SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Hunter Pence hustled in to take batting practice, exhibiting that familiar energy as fans cheered. He smiled and raised his cap high in the air.This is just the start of spring training, and it's clear Pence is a crowd favorite for San Francisco once more. And the outfielder is in his element again as he approaches his 37th birthday. The Giants opened their gates to fans for the first full-squad workout and Pence was as popular as ever after a year away. "We all noticed that,” new manager Gabe Kapler said of the rousing ovations.“It's great,” Pence said. “It's extremely exciting for me to be back. It's definitely fun with a lot of new faces and a lot of new staff. I'm just thrilled to be back, thrilled to see the fans, every day getting to do something I love to do so much, obviously. Especially with how things went — it's part of the game, the nature of the game — I really appreciate every bit of it, every little thing. It's a joy to be a part of. It's definitely... [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]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge feels the Houston Astros should be stripped of their 2017 World Series championship.“You cheated and you didn't earn it,” Judge said Tuesday after the Yankees' first full-squad workout. “That's how I feel. It wasn't earned. It wasn't earned the way of playing the game right and fighting to the end and knowing that we're competing, we're competitors. The biggest thing about competition is laying it all out on the line, and whoever is the better player, better person comes out on top. To know that another team had an advantage that, nothing you can really guard against, I just don't feel like that's earned.”Major League Baseball concluded the Astros used a video camera to steal catcher's signs in 2017, including during the postseason, and in 2018. Manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one season each, then were fired by the team. Houston was fined $5 million and stripped of its next two first- and second-round... [More]

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Josh Bell insists he has not arrived. Not yet, though the metric the Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star uses to judge his own progress is highly specific.Several times a year Bell will order the jersey of a high-profile opposing player and stash it in his locker. At some point during a given series, the jersey will make its way to its namesake with a polite request for an autograph. During a rare interleague West Coast swing last year, Bell hit up three-time American League MVP Mike Trout and three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols for signed swag.Bell smiles as he tells the story, his inner baseball nerd peeking out as he talks. Over the course of three-plus years in the majors, his memorabilia collection has swelled.Here's the thing though: No one has asked him to reciprocate. Signed Balls? Sure. But a jersey? Nope. The 27-year-old first baseman is still waiting to see a No. 55 jersey make its way from an opponent's clubhouse to the foot of his locker with a note and a Sharpie... [More]

NORTH PORT, Fla. (AP) — Nothing like a little encouragement from Hammerin' Hank himself to show the way at spring training for the Atlanta Braves.The Braves welcomed Hall of Fame slugger Hank Aaron to their first full-squad workout and named a street for him at their new complex Tuesday, starting off a season full of high expectations."It's awesome, we're so appreciative," manager Brian Snitker said. "We talked in the winter of him coming down. I told the guys and Hank we'd like to have him around more."The two-time NL East champions intend to put some pressure on themselves this year.The Braves signed outfielder Marcell Ozuna, starting pitcher Cole Hamels and reliever Will Smith in the offseason, and gave contract extensions to general manager Alex Anthopolous, Snitker and his coaching staff.That's all intended to boost a team that went 97-65 last season, but lost to Ozuna and the St. Louis Cardinals in a five-game Division Series.Atlanta hasn't won a playoff series since 2001, with one-and-done... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Clayton Kershaw is pleased practically everybody in the sport seized the opportunity to tee off on the cheating Houston Astros and Commissioner Rob Manfred's handling of the scandal over the past several days.The Los Angeles Dodgers' veteran ace also believes it's time for baseball to go back to work.“This type of thing has never happened before, and people are upset by it,” Kershaw said Tuesday after the Dodgers' first full squad workout of the spring. “People feel cheated, and rightfully so. The only thing I will say now is we’ve got a great season coming up. Everybody is really excited about baseball. Baseball is in a great spot. We’ve got a lot of incredible players.”Kershaw echoed the vibe around the clubhouse with the team that was among the most damaged by — and the angriest about — the Astros' use of illegal methods during their 2017 World Series championship run. The Dodgers haven't cooled down about the revelations, but Kershaw thinks that energy can be... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Los Angeles Angels outfielder Brian Goodwin asked an arbitration panel for a raise to $2.2 million and the team argued for $1.85 million during a hearing Tuesday.Goodwin 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 March. The 29-year-old was eligible for arbitration for the first time after earning $585,500 last year.A decision by arbitrators Dan Brent, Melinda Gordon, Elizabeth Neumeier is expected Thursday, when decisions also are due for Miami first baseman Jesús Aguilar and Houston backup infielder Aledmys Díaz.Teams are 6-1 against players this year, beating Boston pitcher Eduardo Rodríguez, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson, Minnesota pitcher José Berríos, Milwaukee closer Josh Hader, Atlanta reliever Shane Greene and Colorado catcher Tony Wolters.Dodgers reliever Pedro Báez is the lone winning player so far.Three players remain scheduled for hearings this week: Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto and reliever Héctor Neris, and Arizona reliever Archie Bradley.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — New York Yankees star Aaron Judge feels the Houston Astros should be stripped of their 2017 World Series championship.“You cheated and you didn't earn it.,” Judge said Tuesday after the Yankees' first full-squad workout. “That's how I feel. It wasn't earned. It wasn't earned the way of playing the game right and fighting to the end and knowing that we're competing, we're competitors. The biggest thing about competition is laying it all out on the line, and whoever is the better player, better person comes out on top. To know that another team had an advantage that, nothing you can really guard against, I just don't feel like that's earned.”Major League Baseball concluded the Astros used a video camera to steal catcher's signs in 2017, including during the postseason, and in 2018. Manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow were suspended for one season each, then were fired by the team. Houston was fined $5 million and stripped of its next two first- and second-round... [More]

