2012 Major League Baseball news
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Andrew McCutchen, sliding toward New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter during a spring training game, hit 23 home runs and had 89 RBI during a 2011 season in which he also stole 23 bases and had a .364 on-base percentage, despite hitting just .259, well below the .286 mark he posted his first two season in the big leagues. He was a 2011 National League All-Star and burnished his reputation as one of the top center fielders in the game. -
Lenny Dykstra built his reputation first with the New York Mets, a team he helped with the 1986 World Series, and burnished it with the Philadelphia Phillies, earning All-Star recognition and playing some of his best games during the postseason, where he fashioned an overall .321 average in the playoffs and World Series. Injuries helped force him from the game at age 33, and he initially found success in the business world before legal problems of several kinds ended his charmed run and sent him to a California prison. -
Ryan Braun
Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension overturned
Saying "my name has been dragged through the mud," NL MVP Ryan Braun reported to spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers and declared he had been vindicated, a day after his 50-game suspension for a positive drug test was overturned by an arbitrator. -
Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun speaks during a news conference at baseball spring training in Phoenix, Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. National League MVP Braun's 50-game suspension was overturned Thursday by baseball arbitrator Shyam Das, the first time a baseball player successfully challenged a drug-related penalty in a grievance. -
Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez, Athletics reach minor league deal
Manny Ramirez finds a taker - the A's - at a bargain price. The suspended slugger agreed on a minor league contract with Oakland that is worth approximately $500,000 if he's added to the big league roster. In this Sept. 6, 2008, file photo Los Angeles Dodgers' Manny Ramirez hits a three-run home run in the fifth inning of a National League baseball game in Los Angeles. The A's said Ramirez is expected to report to spring training by the end of the week, in time for Oakland's first full-squad workout. -
In this March 16, 2011, file photo, Tampa Bay Rays' Manny Ramirez warms up before a spring training baseball game against the Florida Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. The 12-time All-Star is due to serve a 50-game suspension for his second positive drug test before he can play for the A's. His first game could be May 30, on his 40th birthday. -
A.J. Burnett
Burnett happy to escape New York for Pittsburgh
A.J. Burnett was happy to escape from New YOrk. "It was fun the first couple of years. Then it got like, I'm never going to get out of this funk," he said Monday, a day after the Yankees dealt him to the Pittsburgh Pirates for a pair of low level prospects. In this Oct. 2, 2011, file photo, New York Yankees starting pitcher A.J. Burnett sits in the dugout during Game 2 of baseball's American League Division Series against the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium in New York. -
After signing an $82.5 million, five-year contract, Burnett helped the Yankees to their 27th World Series title in 2009. Then he slumped to a 21-26 record with a 5.20 ERA over the following two seasons. He led the majors with 25 wild pitches last year and allowed a career-high 31 homers. In this Sept. 28, 2011, file photo, New York Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett throws in relief during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla. -
Buster Posey
Buster Posey back in action for Giants at last
San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey caught for Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, practiced springing up to throw after catching the ball, with no hesitation or signs that he had ever been seriously hurt. Posey also showed he has plenty of pop in his bat. The 2020 NL Rookie of the Year made his highly anticipated return to the field in a formal setting after a season-ending leg injury last year where he tore three ligaments in his left ankle and broke a bone in his lower leg in a home-plate collision. -
San Francisco Giants' Buster Posey participates in a catching drill during a baseball spring training baseball workout Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Posey is one of a handful of key major leaguers working back from injuries this spring - including Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, Colorado's Jorge de la Rosa and reliever Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees. -
Kosuke Fukudome
OF Fukudome, White Sox agree to deal
