Patient Yanks could have busy Winter Meetings

NEW YORK -- For the Yankees, the first nudge toward organizing their roster for 2013 arrived last week with the announcement that reliable starter Hiroki Kuroda had agreed to a $15 million contract for a second season wearing pinstripes.

Prioritizing starting pitching, the Yanks had essentially been in a holding pattern waiting for a response from Kuroda, and they received more good news when Andy Pettitte officially inked a $12 million deal on Wednesday.

Completing two major moves on the rotation front make it possible that the Yankees could be in good position to create headlines at next week's Winter Meetings, which will begin on Monday in Nashville, Tenn.

"It feels like it's taken a while to get some traction this winter, but I also know patience is part of the process," general manager Brian Cashman said.

Despite their advancing ages, Kuroda and Pettitte were perfect fits for the Yankees because they are high-end players willing to return on one-year commitments, which speaks volumes about where the Yanks stand heading to the Winter Meetings.

For the purposes of this year, at least, the image of the Yankees as aggressive checkbook wavers does not exist. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has decreed that the club must fall below a $189 million payroll for 2014, which explains why you haven't heard the Yanks connected to big free agents like slugger Josh Hamilton and starter Zack Greinke.

The Yankees still have several holes to fill between now and the moment that manager Joe Girardi will address his roster for the first time in February, with several key figures expected to be deleted from the club that was swept in the American League Championship Series by the Tigers.

Pettitte's positive reply further strengthens a rotation that projects to include CC Sabathia, Kuroda, Phil Hughes and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps at the moment.

"We'd like to add to that and lengthen it, and deepen it and strengthen it," Cashman said.

There is expected to be a vacancy in right field, as Nick Swisher is anticipated to exit in search of a large multiyear contract, and the Yankees do not have high hopes of retaining Rafael Soriano, who opted out and likely will be sought by clubs as a closer.

The Yanks, of course, believe that their ninth innings will be handled by Mariano Rivera. Cashman and agent Fernando Cuza are expected to soon hammer out an agreement to keep Rivera in pinstripes after the all-time saves leader confirmed that he hopes to continue pitching following his season-ending leg injury in May.

"We're talking, so hopefully we'll finalize everything," Rivera said earlier this month.

With no apparent replacements from within the organization, the Yankees do have interest in re-signing catcher Russell Martin, who reportedly has agreed to wait for the Yanks to settle their pitching situation, but has also drawn interest from the Pirates, Rangers and Mariners.

"That's a very physical position and Russell handled it pretty well," Girardi said. "So I'm sure other teams are going to be interested in Russell, just like we are."

The Yankees have also heard rumors that Ichiro Suzuki's first choice would be to stay in New York, coming off the good vibes created during a successful half-season following the July trade with the Mariners.

Ichiro could slide into the right-field vacancy, but does not replace Swisher's power production, which could prove to be a concern if New York intends to restore Brett Gardner to a starting role in left field.

The Yankees are planning as though Derek Jeter will be in the Opening Day lineup, and rumblings of a potential blockbuster trade involving Alex Rodriguez -- a sexy story during his tumultuous postseason -- have been repeatedly shot down by Cashman, who says that he fully intends to have Rodriguez manning third base for the Yanks in 2013.

Rodriguez's massive contract -- $114 million remaining through 2017 -- and no-trade rights make any deal involving him a logistical nightmare, but the trade market should be an appealing avenue for the Yankees to check other boxes on the winter plan.

Viewed as reluctant to float multiyear offers because of the self-imposed $189 million target for '14 -- as YES Network broadcaster David Cone said recently, "Free agents do not need to apply here" -- Cashman will be challenged to show his creativity if the Bronx Bombers are to repeat as division champions.

"I've never said we wouldn't do multiyear deals. I never said we can't," Cashman said. "We're capable of a lot of different things, but we certainly have strong preferences. We will communicate those directly to the agents."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Top arms intact, Yankees prep for Nashville

NEW YORK -- Retaining players might not seem like the juiciest part of the free-agency process, but as far as the Yankees are concerned, making sure they held on to their talent entering next season was of the utmost importance.

