Detroit Tigers catcher Gerald Laird and his younger brother, New York Yankees infield prospect Brandon Laird, were arrested following a brawl in the lounge area of Phoenix's NBA arena, according to police. Phoenix police said Gerald Laird, 30, was cited for assault Wednesday night and 22-year-old Brandon Laird was cited for disorderly conduct.
Archive for December, 2009
Cubs, OF Byrd agree on 3-year, $15M deal (AP)
The Cubs found the center fielder they'd been searching for, agreeing Thursday to a $15 million, three-year contract with Marlon Byrd. And the Cubs are hoping to have more success with this former Texas Rangers outfielder than the one they signed last offseason — Milton Bradley. Byrd hit .283 with 20 homers and 89 RBIs last season for Texas.
Arizona, 2B Johnson agree to 1-year deal (AP)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to terms with second baseman Kelly Johnson on a one-year contract. General manager Josh Byrnes says he believes Johnson "will return to form after a down 2009 season" and "has a strong track record for hitting." Johnson hit just .224 with eight homers and 29 RBIs in 106 games for the Atlanta Braves last season, but batted .325 against…
Matsui wants to play outfield for Angels (AP)
World Series MVP Hideki Matsui is confident he can make a return to the outfield next season when he suits up for the Los Angeles Angels. Matsui returned to Japan on Wednesday, two weeks after reaching agreement on a $6 million, one-year contract with the Angels. Slowed by surgically repaired knees, the 35-year-old Matsui is likely to replace Vladimir Guerrero as Los Angeles' primary designated…
Diamondbacks sign RHP Howry for 1 year (AP)
The Arizona Diamondbacks have signed reliever Bob Howry to a one-year contract with a club option for 2011. Terms weren't disclosed. The 36-year-old right-hander was 2-6 with a 3.39 ERA in 63 appearances with the San Francisco Giants last season. Right-handed batters hit just .207 against him. Howry has a 44-49 career record in parts of 12 seasons with the Chicago White Sox, Boston, Cleveland,…
Nats agree with Bruntlett, Whitesell (AP)
The Washington Nationals have agreed with infielder Eric Bruntlett and first baseman Josh Whitesell on minor league contracts for 2010. Both players received invitations to major league spring training. The 31-year-old Bruntlett played the past two seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies and was part of their 2008 World Series championship team.
Park sues ex-Dodgers teammate Kreuter (AP)
Chan Ho Park has sued his former Los Angeles Dodger batterymate Chad Kreuter, accusing him of failing to fully pay off a $460,000 loan. Park filed the lawsuit on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming breach of promissory note and negligent misrepresentation. The suit claims Park loaned Kreuter $460,000 in October 2005 to be repaid a year later with interest.
Angels sign RHP Rodney for 2 yrs, $11M (AP)
Reliever Fernando Rodney has signed a two-year, $11 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. The 32-year-old right-hander spent his first seven major league seasons with the Detroit Tigers, including the last two years as their closer. He converted 37 of 38 save opportunities last season, pitching a career-best 75 2-3 innings.
Oliver rejoins Rangers for third stint (AP)
Darren Oliver returned to the Texas Rangers, saying his career will end where it began 16 years ago. The 39-year-old left-hander wasn't ready to say how long his third Texas stint will last after agreeing to a $3.5 million, one-year deal that includes a 2011 option. "I don't want to start a Brett Favre thing," Oliver said Wednesday.
Steroids are AP Sports Story of the Year (AP)
Alex Rodriguez joined the list of cheaters this year, and Manny Ramirez and David "Big Papi" Ortiz are forever tainted now, too. Five years after Major League Baseball added punishments to its testing program, questions about performance-enhancing drugs still swirl around America's favorite pastime.
