MLB

Mariachi surprise: Mariners OF Martin serenaded on birthdayPEORIA, Ariz. (AP) A mariachi band was there to serenade Leonys Martin after he arrived in the Seattle Mariners' clubhouse on his 29th birthday.The four-member band then remained the outfielder's constant companion throughout morning workouts Monday, filling the air on the...

Associated PressSusac, Pina, Bandy compete for Brewers' catching jobBy JOSE M. ROMEROGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Andrew Susac, Manny Pina and Jett Bandy competing to become the Milwaukee Brewers' starting catcher, with one behind the plate and at designated hitter most days during spring training.''I think they've all done a...

Reds claim Christian Walker off waivers from BravesGOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) The Cincinnati Reds claimed first baseman Christian Walker off waivers from the Atlanta Braves on Monday, bringing him to his third organization in two months.Walker, 25, has spent most of his time in the minors. He appeared in...

Associated PressMets' Zack Wheeler excited about return to action on FridayBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Zack Wheeler is excited about his exhibition start Friday against Houston, his first time pitching in a game for the New York Mets in two years.''I'm kind of nervous about, like,...

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...

Mariachi surprise: Mariners OF Martin serenaded on birthdayPEORIA, Ariz. (AP) A mariachi band was there to serenade Leonys Martin after he arrived in the Seattle Mariners clubhouse on his 29th birthday.The four-member band then remained the outfielder's constant companion throughout morning workouts Monday, filling the air on the...

Associated PressA playoff star last year, Toles tries to get spot on DodgersBy MIKE TULUMELLOGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Andrew Toles zoomed from the low minors to his major league debut last season and wound up being a star for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason.All that, and he...

Kazmir leaves in 2nd inning due to tightness in sideSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Scott Kazmir left Monday's game against Colorado after his first pitch of the second inning due to tightness on his left side.The 33-year-old left-hander said he was tight in his hip, side...

Associated PressRed Sox newcomer Chris Sale goes 2 innings in spring debutBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Chris Sale gave himself mixed reviews after his first spring training performance for the Boston Red Sox, an outing that ended a little earlier than originally planned.Boston manager John Farrell...

AP Legal Affairs WriterWhite Sox's Abreu up next in Cuban ballplayer smuggling caseBy CURT ANDERSONMIAMI (AP) Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu is up next as a prosecution witness in the trial of a Florida sports agent and a baseball trainer accused of smuggling Cuban players from...

Mariners ace Hernandez focuses on fastball in spring debutGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Felix Hernandez pitching in February is an aberration.But there was the Seattle ace on Tuesday, making his spring debut as the Mariners beat the Chicago White Sox split squad 8-1.Hernandez gave up one run and three hits...

Pudge tours his soon-to-be new home - baseball Hall of FameCOOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) Before he plopped down on a director's chair in the Baseball Hall of Fame's plaque gallery to field questions, Ivan Rodriguez marveled at the bronze images of the greatest names of baseball's past hanging on...