http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Major_League_BaseballFind stories, videos, and photos about Major League Baseball from CNN.com.en-usCable News Network LP, LLLP.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 01:07:51 GMT5http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/1.0/logo/cnn.logo.rss.gifhttp://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/feeds/rss/Major_League_Baseball14433Find stories, videos, and photos about Major League Baseball from CNN.com.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/royals.bosox.trade.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/royals.bosox.trade.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Royals have traded infielder Tug Hulett to the Boston Red Sox for cash or a player to be named.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:37:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/jays.mcdonald.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/jays.mcdonald.ap/index.htmlTORONTO (AP) -- Shortstop John McDonald has decided to remain with the Toronto Blue Jays, agreeing to a $3 million, two-year contract.Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:32:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/jones.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/jones.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Andruw Jones has agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:21:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/mets.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/25/mets.coaches.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- The Mets will have a different look next season -- both in the dugout and on the field.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 06:48:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/nl.mvp.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/nl.mvp.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Albert Pujols' third National League MVP award put him in select company. Only Barry Bonds has more.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/feds.drug.list.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/24/feds.drug.list.ap/index.htmlSAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Solicitor General Elena Kagan asked for an unprecedented reconsideration of an appeals court ruling that government agents illegally seized drug-testing samples and records of Major League Baseball players who allegedly tested positive for steroids in 2003.Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/yankees.world.series.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/yankees.world.series.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Joe Girardi and Brian Cashman stood a few feet from each other on the red carpet near the World Series trophy, wearing blue jeans and sports jackets without ties. They were dressed for success, if not for a gala.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/red.sox.hale.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/red.sox.hale.ap/index.htmlBOSTON (AP) -- DeMarlo Hale is the new bench coach for the Boston Red Sox under manager Terry Francona.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/mariners.griffey.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/mariners.griffey.ap/index.htmlSEATTLE (AP) -- Ken Griffey Jr. is being rewarded for his leadership and seniority.Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/23/al.mvp/index.htmlJoe Mauer didn't need to win the American League Most Valuable Player award on Monday to justify his historic season, just as he doesn't need that particular piece of hardware to reaffirm his status as the best catcher in baseball. But this latest honor is especially appropriate because it serves as a reminder that no player in baseball is more valuable to his town, his team or his franchise than the 26-year-old hometown hero with the perfectly manicured sideburns and the perfectly pleasant personality.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/al.mvp.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/23/al.mvp.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Joe Mauer became only the second catcher in 33 years to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award, finishing first in a near-unanimous vote Monday.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 23:22:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/11/19/pirates.freeagency/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/tim_marchman/11/19/pirates.freeagency/index.htmlThe Pittsburgh Pirates have some things going for them. They may be one of the two least valuable teams in baseball, they may play in the sport's fifth-smallest market, and they may endure all the woes that come with holding the record for most consecutive losing seasons in a major American sport, but they don't spend a lot, and like all other low-end ball clubs they have the help of rich cousins.Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:00:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/world.series.dvd.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/world.series.dvd.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:33:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/whitesox.vizquel.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/whitesox.vizquel.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a contract agreement with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/omar.vizquel/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/omar.vizquel/index.htmlThe Chicago White Sox are talking to veteran shortstop Omar Vizquel about a contract and a deal is expected in the coming days, sources confirm.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/nationals.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/nationals.coaches.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Seattle Mariners manager John McLaren was hired Friday as bench coach for the Washington Nationals, who rounded out manager Jim Riggleman's staff by also adding Jim Lett as bullpen coach and Dan Radison as first-base coach.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:09:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/john.grabow.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/20/john.grabow.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Pitcher John Grabow became the first of the 171 free agents to reach agreement on a new deal, getting a $7.5 million, two-year contract Friday from the Chicago Cubs.