MLB

Reliever Hector Rendon agrees to 2-year deal with AstrosHOUSTON (AP) Reliever Hector Rendon has agreed to a two-year contract with the World Series champion Houston Astros.The 29-year-old right-hander spent the last five years with the Chicago Cubs, where he went 18-13 with a 3.22 ERA and 77 saves....

AP Sports ColumnistColumn: Smooth on the field, Jeter struggles in front officeBy PAUL NEWBERRYDerek Jeter, The Player, glided through two decades in the Big Apple. His charisma made it all look so effortless, a beloved figure who could seemingly do no wrong, even in the media cauldron that is...

Rockies finalize $27M, 3-year deals with Shaw, McGeeDENVER (AP) Colorado finalized $27 million, three-year contracts with right-hander Bryan Shaw and lefty Jake McGee on Friday, moves the Rockies hope will fortify their bullpen.The 30-year-old Shaw was 4-6 with three saves and a 3.52 ERA last season for Cleveland....

AP Sports ColumnistColumn: Smooth on the field, Jeter struggles in front officeBy PAUL NEWBERRYDerek Jeter, The Player, glided through two decades in the Big Apple. His charisma made it all look so effortless, a beloved figure who could seemingly do no wrong, even in the media cauldron that is...

Astros draft former MLB outfielder Gose, hoping he can pitchLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) The Houston Astros have added former big league outfielder Anthony Gose, hoping he can develop as a left-handed pitcher.The World Series champions took Gose from the Texas Rangers' minor league system Thursday in the...

AP Baseball WriterAP source: Rodney, Twins agree to $4.5M, 1-year dealBy RONALD BLUMLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) A person familiar with the negotiations says reliever Fernando Rodney and the Minnesota Twins have agreed to a $4.5 million, one-year contract.The person spoke on condition of anonymity to The Associated...

AP Baseball WriterParade of relievers keeping rolling as winter meetings endBy BEN WALKERLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Much like the postseason, the baseball winter meetings became a parade of relievers.Steve Cishek and Fernando Rodney were on the move Thursday, joining Brandon Morrow, Luke Gregerson, Bryan Shaw, Joe Smith...

Rays invite Venters to camp after 3rd Tommy John surgeryLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Relief pitcher Jonny Venters has been invited to big league spring training by the Tampa Bay Bays while trying to come back from his third Tommy John surgery.The 32-year-old lefty hasn't pitched in the...

Cards' Piscotty dealt to A's after mother diagnosed with ALSLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Stephen Piscotty has been traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Oakland Athletics for two infield prospects, allowing the outfielder to be near his family's home in Pleasanton, California, following his mother's diagnosis...

AP Baseball WriterAP source: Sidearm reliever Cishek, Cubs reach 2-year dealBy RONALD BLUMLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) A person familiar with the negotiations says side-arming reliever Steve Cishek and the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a two-year contract.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity...

AP Baseball WriterMarlins trade Ozuna to Cardinals for 4 prospectsBy RONALD BLUMLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Miami completed its trade Thursday that sent left fielder Marcell Ozuna to the St. Louis Cardinals, the third All-Star jettisoned by the Marlins this month in an unrelenting payroll purge under new...

Cards' Piscotty dealt to A's after mother diagnosed with ALSLAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) Stephen Piscotty has been traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Oakland Athletics for two infield prospects, allowing the outfielder to be near his family's home in Pleasanton, California, following his mother's diagnosis...