News for All Players - 2019 5x5 Mixed League - $260 cap

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Wed Feb 19 202019:59Díaz, Aguilar, Goodwin win salary arbitration casesArchie BradleyRPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Jake FariaSPBrewersFree Agent
Brian GoodwinCF/LF/PH/RFAngelsFree Agent
Shane GreeneRPTigersFree Agent
Josh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Joc Pederson1B/CF/LF/PH/RFDodgersFree Agent
J.T. RealmutoCPhilliesFree Agent
Tony WoltersCRockiesFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — Houston infielder Aledmys Díaz, Miami first baseman Jesús Aguilar and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Brian Goodwin all won their salary arbitration cases Wednesday, cutting the teams' advantage to 6-4 in decisions this year with three cases remaining.Díaz was awarded $2.6 million by arbitrators Mark Burstein, Stephen Raymond, Gary Kendellen rather than the $2 million offered by the Astros, which matched Díaz's salary last year.Aguilar was given a raise from $637,500 to $2,575,000 instead of the Marlins' figure of $2,325,000 in a decision by Jeanne Charles, Steven Wolf and Edna Francis.Goodwin received a raise from $585,500 to $2.2 million rather than the team's $1.85 million offer. That case was decided by Dan Brent, Melinda Gordon and Elizabeth Neumeier.Acquired by Houston from Toronto in November 2018, Díaz hit .271 for the AL champions with nine homers and 40 RBIs in 247 plate appearances over 69 games. He was 0 for 9 with a walk in the postseason.Goodwin hit .262 last... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202019:59Fiers to make spring debut Sunday in A's split-squad gameMike FiersSPAthleticsFree Agent
A.J. PukSPAthleticsFree Agent
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Fiers is scheduled to start a split-squad game for Oakland on Sunday in his first game action since revealing the Houston Astros' cheating scheme.It had not been determined Wednesday whether Fiers' spring training debut would come in the home game versus San Francisco or against Arizona in Scottsdale.Fiers went 15-4 last season, including the second no-hitter of his career, as the A's earned an AL wild-card spot.In a story published by The Athletic in November, Fiers said the Astros had stolen signs using a camera in center field during their run to the 2017 World Series championship. Fiers played on that team.The ensuing scandal resulted in three managers losing their jobs, a fine and other penalties, and has become the talk of Major League Baseball. Many players have harshly spoken about the Astros, saying they should be stripped of their title.There has been debate among fans and others whether Fiers did the right thing in his role as a whistleblower. Commissioner... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202019:50Brock Holt, Milwaukee Brewers finalize 1-year contractBrock Holt2B/3B/SSRed SoxFree Agent
Taylor WilliamsRPBrewersFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — As spring training approached and he remained unsigned, Brock Holt got antsy."I thought free agency was going to be a fun thing to go through, but it wasn't. Pretty stressful," Holt said Wednesday after finalizing a one-year deal with Milwaukee. “I don't think I dealt with it that well. My wife over the last couple weeks is like, `Hey, you need to get a job and get out of here.' So I think she's finally excited I'm out of the house and not stressing about it.”Holt's deal 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.Holt 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... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202018:39Pirates' Pablo Reyes banned 80 games for positive drug testGuillermo HerediaCF/LF/RFRaysFree Agent
Justin LawrenceSPRockiesFree Agent
Pablo ReyesLF/PHPiratesFree Agent
NEW YORK (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates' Pablo Reyes was suspended 80 games on Wednesday under the major league drug program following a positive test for the performance-enhancing drug Boldenone.He became the second player in three days suspended for Boldenone, which is sold under the brand name Equipose and is used commonly on horses. Houston pitcher Francis Martes was suspended for the 2020 season on Monday following a positive test for Boldenone, his second violation of the major league drug program.Reyes, a 26-year-old outfielder and infielder, made his major league debut in September 2018 and hit .293 with three homers and seven RBIs in 63 plate appearances.He hit .203 with two homers and 19 RBIs in 157 plate appearances for the Pirates last year and batted .286 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs in 191 plate appearances at Triple-A Indianapolis. He was on the Pirates' 40-man roster before he was designated for assignment on Jan. 9 to clear a roster spot when outfielder Guillermo Heredia was signed. Reyes was sent outright to Indianapolis.Reyes did not have a statement, the players' association said.Three players have been suspended this year under the big league program. Colorado pitcher Justin Lawrence was suspended for 80 games following a positive test for the performance-enhancing substance Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (DHCMT). Lawrence has yet to make his big league debut.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Wed Feb 19 202016:39Díaz, Aguilar, Goodwin win salary arbitration casesArchie BradleyRPDiamondbacksFree Agent