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/20/free.agency/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/20/free.agency/index.htmlFree agency is finally here, less than a week before Thanksgiving. And the signings may not come so quick, either.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:00:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/19/anti.awards/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/19/anti.awards/index.htmlIt's baseball awards time, which means it's also time for my own 2009 awards, starting with the Least Valuable Player (and American League fans, it's not who you think it is.) Following those are the Anti Cy Young Award (the Les Sweetland) and the not-so-great Manager of the Year Award (the John McCloskey). Enjoy.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:47:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/smallbusiness/dodgers_divorce/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/20/smallbusiness/dodgers_divorce/index.htmThe news that Los Angeles Dodgers owners Frank and Jamie McCourt are divorcing came with a bitter kick: Team chairman Frank's first move against his soon-to-be-ex was to fire her from her job as the Dodgers' chief executive.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/nationals.strasburg.scratched.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/nationals.strasburg.scratched.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Nationals say No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a twisted left knee and is being scratched from his start in the Arizona Fall League championship game.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:27:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/dbacks.cubs.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/dbacks.cubs.ap/index.htmlPHOENIX (AP) -- Reliever Aaron Heilman was acquired Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Chicago Cubs for two minor league prospects.Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:36:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/diamondbacks.cubs/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/diamondbacks.cubs/index.htmlThe Diamondbacks announced that they acquired Aaron Heilman in a trade with the Cubs on Thursday in exchange for a pair of minor leaguers.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:51:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/angels.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/19/angels.coaches.ap/index.htmlANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Mike Scioscia's entire coaching staff will be back with the Los Angeles Angels next season.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:58:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/rangers.hicks.sale.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/rangers.hicks.sale.ap/index.htmlDALLAS (AP) -- Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks is putting together a group of local investors, including Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, for a bid that would enable him to keep majority ownership of the team.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/owners.meetings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/owners.meetings.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Baseball plans to cut down on off days during the postseason next year.Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:03:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/tracy.scioscia.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/tracy.scioscia.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- The Los Angeles Angels could have crumbled when pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a car accident in April, overcome by waves of grief and sadness.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:33:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/tracy.extension.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/tracy.extension.ap/index.htmlDENVER (AP) -- The Colorado Rockies have rewarded manager Jim Tracy with a three-year contract.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:23:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/18/roy.halladay/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/18/roy.halladay/index.htmlThe Yankees recently called the Blue Jays to express interest in superstar pitcher Roy Halladay. And while the Yankees made the very same call last summer with no hope of acquiring Halladay, this time they have a real reason to believe they may actually have a legitimate chance to make a blockbuster trade.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:04:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/as.bailey.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/18/as.bailey.ap/index.htmlOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- General manager Billy Beane is committed to a youth movement for his small-market Oakland Athletics, even if the payoff takes time.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/backman.cyclones.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/backman.cyclones.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Wally Backman wants another chance to manage in the majors.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/17/indians.alomar.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/17/indians.alomar.ap/index.htmlCLEVELAND (AP) -- Sandy Alomar Jr.'s baseball career has brought him back home.Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:31:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/17/yankees.mitre.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/17/yankees.mitre.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Yankees have declined a $1.25 million option on pitcher Sergio Mitre.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/10/impact.rookies/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/10/impact.rookies/index.htmlThe Rising Stars game a couple weeks ago in the Arizona Fall League featured plenty of young talent, but it wasn't the prospect showcase that it could have been. Several of the truly elite players in the AFL this fall didn't play, including Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg (out with a mild neck strain), Braves outfielder Jason Heyward (gluteus muscle strain) and Marlins outfielder Mike Stanton (back pain). In fact, Heyward and Stanton were sent home from the AFL in October, but it doesn't significantly affect their blue-chip status.