MLB This Week

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Archive for December, 2009

Laird arrested after brawl at NBA game (AP)

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.

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…

Mets and Bay agree to 4-year, $65M deal (AP)

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2009, file photo, Boston Red Sox's Jason Bay(notes) hits a three-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo. The New York Mets and free agent slugger Jason Bay have reached a deal. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, that the sides have a preliminary agreement. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract has not yet been finalized.

The Baywatch is set to begin at Citi Field. Free agent slugger Jason Bay and the New York Mets have reached a preliminary agreement, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Bay must pass a physical for the deal to be completed.

Giants sign DeRosa to 2-year, $12M deal (AP)

FILE - In this Sept. 30, 2009, file photo, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Mark DeRosa(notes) catches a ball hit by Cincinnati Reds' Drew Stubbs(notes) during a baseball game in Cincinnati. The San Francisco Giants have reached a preliminary agreement with DeRosa on a two-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Monday, Dec. 28.

For several years, Mark DeRosa daydreamed of eventually playing in San Francisco. He enjoys the city's vibe and atmosphere, from walking to the ballpark to trying out top restaurants. "I felt like it would be a cool place to play and an interesting place to bring my family," he said. For several years, the Giants pictured DeRosa's powerful bat contributing in the middle of their…

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.

Nats give LHP Guardado minor league deal (AP)

Veteran left-handed reliever Eddie Guardado and the Washington Nationals have agreed to terms on a minor league deal. Nationals GM Mike Rizzo made the announcement Saturday. Terms were not disclosed. The 39-year-old Guardado is fourth among active pitchers with 908 appearances in a 17-year career with the Rangers, Twins, Mariners and Reds.

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.