MLB

AP Legal Affairs WriterProsecutors: Florida men smuggled Cuban players to get richBy CURT ANDERSONMIAMI (AP) Federal prosecutors told jurors Tuesday that a Florida sports agent and a baseball trainer orchestrated an illegal Cuban ballplayer smuggling ring to get rich by making it easier for the players to escape...

AP Legal Affairs WriterProsecutors: Florida men smuggled Cuban players to get richBy CURT ANDERSONMIAMI (AP) Federal prosecutors have told jurors that a Florida sports agent and a baseball trainer orchestrated an illegal smuggling ring to get rich by bringing Cuban ballplayers to the Major Leagues.Defense lawyers for agent...

Associated PressJeff Bagwell aiding Yuli Gurriel's transition to firstBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Yuli Gurriel has a special guest instructor this week to help him get more familiar with playing first base: newly elected Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell.''It's an honor to work with him,'' Gurriel...

Associated PressReds pitcher DeSclafani could miss month with sprained elbowBy GARY SCHATZGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Cincinnati Reds starter Anthony DeSclafani is expected to begin the season on the disabled list because of a sprained right elbow.Reds general manager Dick Williams said Monday that DeSclafani will be shut down for...

Associated PressPirates shortstop Mercer easing into veteran's roleBy CHRIS ADAMSKIBRADENTON, Fla. (AP) When Jordy Mercer looks around the Pirates' clubhouse, the term he instinctively goes to in referring to his teammates isn't the one he'd always used.''These kids,'' Mercer said while scanning the room early one morning last...

Ian Desmond will undergo surgery on broken left handSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond will undergo surgery Wednesday.Dr. Donald Sheridan is to operate in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Rockies have not announced a timetable for Desmond's return.Desmond broke the second metacarpal bone when he was hit...

Associated PressRookie shortstop Ahmed Rosario rising fast in Mets' futureBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) In a New York Mets' clubhouse where Spanish words flow freely, a two-word description of Amed Rosario might be the best in any language.El Futuro.You don't have to be a slick-fielding, multi-skilled,...

Ian Desmond will undergo surgery on broken left handSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Colorado Rockies first baseman Ian Desmond will undergo surgery Wednesday.Dr. Donald Sheridan is to operate in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Rockies have not announced a timetable for Desmond's return.Desmond broke the second metacarpal bone when he was hit...

Associated PressNationals star Harper off to smashing start after down yearBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH , Fla. (AP) Nationals manager Dusty Baker discerns a difference in Bryce Harper at the plate this spring compared with the guy who struggled mightily for much of last season.It's not his current...

Associated PressNationals star Harper off to smashing start after down yearBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH , Fla. (AP) Nationals manager Dusty Baker discerns a difference in Bryce Harper at the plate this spring compared with the guy who struggled mightily for much of last season.It's not his current...

Associated PressTim Tebow gets 1st hit for Mets, singles vs MarlinsBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Tim Tebow has gotten his first hit for the New York Mets.The former NFL quarterback singled Monday in an exhibition game against Miami Marlins left-hander Kyle Lobstein.Tebow was hitless in his...

Associated PressPorcello, Price and Wright all have good days for Red SoxBy MARK DIDTLERDUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) The Boston Red Sox had a good day on the mound.Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello threw five scoreless innings Monday in an intrasquad game, five days after being struck...