Kosuke Fukudome joins the Chicago White Sox for a fraction of the price he cost the Cubs four years ago. The outfielder agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees $1 million. Now 34, Fukudome joined the Cubs for the 2008 season with a $48 million, four-year contract. In this picture, Chicago's Aramís Ramírez, right, congratulates Kosuke Fukudome at the plate after the Cubs' right fielder smashed a two-run home run against the Giants in the first inning. -
Yoenis Cespedes
A's land Cuban slugger Cespedes
Cuba's Yoenis Cespedes watches his third hit of the game as he drives in his fourth run of the game in the seventh inning against Mexico, during a World Baseball Classic game at PETCO Park in San Diego. Cespedes and the Oakland Athletics have agreed to a $36 million, four-year contract. -
Guillermo Mota
Giants complete deal with righty reliever
San Francisco Giants pitcher Guillermo Mota deliver against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the fourth inning of a baseball game on Saturday, April 16, 2011, in Phoenix. The Giants have finalized a $1 million, one-year contract with the free agent reliever. -
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Guillermo Mota (59) celebrates with his teammates after beating the Rangers 9-0 in game two of the World Series between the San Francisco Giants and the Texas Rangers at AT&T Park October 28, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. Mota, 38, went 2-2 with a 3.81 ERA in 52 outings for the NL West runners-up. -
Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd
Former Red Sox pitcher says he used cocaine
In this Aug. 5, 1986, file photo, Boston Red Sox pitcher Dennis "Oil Can'" Boyd pitches against the Chicago White Sox during a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston. Boyd said during an interview with Jon Miller of WBZ radio in Boston, he probably pitched under the influence of cocaine "at every ballpark" during his 10-year career. "There wasn't one ballpark that I probably didn't stay up all night, until 4 or 5 in the morning, and the same thing is in your system," Boyd said. -
Former Boston Red Sox star Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd rears back in the first inning as he pitches his first game for the Massachusetts Mad Dogs, a professional minor league baseball team, Tuesday, July 8, 1997, in Lynn, Mass. Boyd was 78-77 with 4.04 ERA in his career. In eight seasons with the Red Sox, from 1982-89, he was 60-56. In his last two seasons, he was 18-21 with Montreal and Texas. -
Elvis Andrus
Source: Rangers, Andrus agree to 3-year deal
Texas shortstop Elvis Andrus avoids Giants baserunner Cody Ross and completes a throw to first base. A person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press that the contract between Andrus and the AL champion Rangers runs through the 2014 season. -
In this July 24, 2011, file photo, Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus fields a grounder. The 23-year-old is a .271 career hitter with 102 stolen bases and has played at least 145 games in each of his three seasons for the Rangers. -
Nelson Cruz
Agrees to two-year, $16 million contract with Texas
Outfielder Nelson Cruz, who hit eight home runs during the 2011 postseason, and the Rangers completed the deal instead of going through with an arbitration hearing. The contract includes a $500,000 performance bonus for a player who hit 84 home runs during the past three regular seasons. -
Texas fans go crazy as Nelson Cruz watches his grand slam beat the Detroit Tigers in Game 2 of the 2011 American League Championship Series. -
Consistent hitting has made Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz a valuable piece of a Texas lineup that has gone to two straight World Series. -
Billy Beane
A's agree to extend GM Billy Beane through 2019
Oakland Athletics owner Lew Wollfl agrees to extend the contracts of Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane, shown above at Phoenix Municipal Stadium in Phoenix, Ariz., where the A's were conducting their spring training in 2000, and team President Michael Crowley through the 2019 season. Wolfl is counting on Beane's leadership and innovation to lead the club in a new stadium in the San Jose area. -
Hideki Matsui, shown with general manager Billy Beane. Beane holds a small ownership stake in the team, and has been Oakland's general manager wince 1997, and was the subject of Michel Lewis' 2003 book "Moneyball." -
Josh Hamilton
Rangers Hamilton confirms alcohol relapse
Texas Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton shed no tears and used no prepared statement as he apologized and shared few details about his relapse with alcohol. Still, it was clear he was upset by what he had done. -
Hamilton, a slugger and recovering drug addict, said he had "three or four" drinks during dinner at a Dallas restaurant and bar and continued drinking later that night. After admitting to his relapse, Hamilton visited doctors for Major League Baseball and the players' association. Hamilton's team, the Rangers, said it was "unlikely" that he would be disciplined. -
Clayton Kershaw
Kershaw and the Dodgers agree to $19 million, two-year deal
Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is a 23-year-old left-hander. The agreement mirrors that of San Francisco Giant Tim Lincecum. Kershaw was 21-5 with a 2.28 ERA and 248 strikeouts last year, winning the NL pitching triple crown. -
Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw is the NL Cy Young winner. -
Rick Ankiel
Ankiel gets minor league deal with Nats
Rick Ankiel watches the flight of his home run ball in the 11th in game two of the NLDS between the San Francisco Giants and the Atlanta Braves at ATT Park on October 8, 2010 in San Francisco, Calif. Ankiel and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract. The 32-year-old batted .239 with nine home runs and 37 RBIs in 122 games last season with Washington. He gives the team depth at center field. Ankiel has played for St. Louis, Kansas city and Atlanta over nine major league seasons. -
Washington Nationals' Rick Ankiel (24) scores as San Francisco Giants catcher Chris Stewart waits for the ball during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, June 7, 2011, in San Francisco. If added to the 40-man roster for the Nats, Ankiel would have a $1.25 million, one-year contract and could make $1.5 million in performance bonuses. -
Atlanta Braves
Braves unveil another alternate home uniform
Atlanta Braves' Hank Aaron acknowledges the media while Braves' Chipper Jones looks on when introduced during a news conference to unveil the club's new alternative home uniform, Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, in Atlanta. The uniform pays homage to the team's past, reflecting more of the look of the 1966 team when Aaron played. -
Atlanta Braves' Brian McCann wears the club's new alternative home uniform during a news conference to introduce the threads, Monday, Feb. 6 , 2012, in Atlanta. -
Brad Lidge
Free-agent reliever agrees to one-year contract with Washington Nationals
Last season, Brad Lidge, a right-hander, threw 19 1/3 innings for the Philadelphia Phillies', going 0-2 with a 1.40 ERA and one save. He didn't pitch until late July because of elbow and shoulder problems. In this picture, Lidge celebrates the last out against the Los Angeles Dodgers to win 7-5 in Game 4 of the National League baseball championship series Monday, Oct. 13, 2008, in Los Angeles. -
In Washington, Lidge joins a bullpen led by setup man Tyler Clippard, a 2011 All-Star, and closer Drew Storen. Lidge and catcher Carlos Ruiz celebrate their 10-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of their NLCS game at Citizens Bank Park, Wednesday, October 21, 2009, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. -
Tim Lincecum
Two-time NL Cy Young winner and the Giants agree to $40.5 million, two year deal
In this Friday, July 15, 2011, San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Tim Lincecum fires a pitch against the San Diego Padres in the first inning of a baseball game Friday, July 15, 2011 in San Diego. -
In this Oct. 21, 2010, file photo, Tim Lincecum reacts after Philadelphia Phillies' Ross Gload hit into a double play during the seventh inning of Game 5 of baseball's National League Championship Series in San Francisco. The 27-year-old right hander was the 10th overall draft pick out of Washington in 2006. -
Lincecum delivers a pitch during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York. Lincecum's deal reportedly includes a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $18 million this year and $22 million in 2013. He had asked for a near-record $21.5 million in salary arbitration. -
Bartolo Colon
A's agree to terms with the right-hander
The Oakland Athletics and Bartolo Colon agreed to terms on a $2 million, one-year contract to bolster their depleted starting rotation. In this Sept. 27, 2011, file photo, New York Yankees starting pitcher Bartolo Colon delivers to the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning of a baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. The 38-year-old is a former A's nemesis during his four-year stint with the AL West rival Angels from 2004-07. Colon was 8-10 with a 4.00 ERA in 29 appearances and 26 starts last year for the Yankees in his 14th big league season. -
Former Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Bartolo Colon throws during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Seattle Mariners Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2001, at Safeco Field in Seattle. He's a 2005 AL Cy Young winner. -
Prince Fielder
Slugger agrees to a nine-year, $214 million contract
The AL champion Detroit tigers boldly stepped up in the Fielder sweepstakes after a recent knee injury to star Victor Martinez. Fielder will earn $23 million in each of his first two years, then $24 million annually in the final seven seasons of his $214 million contract. In this July 15, 2011, file photo, Milwaukee Brewers' Prince Fielder hits a double during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies in Denver. -
In this 1994 photo, Prince Fielder, son of Detroit Tigers' Cecil Fielder, swings a bat at the Tigers' spring training facility at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla. Cecil became a big league star when he returned to the majors from Japan and hit 51 home runs with Detroit in 1990. -
