MLB

AP Baseball WriterDrury hopes to launch Yankees career after remaking swingBy RONALD BLUMTAMPA, Fla. (AP) After watching J.D. Martinez transform into one of baseball's most powerful sluggers, Brandon Drury decided his career could lift off with some of that long-ball technique.So Drury commuted from his Las Vegas home...

Associated PressWith Cozart joining Angels infield, the defense never restsBy MIKE TULUMELLOTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) The Los Angeles Angels are all about defense.And by signing Zack Cozart, an All-Star shortstop with Cincinnati last year, to a three-year $38 million deal in the offseason they might now have baseball's best...

AP Sports WriterMajor change for oft-injured Rangers pitcher Mike MinorBy STEPHEN HAWKINSSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Mike Minor is getting used to starting again, and knows there is some relief if that doesn't work out with the Texas Rangers.The former first-round draft pick for the Atlanta Braves wasn't sure he...

Associated PressCulberson's home runs big on quality, if not quantityBy DICK SCANLONKISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) In two seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Charlie Culberson hit only two home runs. But one clinched a playoff berth and the other came in the 11th inning of a World Series game.''I...

Williams hoping to make a dent in Phillies' lineupCLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Nick Williams has set his sights on gaining a full-time role coming out of spring.He's already made quite an impression on Gabe Kapler - and on the new manager's ride, too.Williams dented Kapler's rental...

Merrifield went from non-prospect to leading AL in stealsSURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Nobody saw this coming, not even the Kansas City Royals.Whit Merrifield has gone from an afterthought to the American League stolen base champion. He has gone from more than 2,500 at-bats in the minors to the Kansas...

Associated PressRenteria has White Sox feeling confident, working hardBy JACK THOMPSONGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Even though the Chicago White Sox are relatively early in their rebuilding project, the enthusiasm is very high - even by spring training standards of optimism.Much of that has to do with their man in...

Associated PressNewly acquired Drury now front-runner to play 3B for YankeesBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Newly acquired Brandon Drury is the now the favorite to be the starting third baseman for the New York Yankees.The Yankees acquired Drury from Arizona on Tuesday night in a three-team deal that...

Associated PressNew Cards pitching coach helping Martinez reach next levelBy CHUCK KINGJUPITER, Fla. (AP) Sixty times last season as Washington's pitching coach, Mike Maddux enjoyed a front-row seat for two of the best pitchers in baseball, Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.Now, in his first spring as the Cardinals...

AP Sports WriterWith too many starters, Houston's Hinch must make decisionBy KRISTIE RIEKENWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) With virtually every position already a lock for the Houston Astros at the beginning of spring training, the toughest decision manager A.J. Hinch might have to make this spring is which...

AP Sports WriterHealthy, productive Mauer aims to play 'as long as I can'By DAVE CAMPBELLFORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) The final season of the franchise-record contract the Minnesota Twins gave Joe Mauer has begun, bringing with it the inevitable questions about his future.For now, before any such decisions must...

OF Colby Rasmus returns to baseball, signs with OriolesSARASOTA, Fla. (AP) Outfielder Colby Rasmus has decided to return to baseball after walking away last summer, and has signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.Rasmus was in camp Wednesday to finish up his physical. He got an...