MLB

Brett Cecil, Cardinals finalize $30.5 million, 4-year dealST. LOUIS (AP) The Cardinals filled the biggest void in their bullpen Monday with Brett Cecil, the only left-handed reliever that piqued their interest on the free-agent market.Cecil was introduced at Busch Stadium after finalizing a $30.5 million, four-year contract. He...

LEADING OFF: Strasburg vs Kershaw in L.A., Giants streakingBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Monday:---DUELING ACESNationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (10-0, 2.90) and Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw (10-1, 1.58) square off in a matchup of two NL Cy Young Award candidates. The talented Strasburg...

Ex-infielder John Valentin, mom injured in crashRED BANK, N.J. (AP) Former Red Sox and Mets infielder John Valentin and his mom were injured when the SUV he was driving crashed into a building in New Jersey.Red Bank Police Chief Darren McConnell says the 50-year-old Holmdel resident was driving...

AP Baseball WriterCloud of steroids hovers above Hall of Fame votingBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) The cloud of steroids hovers above Hall of Fame voting, much like it shrouded baseball in the 1990s and early 2000s.Tim Raines, in his 10th and final year of eligibility, appears likely to...

The Latest: Chance of rain for World Series Game 2 WednesdayCLEVELAND (AP) The Latest on the World Series (all times Eastern):4:55 p.m.The weather is clear for Tuesday night's World Series opener and a game-time temperature of about 50 degrees is forecast, but there is a chance of rain...

LEADING OFF: Dodgers-Cubs open NLCS; Indians go for 2-0 leadBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors today:---PRIME TIME AT WRIGLEY FIELDThe Chicago Cubs host the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 1 of the NL Championship Series at 8:08 p.m. EDT. Four wins from their...

AP Sports WriterPhillies finalize deal $9M deal with Michael SaundersBy ROB MAADDIPHILADELPHIA (AP) The Philadelphia Phillies and outfielder Michael Saunders have finalized a $9 million, one-year contract.Saunders will earn $8 million this season, and the Phillies have a 2018 option worth $10.5 million with a $1 million buyout.The...

Red Sox, first-round pick Houck agree to $2,614,500 bonusKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Boston Red Sox and first-round draft pick Tanner Houck reached agreement Wednesday on a contract that gave the University of Missouri right-hander a $2,614,500 signing bonus, which is slot value for the 24th overall selection.Houck...

AP Baseball WriterYankees admit MLB has changed, start to retool for futureBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Watching a second straight loss to last-place Tampa Bay convinced the New York Yankees it was time to shift more fully into sell mode. So late Saturday night, owner Hal Steinbrenner gave...

Holland can make $35M over 2 years under Rockies contractDENVER (AP) Reliever Greg Holland can earn up to $35 million over two years, including performance bonuses, under his new deal with the Colorado Rockies.Holland is guaranteed $7 million under the agreement announced Saturday.He has a $6 million salary...

NEW YORK (AP) Boston pitcher Clay Buchholz is done for the season because of a strained flexor muscle in his right elbow, and his health is the key to whether the Red Sox pick up the option on his 2016 contract.The 31-year-old Buchholz hasn't pitched since the All-Star...

Indians recall Nick Goody, option Shawn ArmstrongCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Indians, forced to use infielder Michael Martinez as a pitcher in Thursday's loss to the Chicago White Sox, have recalled right-hander Nick Goody from Triple-A Columbus.Right-hander Shawn Armstrong, one of six pitchers used in the 10-4 defeat, was...