As the club prepares for the Winter Meetings, which will begin on Monday in Nashville, Tenn., it does so with the knowledge that starting pitchers Hiroki Kuroda and Andy Pettitte are back in the fold for 2013. Mariano Rivera is also thought to be on the way shortly.

Thus the Yankees will have secured three of their top four free-agent priorities from within, and they continue to have hopes of retaining catcher Russell Martin after two seasons of mixed results for him in pinstripes.

Though he has received interest from other clubs, most notably the Pirates, Rangers and Mariners, Martin showed a willingness to wait for an offer from the Yankees while they made pitching their priority.

Even with at least five starters now in line for the rotation, it would surprise no one if general manager Brian Cashman continued to seek arms, holding firm to his oft-stated belief that "pitching is the key to the kingdom."

The Yankees also have some holes to fill in their lineup, most prominently a replacement for Nick Swisher in right field, and they have shown a clear preference for veteran players willing to accept short-term commitments.

Here is a quick glance at the Yankees' situation heading into the Winter Meetings:

Club needs

Catcher: The Yankees were encouraged by Martin's improvement in the second half and the fact that he never seemed to take his offensive woes behind the plate. Martin reportedly turned down a three-year offer in the $20 million ballpark this spring.

If Martin departs, the Yankees wouldn't have a ready-made fit for starting catcher, but they've been stockpiling help in a group that includes Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart, Eli Whiteside and Austin Romine.

Right field: With Swisher not expected to return, the Yankees are weighing Ichiro Suzuki's preference to remain in pinstripes after his strong second half. Ichiro added a refreshing dimension of speed to the lineup, but the Yankees may feel they need to replace Swisher's power.

Designated hitter/bench: Andruw Jones will be gone, leaving a need for a power bat against lefties, but the Yankees may have interest in keeping Raul Ibanez to hit against righties -- especially after his terrific postseason. Reserve infielder Eric Chavez is a free agent but could return, and the Yankees would entertain an upgrade over utility infielder Jayson Nix.

Pitching depth: The rotation seems set with CC Sabathia, Kuroda, Pettitte, Phil Hughes and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps, but that won't stop the Yankees from seeking help, probably in the form of a few low-risk veterans willing to try out for the role formerly held by Freddy Garcia. The Yankees aren't counting on Michael Pineda, though there is hope he could be back from right shoulder surgery around June. Rivera's return softens the blow of potentially losing Rafael Soriano, and the Yankees expect to have David Aardsma, Joba Chamberlain, Boone Logan and David Robertson among those filling important roles in the bullpen.

Who they can or need to trade

OF Curtis Granderson: There has been speculation that the Yankees could look to move Granderson, and while he is not untouchable, there's no urgency for them to do so. The Yankees believe it would be difficult to replace Granderson's power; besides, due to the center fielder's 195 strikeouts and his $15 million price tag, they probably wouldn't receive fair value in a trade anyway. There has been talk that the Yankees might move Granderson to a corner-outfield spot and switch Brett Gardner to center field.

SS Eduardo Nunez: When the Yankees stripped Nunez of his utility role last season and sent him to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, they instructed coaches to use him only as a shortstop -- a move, it appeared, that could boost Nunez's trade value. His defensive work is still suspect, but many believe he can swing the bat at the big league level. At this point, he might be the Yankees' most appealing trade chip.

3B Alex Rodriguez: We should mention A-Rod's saga, even though he said that he won't waive his no-trade clause and Cashman has stated he is not making -- or receiving -- any calls regarding Rodriguez. The postseason was ugly, but the Yankees don't believe that was a true indication of Rodriguez's skills at this point in his career. They still see him as an above-average third baseman, and since he's owed $114 million through 2017, it seems to be a safe bet that he'll be wearing pinstripes for years to come.

Top prospects

After the 2012 season, MLB.com named the Yankees' top 10 prospects in this order: catcher Gary Sanchez, outfielder Mason Williams, outfielder Tyler Austin, left-hander Manny Banuelos, outfielder Slade Heathcott, right-hander Ty Hensley, outfielder Zoilo Almonte, infielder Angelo Gumbs, infielder Dante Bichette Jr. and outfielder Ramon Flores.

The organization does have some promising position-player talent, but it's stocked lower in the pipeline and many players have had injury issues. The Yankees' top pitching prospect, Banuelos, will miss all of 2013 after having Tommy John surgery. Still, players like right-handers Adam Warren and Mark Montgomery could help the 2013 big league squad.

