The Detroit Tigers have found their closer. Jose Valverde and the Tigers reached a preliminary agreement on a $14 million, two-year contract, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the team hadn't made an announcement, said the deal includes a $9 million option for 2012 and is subject…
Baseball owners unanimously ratified a five-year contract with umpires on Thursday, wrapping up a decade of labor peace in a sport once plagued by work stoppages. The deal, expected to be ratified by umpires on Monday, would remove a ban on umpires appearing in consecutive World Series, according to a person with knowledge of the agreement.
Braves outfielder Melky Cabrera has agreed to a $3.1 million, one-year contract with his new team to avoid arbitration. Cabrera, who made $1,425,000 last season with the New York Yankees, was acquired by Atlanta in a five-player deal that sent 15-game winner Javier Vazquez to the World Series champions.
Phillies closer Brad Lidge may not be ready for the start of the season after undergoing his second surgery in three months. Team officials say Lidge had surgery Wednesday to remove loose bodies in his right knee. The right-hander also underwent elbow surgery on his throwing arm in November. Phillies trainer Scott Sheridan on Thursday said Lidge should be able to begin throwing again in 10 days but…
Major League Baseball says it is donating $1 million to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Commissioner Bud Selig said in a news release Thursday that the contribution is being made on behalf of the league and its 30 teams. MLB is also encouraging fans to help in the relief efforts as part of its "Going Beyond" campaign to help those in need worldwide.