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:15:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/12/gm.meetings/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/12/gm.meetings/index.htmlInside the no-frills Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport for Major League Baseball's General Manager meeting, there were signs of tough times ahead for ballplayers. While agent Scott Boras -- who represents Matt Holliday, Johnny Damon and about a dozen other free agents -- went on the other night about how revenues spiked by nearly 600 percent from 1990 to 2009, he was standing in a lobby that was decorated sometime in the '80s, a sharp contrast to the opulence of past GM events.Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/phillies.bruntlett.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/phillies.bruntlett.ap/index.htmlPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Utilityman Eric Bruntlett, who scored the winning run in the final game of the 2008 World Series, became a free agent after refusing a minor league assignment from the Philadelphia Phillies.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:43:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/indians.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/indians.coaches.ap/index.htmlCLEVELAND (AP) -- New Cleveland Indians manager Manny Acta's coaching staff is nearly complete.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:36:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/redsox.tickets.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/redsox.tickets.ap/index.htmlBOSTON (AP) -- The Red Sox will raise some ticket prices as much as $5 next season after freezing all sections for 2009.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:41:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/reds.hernandez.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/16/reds.hernandez.ap/index.htmlCINCINNATI (AP) -- Catcher Ramon Hernandez agreed Monday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Reds after Cincinnati declined his $8 million option.Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:31:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/giants.prospect.visa.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/giants.prospect.visa.ap/index.htmlSANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- A top prospect for the San Francisco Giants has been stripped of his U.S. visa after he was charged with killing a man in his Caribbean homeland.Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/mariners.wilson.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/mariners.wilson.ap/index.htmlSEATTLE (AP) -- After shortstop Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle in a trade last summer, it didn't take long for him to know he wanted to stay.Sat, 14 Nov 2009 03:12:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/betancourt.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/betancourt.ap/index.htmlDENVER (AP) -- The Rockies declined a $5 million option on right-hander Rafael Betancourt, a key setup man as Colorado won the NL wild-card race.Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:57:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/braden.looper.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/13/braden.looper.ap/index.htmlMILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Milwaukee Brewers declined their $6.5 million mutual option on Braden Looper, electing to pay the pitcher a $1 million buyout.Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/betemit.royals.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/betemit.royals.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms with infielder Wilson Betemit, a 28-year-old infielder who spent last season in the Chicago White Sox organization.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:56:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nationals.riggleman.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nationals.riggleman.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- Jim Riggleman opened his first news conference in 10 years as a full-fledged, full-time, full-titled major league manager -- no "interim" tag to be found -- by saying he didn't want to list the people he needs to thank, lest he forget someone.Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dan_mcgrath/11/09/joe.girardi/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/dan_mcgrath/11/09/joe.girardi/index.htmlThe late, great ink-stained orator Mike Royko was the wise-guy voice of Chicago on myriad matters large and small, pitch-perfect in articulating his city's sensibilities and proudly unwavering in his disdain for all things New York.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/hudson.braves.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/hudson.braves.ap/index.htmlATLANTA (AP) -- Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, giving the team a wealth of starting pitching and setting up a likely trade to bolster the offense.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:01:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/royals.betemit.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/royals.betemit.ap/index.htmlKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms with infielder Wilson Betemit, a 28-year-old infielder who spent last season in the Chicago White Sox organization.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:24:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/12/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlGeneral managers grabbed their bags, caught a quick lunch and headed down the corridor a short distance to their flights Wednesday after their annual meeting ended in a hotel at O'Hare International Airport.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/redsox.varitek.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/redsox.varitek.ap/index.htmlBOSTON (AP) -- Catcher Jason Varitek exercised his $3 million option to stay with the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday, choosing to remain with the team as a backup to Victor Martinez rather than become a free agent.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:52:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nationals.riggleman/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nationals.riggleman/index.htmlCHICAGO -- Jim Riggleman, the Nationals' interim manager for the second half of the 2009 season, will be elevated to the permanent managing job, SI.com has learned.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nl.gold.gloves.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/nl.gold.gloves.