Rule 5 Draft

The Yankees' 40-man roster is at capacity -- they had to designate Whiteside for assignment on Wednesday to create room for Pettitte -- so the team would need to clear room if it wanted to select a player in Thursday's Rule 5 Draft.

Big contracts they might unload

None, really. Granderson's $15 million salary is slotted into the budget, so while an extension might not help the Yankees' plans of getting under $189 million for 2014 (don't forget, they'd also like to lock up Robinson Cano), they're fine for the purposes of next season. As for the biggest contract, again, all of that October speculation that A-Rod had played his final game as a Yankee was premature.

Arbitration-eligible

RHP Chamberlain ($1.675 million in 2012), OF Gardner ($2.8 million), RHP David Herndon ($495,000), RHP Hughes ($3.2 million), LHP Logan ($1.875 million), IF Jayson Nix ($480,000), RHP Robertson ($1.6 million).

Non-tender candidates

None.

Payroll summation

There has been plenty of talk about Hal Steinbrenner's directive to get below $189 million for 2014, but the Yankees appear primed to sit in the $200 million range for '13. The signings of Kuroda and Pettitte raised the payroll committed to players for next season to $158 million, and that does not yet include raises to arbitration-eligible players, which figure to add another $5 million to $6 million. A-Rod ($29 million), Mark Teixeira ($23.125 million), Sabathia ($23 million) and Derek Jeter ($17 million) will bring in the Yankees' highest salaries in 2013.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Yankees, Mo agree to one-year contract

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/29/12 9:05 PM ET

NEW YORK -- One day after suffering a season-ending knee injury, Mariano Rivera defiantly addressed a group of reporters in the visiting clubhouse of Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, vowing to pitch again and saying to "write it down in big letters."

On Thursday, Rivera and the Yankees attached some fairly large numbers to that promise. New York and the all-time saves leader agreed to a one-year contract reportedly worth $10 million plus awards incentives, according to CBS Sports.

The Yankees have not officially announced the signing, but a Major League source confirmed the agreement.

Rivera, who turned 43 on Thursday, made just nine appearances for the Yankees in 2012 before tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament in a batting practice mishap on May 3.

The owner of 608 regular-season saves, plus a Major League-record 42 in the postseason, Rivera had recorded at least 25 saves in 15 consecutive seasons (1997-2011) and has reached the 30-save plateau 14 times in his career, tying Trevor Hoffman for the most all time.

The Yankees expect Rivera to reclaim his role as closer after turning it over to Rafael Soriano, who converted 42 saves in 46 opportunities before opting out of his contract to declare free agency.

The $10 million figure is a step down from the two-year, $30 million pact that Rivera just completed, but Rivera will reportedly be able to make up the difference by achieving incentives.

After briefly flirting with retirement, Rivera said earlier this month that he had decided to return, not wanting the final moment of his career to be writhing in pain on a warning track.

"The fact that I didn't want to go out like that," Rivera said. "I felt like, I have something left, and [I should] give it a shot. Why not?"

Rivera said that he has been seeing results from intense rehab with the help of a New York-based trainer, and the Yankees believe that he will have plenty of time to prepare for the beginning of the '13 season.

"I have a long time to go. I'm not rushing," Rivera said. "I just have to make sure that my knee gets stronger. It does. It's getting stronger and stronger every day. I'm happy with that. I just have to continue what I'm doing."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Clemens' records, accolades on Hall of Fame table

By Richard Justice / MLB.com | 11/28/12 12:05 PM ET

Roger Clemens is a candidate on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first year. The Class of 2013 will be announced on Jan. 9. You can watch the announcement live at 2 p.m. ET on an MLB Network simulcast on MLB.com.

For a few weeks last summer, Roger Clemens seemed committed to putting off his first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot. At 50 years old, he got himself back into pitching shape and made two starts for an independent-league team in the Houston suburb of Sugar Land.

Clemens pitched well, too, allowing no earned runs in eight innings. His fastball was clocked in the 87-88 mph range, but that's not as big a deal as it might sound. During the 2007 season, Clemens no longer had a blazing fastball, instead getting by with a nasty split-finger pitch and his smarts and competitive juices.

