NL MVP award in 2018.He won his second straight NL batting title and finished second to the Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger in the MVP vote, his season cut short when he fouled a pitch from Miami's Elieser Hernández off his right kneecap on Sept. 10, breaking it."There will be no lack of motivation," Yelich said.He is likely to have less protection in the batting order following the departures of Jesús Aguilar, Yasmani Grandal, Mike Moustakas, Travis Shaw and Eric Thames."It's hard to stay disciplined every day," Yelich said. "You really have to bear down and focus, but I feel like if you do that, you make good decisions, and walks help the team, too. That's just how I've done it, it's what I did last season, especially toward the end there, and it's what I'm gong to work on again this year."The 28-year-old hit .329 with 44 homers, 97 RBIs and an 1.100 OPS in 130 games... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder Andrew Velazquez on waivers from the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday. Velazquez, a 25-year-old from the Bronx, has hit .152 in 28 games with Tampa Bay and Cleveland and joins a crowded competion for an infield spot with Baltimore. Last season, he hit .087 (2 for 23) in 15 games with the Rays and Indians. He's played six positions in the major leagues. To make room for Velazquez on the 40-man roster, the Orioles designated infielder Richard Urena, who had been claimed on waivers from Toronto on January 10, for assignment. Baltimore has 68 players on its spring training roster. NOTE: 1B Chris Davis was sent home on Wednesday due to illness. __More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — If, as he hopes, and the Washington Nationals hope, Carter Kieboom earns a job this spring as the reigning World Series champions' starting third baseman, he'll do so with the help of years' worth of ideas typed into the Notes app on his cellphone.Ever since Kieboom was in high school in Marietta, Georgia -- OK, not all that long ago, given that he's still just 22 -- the 2016 first-round draft pick has kept a list of tips and observations he figures will make him a better ballplayer."There's no one right way to do things, which is what makes this game so special. For me, especially at a young age, we're given so much information, and I'm constantly trying to improve my game," said Kieboom, who split fielding reps at third with versatile veteran Asdrúbal Cabrera on Wednesday."It's too much just to keep in your head," Kieboom said. "You've got to put it down and read it as you go along and fall back on it."His development should be one of the most intriguing story... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The World Series rematch between the Washington Nationals and Houston Astros, who've been embroiled in the fallout from a sign-stealing scandal, that will open the teams' exhibition schedule Saturday just got a little more interesting: Max Scherzer will be on the mound.After his initial batting practice of spring training Wednesday, Scherzer said he's "right on target" and "threw just enough pitches -- just right -- to be able to get back out here in a couple days when the games start up."When Washington manager Dave Martinez was told that his three-time Cy Young Award winner made clear to reporters he would be starting against Houston, the skipper joked: "Of course. He's doing my job."Scherzer simulated throwing two innings, each of about 20 pitches, taking a break after facing Adam Eaton, Trea Turner and Starlin Castro in the first go-round. Three other batters "Can feel the shoulder is a little tired," Scherzer said. "Right where you want it."So, Max, it's... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Ultilityman Brock Holt and the Milwaukee Brewers finalized a one-year contract Wednesday, a deal that includes a team option for 2021.The 31-year-old left-handed batter had spent his first eight major league seasons with the Boston Red Sox and was an All-Star in 2015.He hit a career-high .297 last year with three homers and 31 RBIs in 295 plate appearances while playing every position except pitcher, catcher and center field. “Ï told him that you don't know where you're going to play, you just know that we'll find a spot for you to play," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “He comes with a great reputation from everywhere that he's been." Holt got off to a 1-for-16 start last year after he was scratched in the right eye by 2-year-old son Griffin before the season opener, then went on the injured list April 6. Slowed by right shoulder inflammation, Holt didn't return to the Red Sox until May 27.He has a .271 career batting average and .714 OPS. "It gives Craig tremendous flexibility. It allows him to mix and match in a variety of different ways over the course of the season depending of who's healthy, who's performing, who we're playing," Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns said.Milwaukee designated right-handed reliever Taylor Williams for assignment to open a roster spot.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports___

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says he doesn't feel an urgency to clear the air with apparently disgruntled third baseman Nolan Arenado.Bridich displayed no worries about his relationship with his best player Tuesday night when he spoke at the Cactus League media day.The executive says he'll have a conversation at some point with Arenado, who recently said he felt “disrespect” from Bridich and disappointment in the Rockies' direction.“Today was Day Two, (and) yesterday was Day One with him in camp,” Bridich said. “We’ve seen each other. We haven’t sat yet, but I trust that we will. He’s just like all the other players. We’ll find time to sit down and interact, both with myself and others, so I trust we’ll find the right time for that.”Arenado and the Rockies are one week shy of the anniversary of the five-time All-Star's agreement on an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with his only big league club. The three-time NL homers leader's relationship... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — The San Diego Padres are not taking their long tradition of bullpen excellence for granted this season.Newcomers Drew Pomeranz and Emilio Pagan were added to join defending major league saves leader Kirby Yates and reigning NL holds leader Craig Stammen after Padres’ relievers had an uncharacteristic hiccup last year.“It’s a culture that was created a long time ago, and it’s now under our watch to keep that going,” said Stammen, who has energized his career with the Padres after a torn flexor muscle forced him to miss 2016.“We take that very seriously. We don’t want to be the weak link in the chain, and I think the way they built the bullpen this year, we’ll keep that tradition going.”Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman (601 saves) passed the baton to Heath Bell, Huston Street and Craig Kimbel in the mid-2010s before Yates had 41 saves in his first full season as closer last year, when the bullpen slipped to a 4.52 ERA, its highest since 2003.“To be in an organization with... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees star Giancarlo Stanton imagined having the advantage the Houston Astros gained in their scam."If knew what was coming in '17, I probably would have hit 80-plus home runs," he said Wednesday.Stanton agreed with teammate Aaron Judge that the Astros should be stripped of their 2017 World Series title and that they kept on cheating during the 2019 season.Major League Baseball concluded the Astros used a video camera to steal catcher’s signs in 2017, including during the postseason, and in 2018. "They did their investigation and it was clear-cut that they cheated that year, which means it should be taken away," Stanton said. "If you cheat in another way during the season, you can't even be in the playoffs. It's pretty much the same difference."Houston owner Jim Crane said at a news conference last week he wasn't sure how much of an advantage the sign stealing was for his team.Houston beat the Yankees in a seven-game AL Championship Series in 2017, winning... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for what he called a disrespectful reference to the World Series trophy as a “piece of metal.”Even before being asked about it, Manfred said he made a mistake with those comments while trying to deliver a rhetorical point in an interview two days earlier.“I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way, and I want to apologize for it,” Manfred said. "There's no excuse for it. ... It was a mistake to say what I said."MLB players, already upset with Manfred's handling of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and some of his comments in trying to explain it, became further infuriated by his “piece of metal” comment during a lengthy interview with ESPN on Sunday, the same day he spoke in Florida.Even NBA superstar LeBron James joined the anti-Astros chorus, voicing his anger on social media Tuesday.While speaking at the Cactus League media day in the Arizona desert, Manfred also pledged Tuesday to protect... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred’s stern warning covering the intentional beaning of Houston players in the wake of the Astros' sign-stealing scandal hasn’t stopped an offshore sports book from publishing odds on a variety of bets related to possible plunkings.The player who’s the favorite to get hit the most according to these odds? Third baseman Alex Bregman, whose news conference apology last week was not well received.The possibility of Houston’s hitters being intentionally hit this season has become a topic of discussion after pitchers around the league have either said or implied they would throw at them. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling, who was on the team that lost to the Astros in the 2017 World Series, said he would “lean toward yes” when asked if he would consider throwing at Houston batters this season. Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger, who has been outspoken against the Astros since the cheating scandal emerged, said he doesn’t think “it’s... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Brian Goodwin and Arizona reliever Archie Bradley went to salary arbitration hearings Tuesday.Goodwin asked a panel for a raise to $2.2 million and the team argued for $1.85 million. He hit .262 last year and set career bests with 17 homers and 47 RBIs in 458 plate appearances for the Angels, who claimed him off waivers from Kansas City last year. The 29-year-old was eligible for the first time after earning $585,500 last year.A decision by arbitrators Dan Brent, Melinda Gordon and Elizabeth Neumeier is expected Thursday, when decisions also are due for Miami first baseman Jesús Aguilar and Houston backup infielder Aledmys Díaz. Bradley's decision is expected Saturday.A 27-year right-hander, Bradley asked arbitrators Andrew Strongin, Steven Wolf and Jules Bloch for a raise from $1.83 million to $4.1 million, and the team argued for $3,625,000. Bradley was 4-5 with a 3.52 ERA in 65 relief appearances and one start last year. He struck out 87 and... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for what he called a disrespectful reference to the World Series trophy as a “piece of metal.”Even before being asked about it, Manfred said he made a mistake with those comments while trying to deliver a rhetorical point in an interview two days earlier.“I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way, and I want to apologize for it,” Manfred said. "There's no excuse for it. ... It was a mistake to say what I said."MLB players, already upset with Manfred's handling of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and some of his comments in trying to explain it, became further infuriated by his “piece of metal” comment during a lengthy interview with ESPN on Sunday, the same day he spoke in Florida.Even NBA superstar LeBron James joined the anti-Astros chorus, voicing his anger on social media Tuesday.While speaking at the Cactus League media day in the Arizona desert, Manfred also pledged Tuesday to protect... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Colorado Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich says he doesn't feel an urgency to clear the air with apparently disgruntled third baseman Nolan Arenado.Bridich displayed no worries about his relationship with his best player Tuesday night when he spoke at the Cactus League media day.The executive says he'll have a conversation at some point with Arenado, who recently said he felt “disrespect” from Bridich and disappointment in the Rockies' direction.“Today was Day Two, (and) yesterday was Day One with him in camp,” Bridich said. “We’ve seen each other. We haven’t sat yet, but I trust that we will. He’s just like all the other players. We’ll find time to sit down and interact, both with myself and others, so I trust we’ll find the right time for that.”Arenado and the Rockies are one week shy of the anniversary of the five-time All-Star's agreement on an eight-year, $260 million contract extension with his only big league club. The three-time NL homers leader's relationship... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for what he called a disrespectful reference to the World Series trophy as a “piece of metal.”Even before being asked about it, Manfred said he made a mistake with those comments while trying to deliver a rhetorical point in an interview two days earlier.“I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way, and I want to apologize for it,” Manfred said. "There's no excuse for it. ... It was a mistake to say what I said."MLB players, already upset with Manfred's handling of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and some of his comments in trying to explain it, became further infuriated by his “piece of metal” comment during a lengthy interview with ESPN on Sunday, the same day he spoke in Florida.Even NBA superstar LeBron James joined the anti-Astros chorus, voicing his anger on social media Tuesday.While speaking at the Cactus League media day in the Arizona desert, Manfred also pledged Tuesday to protect... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attanasio claims his team “had an operating loss” in 2019 but that isn't why the club's projected payroll has dropped nearly $30 million.Attanasio says the Brewers are down from last season's franchise-record $132.6 million payroll because president of baseball operations David Stearns didn't find any splashy free-agent fits, instead preferring to rely on depth, versatility and manager Craig Counsell's knack for balancing options."There’s nothing that David didn’t do this offseason that he wouldn’t have done if we’d have had a different budget number," Attanasio said. “He’s always free to come to me and say, ‘I want to do ‘fill-in-the-blank.’ I want to acquire 'fill-in-the-blank.’”Milwaukee was fifth in the National League last year in attendance at 2,923,333 and has been in the top-6 each of the past three seasons, yet it was 11th in the NL in payroll. Only the Pirates and Marlins spent less than $100 million among NL clubs, which is roughly... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred apologized Tuesday for what he called a disrespectful reference to the World Series trophy as a “piece of metal.”Even before being asked about it, Manfred said he made a mistake with those comments when trying to deliver a rhetorical point in an interview two days earlier.“I referred to the World Series trophy in a disrespectful way, and I want to apologize for it,” Manfred said. "There's no excuse for it. ... It was a mistake to say what I said."MLB players, already upset with Manfred's handling of the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal and some of his comments in trying to explain it, became further infuriated by his “piece of metal” comment during a lengthy interview with ESPN on Sunday, the same day he spoke in Florida.Even NBA superstar LeBron James joined the anti-Astros chorus, voicing his anger on social media Tuesday.While speaking at the Cactus League media day in the Arizona desert, Manfred also pledged Tuesday to protect... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Commissioner Rob Manfred’s stern warning that the intentional beaning of the Houston Astros in the wake of their sign-stealing scandal hasn’t stopped an offshore sports book from publishing odds on a variety bets related to their possible plunking.The player who’s the favorite to get hit the most according to these odds? Third baseman Alex Bregman, whose news conference apology last week was not well received.The possibility of Houston’s hitters being intentionally hit this season has become a topic of discussion after pitchers around the league have either said or implied that they’d throw at them this season. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Ross Stripling, whose was on the team that lost to the Astros in the 2017 World Series, said he would “lean toward yes” when asked if he would consider throwing at Houston batters this season. Cleveland right-hander Mike Clevinger, who has been outspoken against the Astros since the cheating scandal emerged, said he doesn’t... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Carter Kieboom, a rookie who will get a shot to be the Washington Nationals' starting third baseman on opening day, took grounders alongside Asdrúbal Cabrera, a versatile, 14th-year infielder who was among seven free agents returning to the World Series champions.Across the diamond on Field 3 at the club's spring training facility, Ryan Zimmerman, another one of those returnees, shared duties at first base with Eric Thames, one of the few new faces expected to be on the 26-man roster.A short while later Tuesday, at Field 6, slugging left fielder Juan Soto sent kids chasing balls that flew over the wall as he joined Howie Kendrick and Cabrera for the first round of batting practice.As the Nationals engaged in their first full-squad workout, manager Dave Martinez's message was simple: Go ahead and think about the special moments of 2019, but also make sure to realize it's time to start over."It's 2020 now. At some point, you have to turn the page," said Zimmerman,... [More]