Jake FariaSPBrewersFree Agent
Brian GoodwinCF/LF/PH/RFAngelsFree Agent
Shane GreeneRPTigersFree Agent
Josh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Joc Pederson1B/CF/LF/PH/RFDodgersFree Agent
J.T. RealmutoCPhilliesFree Agent
Tony WoltersCRockiesFree Agent
PHOENIX (AP) — Houston infielder Aledmys Díaz, Miami first baseman Jesús Aguilar and Los Angeles Angels outfielder Brian Goodwin all won their salary arbitration cases Wednesday, cutting the teams' advantage to 6-4 in decisions this year with three cases remaining.Díaz was awarded $2.6 million by arbitrators Mark Burstein, Stephen Raymond, Gary Kendellen rather than the $2 million offered by the Astros, which matched Díaz's salary last year.Aguilar was given a raise from $637,500 to $2,575,000 instead of the Marlins' figure of $2,325,000 in a decision by Jeanne Charles, Steven Wolf and Edna Francis.Goodwin received a raise from $585,500 to $2.2 million rather than the team's $1.85 million offer. That case was decided by Dan Brent, Melinda Gordon and Elizabeth Neumeier.Acquired by Houston from Toronto in November 2018, Díaz hit .271 for the AL champions with nine homers and 40 RBIs in 247 plate appearances over 69 games. He was 0 for 9 with a walk in the postseason.Goodwin hit .262 last... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202015:39Verlander, approaching age 37, hopes to remain among eliteGerrit ColeSPAstrosFree Agent
Justin VerlanderSPAstrosFree Agent
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — As Justin Verlander approaches his 37th birthday, Houston's ace evolves to maintain the skills that allowed him to win his second Cy Young Award last season, eight years after he won the first one. Verlander, who will turn 37 on Thursday, talked about aging this week as he prepares for his 16th MLB season. “The end goal is just to continue to adapt and try to be successful and fight this age thing,” he said. “You can't just keep doing the same stuff. Your body changes as you get older and you need to adapt and do things a little bit differently to try stay on top of your game.”Verlander was able to do that last season when he led the majors with 21 wins and his 2.58 ERA ranked second in the American League. He won the AL Cy Young Award for the first time since 2011, when he also was MVP.Verlander led the majors with 223 innings, his most since 2012, and his 34 starts tied for the most in the league. he became just the sixth pitcher to throw three no-hitters.... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202015:20Fiers to make spring debut Sunday in A's split-squad gameMike FiersSPAthleticsFree Agent
A.J. PukSPAthleticsFree Agent
MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Fiers is scheduled to start a split-squad game for Oakland on Sunday in his first game action since revealing the Houston Astros' cheating scheme.It had not been determined Wednesday whether Fiers' spring training debut would come in the home game versus San Francisco or against Arizona in Scottsdale.Fiers went 15-4 last season, including the second no-hitter of his career, as the A's earned an AL wild-card spot.In a story published by The Athletic in November, Fiers said the Astros had stolen signs using a camera in center field during their run to the 2017 World Series championship. Fiers played on that team.The ensuing scandal resulted in three managers losing their jobs, a fine and other penalties, and has become the talk of Major League Baseball. Many players have harshly spoken about the Astros, saying they should be stripped of their title.There has been debate among fans and others whether Fiers did the right thing in his role as a whistleblower. Commissioner... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202015:19Twins' staff holds the key to team loaded with offenseHomer BaileySPRoyalsFree Agent
Nelson CruzDHTwinsFree Agent
Josh Donaldson3BBravesFree Agent
Rich HillSPDodgersFree Agent
Torii HunterFree Agent
Kenta MaedaSPDodgersFree Agent
Jake OdorizziSPTwinsFree Agent
Cody StashakRPTwinsFree Agent
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Expecting another big season from their high-octane offense, the Minnesota Twins hope to pitch well enough to win a second straight AL Central title.Minnesota set a major-league record with 307 homers and was eighth with a 4.18 ERA last year."We had a pretty darn good pitching staff last year statistically speaking,” said right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who went 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA in 30 starts. “You didn’t hear anything about it because we had such a historic offense. As with any staff, I think we’re fine with it. We don’t need the notoriety. This isn’t the Nationals’ pitching staff, the guys that have tremendous staffs that always get talked about.”Minnesota was second in runs with 939 and batting average at .274. The ERA was fifth among AL teams.“I think we’re just going to try and build off what we did last year,” the 29-year-old Odorizzi said. “If we get talked about a little more this year, great. If not, as long as we win, we’re a happy group.”Minnesota signing... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202014:59Choo relishing 2020, the last year of big Rangers contractElvis AndrusSSRangersFree Agent