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- That travel team back in Virginia a decade ago must have played great defense on the left side of the infield.Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:29:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- General managers grabbed their bags, caught a quick lunch and headed down the corridor a short distance to their flights Wednesday after their annual meeting ended in a hotel at O'Hare International Airport.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/griffey.mariners.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/griffey.mariners.ap/index.htmlSEATTLE (AP) -- Junior's back in Seattle, one more time.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:46:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/diamondbacks.coaches.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/diamondbacks.coaches.ap/index.htmlPHOENIX (AP) -- Former Arizona slugger Matt Williams is joining the Diamondbacks as first base coach.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:02:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/mccourts.divorce.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/11/mccourts.divorce.ap/index.htmlLOS ANGELES (AP) -- Fired Dodgers chief executive Jamie McCourt made a case for her job performance with the team, saying she was handling daily operations even before she was named to lead the franchise in February.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/11/chone.figgins/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/11/chone.figgins/index.htmlCHICAGO -- Beyond the "Big Three" free agents (Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Jason Bay), there's still some decent action going on here at the GM meetings. And if there's a fourth coveted free agent, it just might be versatile leadoff man Chone Figgins, who is drawing interest from some unexpected sources.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:26:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/10/cuban.dodgers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/10/cuban.dodgers.ap/index.htmlDALLAS (AP) -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, who lost in a bid to purchase to the Chicago Cubs, apparently still has some interest in owning a Major League Baseball team.Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:08:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/10/cubs.bradley/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/10/cubs.bradley/index.htmlCHICAGO -- The Cubs are trying hard to dump the perennially malcontented Milton Bradley here at the GM meetings, as it isn't just manager Lou Piniella who didn't connect with him in his season here. Apparently, several key members of the team -- including Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano -- barely speak to Bradley.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/08/al.east/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/08/al.east/index.htmlBreaking down each team in the AL East heading into the offseason. Teams are listed in order of 2009 finish. Check out the other division previews here:Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:43:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/10/al.west/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/10/al.west/index.htmlBreaking down each team in the AL West heading into the offseason. Teams are listed in order of 2009 finish. Check out the other division previews here:Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:53:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/08/nl.east/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/cliff_corcoran/11/08/nl.east/index.htmlBreaking down each team in the NL East heading into the offseason. Teams are listed in order of 2009 finish. Check out the other division previews here:Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:51:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/gm.meetings.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Instead of swaying palm trees, the roar of 747s greeted baseball's general managers Monday as they began gathering for their annual meeting.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:34:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/free.agent.compensation.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/free.agent.compensation.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) The compensation for 2009 free agents and potential free agents based on the 2008-09 rankings, compiled by the Elias Sports Bureau. The ranking standards were established jointly by the Player Relations Committee and MLB Players Association, to determine what draft choices are used as compensation for free agents under the 1981, 1985, 1996, 2002 and 2006 labor agreements between the Major League Baseball Players Association and the major league clubs.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:52:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/redsox.martinez.varitek.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/redsox.martinez.varitek.ap/index.htmlBOSTON (AP) -- The Red Sox exercised their $7.7 million option on Victor Martinez and declined options on Jason Varitek and Alex Gonzalez on Monday.Tue, 10 Nov 2009 02:06:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/rays.crawford.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/rays.crawford.ap/index.htmlST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised their $10 million option on All-Star Carl Crawford.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:11:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/mariners.felix/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/mariners.felix/index.htmlCHICAGO -- The Mariners are expected to receive many calls of inquiry regarding superstar pitcher Felix Hernandez, but Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik made more clear than ever their intention not to trade King Felix.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:55:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/cameron.brewers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/cameron.brewers.ap/index.htmlMILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Mike Cameron era in center field for the Milwaukee Brewers ended Monday when the 15-year veteran filed for free agency.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:49:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/tigers.brookens.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/09/tigers.brookens.ap/index.htmlDETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Tigers have named former infielder Tom Brookens as the team's first base, outfield and baserunning coach.