Clemens admitted that the idea of making a couple of September starts for the Astros sounded interesting, and team owner Jim Crane was intrigued. It never happened, but that doesn't mean Clemens has pitched his last Major League game.

One thing Clemens has taught people over the years is that it would be a mistake to underestimate him or count him out. For now, he's saying only that he'll be in Spring Training with the Astros as a guest instructor. Don't be surprised if it turns into something more serious than that.

If Clemens' comeback intentions were the only issue concerning his first time on the Hall of Fame ballot, he'd likely sail in as a first-ballot inductee probably with some of the highest vote totals in history.

Clemens' only hurdle into the Hall of Fame appears to be that he was connected to the use of performance-enhancing drugs by being named in the 2007 Mitchell Report. Clemens has denied using PEDs, and it will be up to each voter to determine whether he or she believes him.

Clemens is also five months removed from being acquitted of felony perjury charges related to his 2008 testimony in front of a congressional committee during which he denied using PEDs.

A candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from eligible Baseball Writers' Association of America members to gain election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Shortstop Barry Larkin (86.4 percent) earned his ticket to Cooperstown on the 2012 ballot. Starting pitcher Jack Morris (66.7 percent) and first baseman Jeff Bagwell (56 percent) are the top returning vote-getters from last year. Results of the 2013 election will be announced on Wednesday, Jan. 9.

During a 24-year Major League career, Clemens established himself as one of the best ever. He's ninth all-time with 354 victories and third with 4,672 strikeouts. His name is all over the leader boards in virtually every pitching category, from winning percentage (ninth at .658) to shutouts (26th with 46) to starts (seventh with 707).

Clemens has a record seven Cy Young Awards and finished second one other year and third twice. He won the American League Most Valuable Player Award in 1986, and finished among the top 10 in the balloting five other times.

He led his league in victories four times, in ERA seven times and in strikeouts five times. He pitched more than 200 innings 15 times.

There are different chapters of Clemens' 24 seasons, but they're almost all astonishingly good. For instance, in his first seven full seasons with the Red Sox, he averaged 19 victories, 34 starts, 257 innings and 239 strikeouts. In his final nine full seasons, he averaged 17 victories, 214 innings and 212 strikeouts.

Clemens' problem isn't with his body of work, because it's one of the greatest ever. He had superb natural gifts, but he also worked harder and competed more fiercely than almost anyone.

However, a majority of Hall of Fame voters have a history, albeit a short one, of declining to vote for anyone who has been connected to performance-enhancing drugs.

As Clemens toyed with a comeback earlier this year, there were theories that it would push the reset button on his appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot, thus allowing voters more time to put his entire career into context.

Clemens denied the Hall of Fame entered into his thinking. He has also maintained that if his body of work isn't good enough for voters, he'll not lose any sleep over it.

"I can't control it," Clemens told "CBS This Morning" in August. "It's not going to change my life either way.

"The Hall of Fame is great. I've got a lot of great buddies there. The guys that are there paved the way for me to do what I love to do and make a lot of money doing it, take care of my family."

Regardless of how the voting turns out, Clemens put up numbers that will stand the test of time. He won more games than Tom Seaver and had more strikeouts than Walter Johnson. Clemens helped teams get to the postseason 12 times, and in eight World Series starts, he was 3-0 with a 2.37 ERA.

Clemens made his Major League debut at 21 in 1984 and pitched his final game 23 years later at 45. Whether that actually was his final start remains to be seen. For now, he's at 354 victories and counting.

Richard Justice is a columnist for MLB.com. Read his blog, Justice4U. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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'Boomer' among Yankees vying for Hall

The following players are candidates on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. The Class of 2013 will be announced on Jan. 9. You can watch the announcement live at 2 p.m. ET on an MLB Network simulcast on MLB.com.

The newest list of candidates for the Hall of Fame's Class of 2013 is headlined by players that not only dominated their era, but stars -- like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Mike Piazza -- who put up numbers that made history.

But beyond those elite names are other players up for enshrinement in Cooperstown for the first time. And while they may not be considered as first-ballot possibilities, at one point or another during their careers, they were among the game's best, their contributions etched into baseball lore. That may not send them straight to Cooperstown, but it is reason enough to consider them for baseball's highest individual honor.