Adrián Béltre3B/DHRangersFree Agent
Shin-Soo ChooDH/LF/RFRangersFree Agent
Prince FielderFree Agent
Corey KluberSPIndiansFree Agent
SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Shin-Soo Choo wants to enjoy baseball even more this season, all of those times in the clubhouse and on the field while still at the top of the Texas Rangers lineup."I don't know what's going to happen at the end of the year," said Choo, the 37-year-old leadoff hitter going into the final season of his $130 million, seven-year contract.Choo has genuine confidence that he can play at a high level for another couple of years, or more, after 2020. There is just no way to know if he will be re-signed by the Rangers, maybe go to another team or decide it's time to be at home full-time with his wife and three growing children. Those are all questions he said are too early to consider. “I still love this game," Choo said. "I'm still lucky to play major league level, and then it's very special, major league uniform, wearing my number on it, my name on it on the back. That's very special, very lucky. I still feel that way, so we'll see.”His oldest kid is a 14-year-old son... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202014:50Stanton: I would have hit 80-plus homers if I knew pitchesGerrit ColeSPAstrosFree Agent
Aaron JudgeRFYankeesFree Agent
Giancarlo StantonDH/LF/RFYankeesFree Agent
Masahiro TanakaSPYankeesFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202014:49Reds' Luis Castillo aims for Cy Young after breakout seasonShogo AkiyamaCFRedsFree Agent
Trevor BauerSPIndiansFree Agent
Nick CastellanosRFCubsFree Agent
Anthony DeSclafaniSPRedsFree Agent
Sonny GraySPRedsFree Agent
Wade MileySPAstrosFree Agent
Mike Moustakas2B/3BBrewersFree Agent
Joey Votto1BRedsFree Agent
GOODYEAR, Ariz (AP) — Luis Castillo accomplished two of his goals last year: He was the Reds' opening day starter and made the All-Star team. He's aiming higher in 2020.With an upgraded offense behind him, Cincinnati's best starter thinks he's capable of winning the Cy Young Award.“I try to set goals every year,” Castillo said. “Even though I got those two goals, I want to get three goals. I want to get three goals and add the Cy Young and make the playoff." “I think with this team filled with veterans, it is something we can do together," he said.Castillo, 27, had a breakout season in every way last year. He was 11-4 with a 2.63 ERA in early August before fading down the stretch of his most challenging season. He finished 15-8 with a 3.40 and 226 strikeouts in 190 2/3 innings.The first-time All-Star had career highs in wins, innings and strikeouts, relying on a changeup that former Cubs manager Joe Maddon likened to a “Bugs Bunny change-up” because of the way it complements his fastball.“He... [More]
Wed Feb 19 202014:39A's shortstop Semien embraces role as team leader, slugger Matt Chapman3BAthleticsFree Agent
Khris DavisDHAthleticsFree Agent
Sean MurphyCAthleticsFree Agent
Matt Olson1BAthleticsFree Agent
Alexei RamirezFree Agent
Marcus SemienSSAthleticsFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202014:39Yelich says he's motivated after last season cut shortCody Bellinger1B/CF/RFDodgersFree Agent
Christian YelichCF/LF/RFBrewersFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202014:39Orioles claim INF Andrew Velazquez off waivers from IndiansRichard UreñaSSBlue JaysFree Agent
Andrew VelazquezSSRaysFree Agent
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
Wed Feb 19 202014:30Hitting the right notes: Kieboom gets shot at 3rd for NatsNolan Arenado3BRockiesFree Agent
Matt Chapman3BAthleticsFree Agent
Carter KieboomSSNationalsFree Agent
Anthony Rendon3BNationalsFree Agent
Trea TurnerSSNationalsFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202014:30Nats' Max Scherzer to face Astros in exhibition openerStarlin Castro2B/3BMarlinsFree Agent
Adam EatonRFNationalsFree Agent
Victor RoblesCFNationalsFree Agent
Max ScherzerSPNationalsFree Agent
Juan SotoLFNationalsFree Agent
Trea TurnerSSNationalsFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202014:09Brock Holt, Milwaukee Brewers finalize 1-year contractBrock Holt2B/3B/SSRed SoxFree Agent
Taylor WilliamsRPBrewersFree Agent
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___
Wed Feb 19 202013:29Rockies GM Bridich hasn't sat down with Arenado after riftNolan Arenado3BRockiesFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202012:49Padres beef up bullpen with Pomeranz, PaganJosh HaderRPBrewersFree Agent
Manuel MargotCF/PHPadresFree Agent
Emilio PagánRPRaysFree Agent
Drew PomeranzRP/SPBrewersFree Agent
Craig StammenRPPadresFree Agent
Kirby YatesRPPadresFree Agent
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]
Wed Feb 19 202012:19Stanton: I would have hit 80-plus homers if I knew pitchesAaron JudgeRFYankeesFree Agent
Giancarlo StantonDH/LF/RFYankeesFree Agent
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]
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