MLB

The Latest: Fans leaving encouraging messages for CubsBy The Associated PressCHICAGO (AP) The Latest on The World Series (all times local):3:54 p.m.Fans milling around Wrigley Field are writing chalk messages of encouragement for the Cubs on the walls outside the ballpark's famed bleachers.Chicago trails Cleveland 3-1 heading into...

Associated PressTanaka says he isn't thinking about ability to opt outBy MARK DIDTLERTAMPA, Fla. (AP) New York Yankees ace Masahiro Tanaka says he is not thinking about his opt-out provision.Tanaka's $155 million, seven-year contract allows him to terminate the deal after this season, give up a $23 million...

BOSTON (AP) Don Orsillo is out as the Boston Red Sox's television play-by-play voice after this season.Orsillo wasn't offered a new contract with NESN, and will be replaced by Dave O'Brien. Orsillo first broadcast Red Sox games on NESN in 2001 and became the full-time play-by-play man in...

LEADING OFF: Indians play home opener, Red Sox fight fluBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Tuesday:---HELLO AGAINThe Indians play their first game in Cleveland since losing an epic Game 7 to the Chicago Cubs in the World Series last season. Most of the...

NEW YORK (AP) A woman charged with shaking down New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has pleaded guilty to extortion, perjury and criminal impersonation.Louise Neathway entered a type of guilty plea Wednesday that acknowledges sufficient evidence for conviction but doesn't admit guilt. She was sentenced to five...

Associated PressSampson needs surgery on injured elbowBy CURTIS CRABTREESEATTLE (AP) Mariners right-hander Adrian Sampson needs surgery on his injured right elbow and is expected to miss the remainder of the season.Sampson was scratched from his scheduled start in Detroit on Thursday while tossing his warmup pitches before the...

LEADING OFF: Fernandez vs Cueto, Wacha rolling for CardsBy The Associated PressA look at what's happening all around the majors Monday:---JOSE VS JOHNNYMiami sends ace Jose Fernandez (12-6, 2.87) against San Francisco's Johnny Cueto (13-3, 2.73) to open a seven-day, six-game homestand. Cueto has lost his last two decisions...

AP Sports WriterSegura to Seattle as Mariners, D-backs make 5-player tradeBy TIM BOOTHSEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Mariners finally landed the established shortstop they've long been trying to find.To do it, they had to part with a talented young pitcher who still has the potential to blossom.Seattle and Arizona...

AP Sports WriterA WBC tradition - MLB teams worry about players getting hurtBy STEVEN WINEMIAMI (AP) Honking horns, pulsing percussion and chanting crowds will transform Marlins Park into a Caribbean-style carnival this week for the World Baseball Classic.To major league teams, it sounds dangerous.WBC games are sure to...

Jessica Mendoza will stay permanently on ''Sunday Night Baseball'' in a groundbreaking assignment for a woman calling men's sports.ESPN is announcing Wednesday that the retired softball star will work the games this season alongside another new analyst, Aaron Boone, in place of Curt Schilling and John Kruk.Schilling moves to...

Athletics pitcher Daniel Mengden has right foot surgeryOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Athletics right-hander Daniel Mengden had right foot surgery Wednesday in Houston after breaking a bone during a bullpen session at home Jan. 31.He is expected to wear a walking boot for six weeks and a return date is...

Hall of Famers Joe Torre and Dave Winfield are leading a delegation from Major League Baseball and its players' association on a goodwill trip to Cuba that began Monday and ends Thursday.The group includes Cuban-born players Yasiel Puig, Jose Abreu, Alexei Ramirez and Brayan Pena along with Miguel Cabrera,...