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_ondrasik/10/08/magic.years/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/john_ondrasik/10/08/magic.years/index.htmlIt's 1988. What a slice of time in Los Angeles!Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:46:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/09/winter.preview/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/09/winter.preview/index.htmlCHICAGO -- No team is going to spend or presumably improve via free agency like the Yankees did last winter, when they doled out $423.5 million to three star players alone. Post-parade, and as the GM meetings get underway here on Monday, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Yankees spent wisely. But with the Yankees far less needy this winter and this year's free-agent list less star-studded -- Matt Holliday, Jason Bay and John Lackey are the only in-their-prime players who can reasonably aim for $100 million deals and the only ones even sure to crack $50 million -- no team is expected to try to duplicate such a spending spree. Nor would one even be possible this time around.Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/08/phillies.surgeries.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/08/phillies.surgeries.ap/index.htmlPhillies closer Brad Lidge will have surgery on his right elbow on Wednesday.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:21:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/07/free.agent.filings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/07/free.agent.filings.ap/index.htmlMets reliever J.J. Putz and Twins pitcher Carl Pavano filed for free agency Saturday.Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:01:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/07/manny.contract.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/07/manny.contract.ap/index.htmlManny Ramirez is coming back to the Dodgers next season.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:40:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/roundup.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/roundup.ap/index.htmlLos Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins has agreed to a long-term contract extension.Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:50:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/milwaukee.weathers.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/milwaukee.weathers.ap/index.htmlThe Milwaukee Brewers have declined a $3.7 million club option on right-handed reliever David Weathers for next season.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:35:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/angels.reagins.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/angels.reagins.ap/index.htmlANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Los Angeles Angels general manager Tony Reagins has agreed to a long-term contract extension.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:13:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/mets.putz.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/mets.putz.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Mets have declined an option on reliever J.J. Putz, making him eligible for free agency.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/indians.belcher.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/indians.belcher.ap/index.htmlCLEVELAND (AP) -- During his search for Cleveland's pitching coach, new Indians manager Manny Acta was meeting with general manager Mark Shapiro when Tim Belcher's name came up for discussion.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:01:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/yankees.parade.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/yankees.parade.ap/index.htmlNEW YORK (AP) -- Crowds roared, church bells rang and streams of paper rained down on Broadway as the New York Yankees celebrated their 27th World Series championship on Friday in a way only this city can, with a parade up the Canyon of Heroes.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:59:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/royals.whitesox.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/royals.whitesox.ap/index.htmlCHICAGO (AP) -- Mark Teahen has a new team and a new city. Happily for him, he's got his old position back.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:58:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/twins.brewers.trade.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/twins.brewers.trade.ap/index.htmlMINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The Milwaukee Brewers finally gave J.J. Hardy the change of scenery he had been expecting and reunited the unhappy shortstop with an old friend in the process.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:57:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/webb.diamondbacks.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/webb.diamondbacks.ap/index.htmlPHOENIX (AP) -- Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team counting on the former Cy Young winner coming back successfully from shoulder surgery.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:56:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/nationals.strasburg.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/nationals.strasburg.ap/index.htmlWASHINGTON (AP) -- The Washington Nationals say No. 1 overall draft pick Stephen Strasburg has a strained neck muscle and is being scratched from his scheduled start in the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars game.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:54:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/phillies.lee.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/06/phillies.lee.ap/index.htmlPHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia Phillies have picked up Cliff Lee's $9 million option for 2010.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:47:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_sheehan/11/06/yankees.phillies.future/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_sheehan/11/06/yankees.phillies.future/index.htmlThe remarkable thing about baseball in the 21st century is that there really is no break in the action any longer. On the first day after the World Series ended, we had one trade, one near-trade, and the news that one of the top potential free agents, Bobby Abreu, would not be reaching the market. So even as the Yankees celebrate with a parade and the Phillies pack up a season two wins short of their goal, both front offices are looking ahead to 2010 and the decisions that will have to be made to get the teams back to the World Series.