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Christin Stewart homered in the top of the 10th inning to lift Detroit to a win in its season opener last year. A few days later, Spencer Turnbull took the mound for the Tigers as the starting pitcher for their first home game.Those are moments each player can look back on with pride, but both enter 2020 with a lot still to prove.The Tigers are still rebuilding after losing 114 games last season, and it remains to be seen how players like Stewart and Turnbull fit into their future. Both are a little old to be considered prospects, but they're still fairly inexperienced. This year is a chance to show they can be consistent contributors at the big league level.Stewart hit at least 25 home runs for three straight years in the minors. Then last season, he played 104 games for the Tigers, batting .233 with 10 homers and 40 RBIs.“That's going to help a lot. Having that year under my belt, it's another year facing those big league pitchers and being on the big league field... [More]

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Manny Machado took care of business again this winter. It was all about baseball on the field this time.“It was good, it was a regular offseason for me," Machado said Tuesday before the San Diego Padres had their first full-squad workout of the spring. “I was able to work out, have a full offseason, not worry about business." Much different than last year, when the four-time All-Star slugger and two-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman was still a free agent at this point in spring training. Machado wound up with a $300 million, 10-year blockbuster deal, then had a disappointing first season with the Padres.“I think it's a clean slate for Manny to finally go home in the winter and not have to worry about contracts or negotiations or anything like that, and just worry about being a baseball player,” first baseman Eric Hosmer said. “We know he's one of the best baseball players there is. So for him to just solely focus on that, you know, you feel pretty good about him... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — As far as Tim Anderson is concerned, winning a batting title doesn't change his status. Anderson led the major leagues with a .335 average last season for the Chicago White Sox. Despite a sprained ankle that limited him to 123 games, he hit 18 homers and stole 17 bases.The 26-year-old shortstop has emerged as a leader on a White Sox team seeking the franchise's first postseason berth since 2008. When Chicago failed to sign Manny Machado ahead of the 2019 season, Anderson told teammates not to get down and said: "Ride with us or get run over."“I just felt like everybody was depending on somebody that really wasn't here,” Anderson said this week. “So when everybody saw that it's was like we took a blow — no, we didn't! I'll fill that in for you guys.”"No hate against Machado, I wish him the best, rooting for him, but we had to do what we had to do here on the South Side to get to where we're trying to go," Anderson said. "He didn't want to be a part of it, and that's... [More]