MLB

AP Baseball WriterSantiago Casilla returns to Athletics on a 2-year contractBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Relief pitcher Santiago Casilla is crossing the bay again, re-joining the Oakland Athletics with a two-year contract Friday after seven seasons with San Francisco.While the right-hander lost his job as closer last season...

AP Sports WriterSteinbrenner says the future is now for young YanksBy STEVEN WINEPALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Baby Bombers mean a lower payroll but higher expectations for the New York Yankees.Owner Hal Steinbrenner believes the Yankees' youth movement will pay off this season, and not just with a reduction...

Seattle Mariners bring back entire coaching staff for 2017SEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Mariners will bring back their entire coaching staff for the 2017 season after the club won 86 games and barely missed the postseason.The Mariners announced the decision Thursday. Manager Scott Servais said Manny Acta (third base...

Associated PressMatz will miss spring start because of elbow tendernessBy BILL WHITEHEADPORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) Mets pitcher Steven Matz has been scratched from his Monday start in a minor league game because of tenderness in his left elbow.''There's a little irritation, and he's got to work that...

KISSIMMEE, Florida (AP) There are all sorts of ways to give baseball a much-needed boost of speed. Unfortunately, those in charge of the game are going about it all the wrong way at the moment. Extra inning gimmicks? Seven-inning games? Automatic intentional walks? ''All of it is stupid,'' Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips...

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...

AP Sports WriterSager surrounded by family for memorable return to WrigleyBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Craig Sager carried around a picture from his childhood with Billy Williams, and he showed it to the Hall of Fame slugger in the home dugout at Wrigley Field. He introduced his family to...

The Latest: Windy City: Strong winds expected during Game 3CHICAGO (AP) The Latest on World Series Game 3 at Wrigley Field (all times Central):3:15 p.m.Those notorious, game-changing winds are beginning to whip at Wrigley Field.After a fairly calm morning in Chicago, the wind is picking up and heavy...

NEW YORK (AP) Some of the more widely quoted philosophy of Yogi Berra, the New York Yankees Hall of Fame catcher who died Tuesday at age 90:On his approach to at-bats: ''You can't think and hit at the same time.''On selecting a restaurant: ''Nobody goes there anymore. It's...

AP Sports WriterMike Hazen leaves Boston for more control in ArizonaBy JOHN MARSHALLPHOENIX (AP) Mike Hazen seemingly had the perfect job, working in his hometown as the general manager of the Boston Red Sox.One aspect was missing: Final say in baseball decisions. That belonged to president of baseball...

AP Sports WriterTrumbo, Orioles finalize $37.5 million, 3-year dealBy DAVID GINSBURGFor the second year in a row, the Orioles negotiated a deal to keep the major league home run champion in Baltimore.Mark Trumbo's $37.5 million, three-year contract Friday was finalized Friday, a day after the sides reached agreement subject...

Associated PressPitchless intentional walks could start this weekBy CHUCK KINGWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Pitchless intentional walks could start in spring training games this week.Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said the change, which the players' association has said it will agree to for 2017, is among the rule changes...