MLB

Associated PressBird says he's ready to regain Yanks' 1B job from VoitBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Greg Bird is stronger, healthier and ready to challenge Luke Voit for the New York Yankees' first-base job.After three injury-marred seasons, the 26-year old Bird reported to the Yankees' spring training complex...

AP Sports WriterClark: Machado's deal doesn't mean system is workingBy JAY COHENTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) Players' union head Tony Clark says Adam Wainwright's comments about a possible strike were in line with widespread concern he hears from his members about a free-agent market they claim has become dysfunctional.Starting his...

Associated PressRain, rain, go away! 1st MLB spring training game washed outBy CARRIE MUSKATMESA, Ariz. (AP) The spring training season started with a splash. Just not the kind fans hoped for.In the first major league exhibition game of the year, the Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics were rained...

AP Sports ColumnistColumn: Players finding payoffs are changing in baseballBy TIM DAHLBERGManny Machado's new $300 million contract put a stop - at least temporarily - to a growing chorus of player complaints that major league teams were conspiring to do deep damage to the free agent market.It did nothing,...

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo dies at 62FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Longtime Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo has died after collapsing at the Red Sox's spring training ballpark. He was 62.The newspaper said Cafardo had an embolism Thursday and Red Sox medical staff was unable to...

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo dies at 62FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Longtime Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo has died after collapsing at the Red Sox's spring training ballpark. He was 62.The newspaper said Cafardo had an embolism Thursday and Red Sox medical staff was unable to...

Associated PressSuzuki, Gomes bring stability, pop behind plate for NatsBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) As important as setting his pitching rotation, Washington Nationals manager Dave Martinez will begin to determine his catching platoon when Grapefruit League games begin on Saturday.After two years of subpar play at...

AP Baseball WriterMinor now likely Rangers opening starter after cautious 2017By STEPHEN HAWKINSSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) There were times in Mike Minor's return to a starting role last season that the left-hander got frustrated when the Texas Rangers were being cautious with him.''In the end it's probably always best,''...

Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo dies at 62FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Longtime Boston Globe baseball writer Nick Cafardo has died after collapsing at the Red Sox's spring training ballpark. He was 62.The newspaper said Cafardo had an embolism Thursday and Red Sox medical staff was unable to...

Zach Duke can earn $300,000 in performance bonuses with RedsGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Zach Duke can earn $300,000 in performances as part of his $2 million, one-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds.Duke could get $100,000 each for 45, 50 and 55 games pitched as part of the deal announced...

Associated PressDerek Dietrich gets chance to compete for Reds' bench roleBy GARY SCHATZGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Derek Dietrich didn't have a team after the Miami Marlins designated him for assignment in November. The utility player has wound up with a team from his home state, getting a chance to...

AP Baseball WriterAfter veteran salaries drop, baseball players want changeBy RONALD BLUMNEW YORK (AP) Neil Walker's salary dropped from $17.2 million to $2 million in two years. Greg Holland was cut from $14 million to $2 million this season. Daniel Murphy fell from $17.5 million to $10 million.While...