In this July 12, 2011 file photo, National League's Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers holds his MVP award after the Major League Baseball All-Star baseball game, in Phoenix. In addition to his salary and potential bonuses, Fielder will get a hotel suite on the road. -
The move keeps the Fielder name in the Tigers family. In this June 18, 2002, file photo, Milwaukee Brewers first round draft pick Prince Fielder, right, talks to his father, former Detroit Tigers and American League home run champion Cecil Fielder, in Milwaukee. Fielder's deal is only the fourth $200 million contract in baseball history. -
Jorge Posada
The five-time All-Star catcher retires after 17 major league seasons
New York Yankees batter Jorge Posada belts a two-run home run off Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Rose in the fourth inning at Fenway Park in Boston, Monday June 19, 2000. He finished with a .273 career batting average, 275 home runs and 1,065 RBIs. -
New York Yankees' Jorge Posada becomes emotional during a news baseball conference at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. Posada announced his retirement Tuesday. He began a Yankee and ended as a Yankee, spending his entire career in pinstripes. -
New York Yankees baseball player Jorge Posada, second from left, sits with his family, wife Laura Posada, second from right, and his children Paulina Posada, left, and Jorge Posda Jr., during a news conference to announce his retirement at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. At the crowded news converence, Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera and CC Sabathia were among those who watched. -
New York Yankees' Jorge Posada poses for a picture while standing behind five World Series trophies he helped to win during a baseball news conference at Yankee Stadium in New York, Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012. Flanked by his wife and children, Posada announced his retirement Tuesday. -
Dodgers sale
Sources: About 12 groups submit Dodger bids
Several groups stepped up to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt, above. -
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre sits in the dugout before a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. He's among the bidders in some of the groups. -
Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley is in the bidding, as well as Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. -
Earvin "Magic" Johnson - count him in as a bidder. -
Bud Selig
MLB boss finalizes extension through 2014
Baseball commissioner Bug Selig talks with fans in the first inning of the fourth game of the 2002 World Series between the Anaheim Angels and the San Francisco Giants at Pacbell Park Wednesday, Oct 23th, 2002. His latest agreement was finalized on a 30-0 vote. -
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has been in charge of baseball since September 1992. He turns 80 in July 2014. -
Gio Gonzalez
Pitcher to join potent rotation after deal with Nationals
Gio Gonzalez made his $42 million, five-year deal with the Washington Nationals official. He now looks forward to pitching alongside Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman. The left-hander was acquired in a trade with Oakland in December. In this April 20, 2011, file photo, Oakland Athletics' Gio Gonzalez pitcher works against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif. Gonzalez has agreed to a contract extension with the Washington Nationals just three weeks after the left-hander was acquired in a trade with the Athletics. The Nationals said Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, the deal runs though the 2016 season and includes options for two more years. Gonzalez had filed for arbitration on Friday. -
Washington Nationals new pitcher Gio Gonzalez answers questions from the media as he is introduced during a baseball news conference at National Park in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Gonzalez, who was acquired from Oakland in a six-player trade, agreed to terms on a contract extension with Washington through 2016. -
Sacramento River Cats Gio Gonzalez pitches in the 1st inning against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Raley Field in West Sacramento, California June 9, 2009. Gonzalez is now a Washington National. -
Albert Pujols
Slugger signs huge deal with the Angels
Alex Gallardo Associated Press Albert Pujols, one of the greatest Cardinals players ever, signed a 10-year, $250 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels. Pujols is a three-time MVP and has two World Series rings. -
Albert Pujols is leaving the St. Louis Cardinals. Through 11 seasons with the team, Pujols hit .328 and averaged 42 home runs and 126 RBI per season. -
St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols holds up a squirrel after Game 7 of baseball's World Series against the Texas Rangers Friday, Oct. 28, 2011, in St. Louis. In the end, Pujols turned his back on his beloved Cardinals for a cash grab.
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