A candidate must receive 75 percent of the vote from Baseball Writers' Association of America members to gain election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. An impressive list of first-year candidates joins the process in 2013 after Reds shortstop Barry Larkin became the only player elected to the Hall last year. Starting pitcher Jack Morris (66.7 percent) leads returning vote-getters in his 14th of 15 years of eligibility.

Among the players on the ballot for the first time:

Sandy Alomar Jr.
Part of one of baseball's great families, Alomar burst onto the scene in 1990, winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award, the Gold Glove Award and earning the first of his six All-Star nods. He was a pillar behind the plate for the Indians throughout the 1990s, and helped lead them to the 1997 Fall Classic. He played 20 years in the Majors, 11 of which came in Cleveland, and also spent parts of five seasons with the White Sox.

Jeff Cirillo
A two-time All-Star, Cirillo patrolled the hot corner for six different franchises in his 14-year big league career. He was a steady force in the Brewers lineup from 1994-99 and again in 2005 and '06. Cirillo batted better than .320 in all but one season from 1996 and 2000. He also tallied a career-high 115 RBIs and 111 runs scored for the Rockies in 2000. Cirillo often performed admirably with his glove, as well. The California native ranked in the top five among baseball's third basemen in fielding percentage in all but one season from 1998-2003.

Royce Clayton
Widely recognized as a slick-fielding shortstop with speed, Clayton ranked in the top 10 in fielding percentage among players at his position in each season from 2000-05. He twice led his league in assists and putouts among shortstops. Clayton earned a bid to the All-Star Game in 1997, one of five seasons in which he stole more than 20 bases. The California native also tallied 20 or more doubles in a season on 12 occasions.

Jeff Conine
A 58th-round Draft choice by the Royals in 1987, Conine blossomed into a two-time All-Star and steady hitter for the Marlins and Orioles, the two clubs that benefitted from the first baseman/left fielder's presence the most during his 17-year career. Defensively, Conine committed only 63 errors in nearly two decades of big league play. Offensively, he provided a consistent bat, as he hit 10 or more homers in 12 of the 14 seasons in which he played in at least 100 contests. Conine helped the Marlins to a pair of World Series triumphs in 1997 and 2003, and maintained a .304 batting average in 102 postseason trips to the plate.

Steve Finley
Known for his durability and all-around skill set, the two-time All-Star played in 139 or more games 15 times in his 19 seasons at the big league level. Finley captured five Gold Glove Awards, tallied 2,548 hits and stole 320 bases. The rangy center fielder covered plenty of ground on defense and logged 10 or more triples in a season on six occasions, including the 2006 season, when he collected 12 three-baggers at the age of 41. Finley topped the 30-homer mark three times, notched 90 or more RBIs five times and scored 100 or more runs on five occasions.

Julio Franco
Franco graced the big leagues with his durability and unique batting stance for nearly three decades. The three-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner got his first taste of the Majors in 1982 as a lanky shortstop and hung up his cleats in 2007 as a 49-year-old veteran. Along the way, Franco logged 2,586 hits, 281 stolen bases and won the American League batting crown in 1991. Franco is the oldest player in Major League history to post a home run, a grand slam, a pinch-hit homer, two homers in one game and two stolen bases in one contest.

Shawn Green
Green was a model of consistency during his 15-year big league career. He averaged 149 games played from 1995-2007, and saw action in 149 or more contests in each season from 1998-2007. A two-time All-Star, Green submitted his most productive year in 1999, when he batted .309 with 45 doubles, 42 homers, 123 RBIs and 20 stolen bases while meriting Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. Green topped the 40-homer plateau three times and drove in at least 100 runs on four occasions. He tied Major League records with four homers, five extra-base hits and six runs scored in a nine-inning game on May 23, 2002, and established a new record with 19 total bases in the affair.

Roberto Hernandez
Hernandez toed the rubber for 10 Major League teams over his 17-year career and racked up 326 saves in the process. The two-time All-Star posted a 1.91 ERA and tallied 38 saves as the White Sox closer in 1996. In 1999, the right-hander notched a career-high 43 saves for Tampa Bay. He totaled 25 or more saves in a season 10 different times before finally calling it a career in 2007 at the age of 42.