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:10:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/06/yankee.champions/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ted_keith/11/06/yankee.champions/index.htmlBefore the 2007 season, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had T-shirts made up that read "Mission 27." It was just one more piece of motivation for a franchise that defines itself by a singular annual goal -- winning the World Series -- and a reminder that anything less than achieving that goal is a failure.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:38:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/news/companies/yankees_goldman_sachs.breakingviews/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/06/news/companies/yankees_goldman_sachs.breakingviews/index.htmYou're either with them -- or you hate them. That sums up the way baseball fans feel about the New York Yankees. And that's also why the team, which clinched its 27th World Series on Wednesday night, is the Goldman Sachs of American sports.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:22:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/05/yankees.payroll/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/05/yankees.payroll/index.htmlThe following is a screed about the Yankees' payroll. If you are a Yankees fan uninterested in a screed about the payroll, don't read it. You won't enjoy it. Go out, buy a championship T-shirt, reminisce about this great team, enjoy the victory. I'm telling you: Don't read it.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:19:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/free.agency.filings.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/free.agency.filings.ap/index.htmlPitcher John Lackey and outfielder Matt Holliday were among 79 players who filed for free agency Thursday, the first possible day.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:03:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/giants.lincecum.marijuana.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/giants.lincecum.marijuana.ap/index.htmlSan Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum is facing misdemeanor marijuana charges following a traffic stop in his home state.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 03:07:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/redsox.hermida.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/redsox.hermida.ap/index.htmlThe Florida Marlins are big on players who outperform their contract, which is why outfielder Jeremy Hermida is bound for Boston.Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/abreu.angels.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/abreu.angels.ap/index.htmlANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -- Bobby Abreu had no interest in spending another winter -- or even another week -- without an employer. The Los Angeles Angels were only too happy to oblige the slugger who transformed their lineup this year.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:45:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/rangers.hurdle.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/rangers.hurdle.ap/index.htmlARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Clint Hurdle plans to have a simple philosophy as hitting coach of the Texas Rangers, emphasizing a team-oriented approach and doing whatever it takes to score one more run than the opponent.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/transactions.roundup.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/transactions.roundup.ap/index.htmlATLANTA (AP) -- Pitcher Tim Hudson and the Atlanta Braves are nearing agreement on a three-year contract.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:57:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ben_reiter/11/05/yankees.construction/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/ben_reiter/11/05/yankees.construction/index.htmlNEW YORK -- The aroma that one perceived, as one walked off the field and inside toward the home clubhouse in the moments after the Yankees had won their 27th World Series on Wednesday night, was strong. It was one part expensive perfume, and one part expensive champagne, and it was unmistakable. It was Eau de WAG.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:10:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/dodgers.mccourt.ap/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/mlb/11/05/dodgers.mccourt.ap/index.htmlLOS ANGELES (AP) -- The wife of Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt lost her bid Thursday to be reinstated as the team's chief executive during a hearing in the couple's messy divorce.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:33:00 ESThttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/yankees_world_series/index.htmhttp://money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/yankees_world_series/index.htmThe New York Yankees, who became World Series champs for the 27th time Wednesday night, logged the highest payroll in baseball for the 2009 season. This time, they definitely got what they paid for.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:13:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/05/postseason.stars/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/jon_heyman/11/05/postseason.stars/index.htmlNEW YORK -- The unique Yankees foursome of Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada probably didn't need to win one more World Series together to prove anything. But they did, anyway. And they did it 13 years after their first one together. No other foursome can say that.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:16:00 ESThttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/05/yankees/index.htmlhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/11/05/yankees/index.htmlNEW YORK -- The Yankees clubhouse reeked of champagne, it smelled the way you might imagine Don Ho's living room used to smell. Well, this is what you get when you win a World Series. Here Mariano Rivera stood in the doorway waiting for family. There Mark Teixeira wore goggles and talked about how God led him to the right team. Over there two Yankees players prepared to double-team Johnny Damon with a champagne attack. The sound was laughter and happy souts and the popping of champagne corks.Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:33:00 EST