Ryan Klesko
A key offensive contributor to the great Braves teams of the 1990s, Klesko finished third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1994 and made his lone All-Star team with the Padres in 2001. He was a big part of Atlanta's 1995 World Series championship team, hitting .313 with three home runs in the Braves' World Series victory against Cleveland. A Westminster, Calif., native, Klesko also played seven years with the Padres, posting 20-homer, 20-stolen-base seasons in 2000 and 2001.

Kenny Lofton
For nearly two decades, Lofton embodied the prototypical leadoff hitter and center fielder. The speedster led the American League in stolen bases each season from 1992-96 and finished his 10-year stint in Cleveland as the Indians' all-time leader in bags swiped. A six-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove Award winner, Lofton routinely climbed outfield walls to take away home runs and tallied 2,428 hits over his 17-year career. His teams qualified for the postseason in all but six seasons and his 34 steals are the most in Major League playoff history.

Jose Mesa
At his peak, Mesa was one of the game's most feared closers. He helped the Indians to a World Series appearance in 1995 when he posted a then-franchise-record 46 saves and 1.13 ERA, as he finished second in American League Cy Young Award voting. The two-time All-Star also converted 38 consecutive save opportunities, a Major League record at the time. Later in his career, Mesa racked up saves for the Mariners, Phillies and Pirates, and closed his 19-year run with 321 saves, which ranks 14th all-time.

Reggie Sanders
For 15 consecutive years, 1992-2006, Reggie Sanders totaled double digit home runs and stolen bases. In four of those seasons, the journeyman outfielder compiled a 20-20 campaign. A consistent force at the plate for the better part of two decades, Sanders slugged 305 homers and swiped 304 bases while donning the uniform of eight different Major League teams. He's one of six players in history with at least 300 homers and steals. The South Carolina native earned an All-Star nod in 1995, and he finished that season with a .306 average, 28 homers, 99 RBIs and 36 steals. For the World Series champion D-backs in 2001, Sanders socked a career-high 33 homers and drove in 90 runs.

Aaron Sele
Sele was a durable ace in the middle of his 15-year career, assuming that role for the Rangers and Mariners after beginning his career in Boston. The height of Sele's career came from 1997-2001, when he averaged 16 wins a season and threw more than 200 innings four times with the Red Sox (1997), Rangers (1998-99) and Mariners (2000-01). Sele finished third in the 1993 AL Rookie of the Year balloting and fifth in the 1999 AL Cy Young Award voting. He also pitched for the Angels, Dodgers and Mets before retiring in 2007.

Mike Stanton
Stanton was part of the two great teams of the 1990s, the Braves and Yankees. He was a key bullpen part for the Yankees' dynasty in the late 1990s, often filling his role of left-handed specialist to perfection. He pitched for the Yankees from 1997-2002 and in 2005 as a member of all three World Series champion teams from 1998-2000. He began his career in Atlanta, pitching for the Braves from 1989-1995.

Todd Walker
Walker played for several teams during his 12-year career, providing a steady glove at second base and later throughout the infield. He was a .289 career hitter who also had some pop, totaling double-digit home runs seven times. He played for the Twins, Cubs, Reds, Rockies, Padres, A's and Red Sox.

David Wells
A three-time All-Star, "Boomer" racked up 239 wins over 21 big league seasons with nine clubs, twice finishing third in the balloting for the American League Cy Young Award. Wells submitted the 15th perfect game in Major League history on May 17, 1998, when he blanked the Twins. The southpaw tossed 54 complete games in his career, including an AL-most 24 from 1998-2000, and tallied 15 or more victories in eight different seasons, including a career-high 20 in 2000. Wells, who topped 200 innings in a season on eight occasions, often saved his best for the playoffs. In 27 postseason appearances (17 starts), the lefty posted a 10-5 mark and 3.17 ERA.

Rondell White
White spent the majority of his career north of the boarder in Montreal, putting together a handful of impressive years -- when able to stay healthy -- thanks to his combination of power and speed. He also played for the Cubs, Yankees, Padres, Royals, Tigers and Twins in his 15-year career. He was an All-Star in 2003 with the Padres and on the Twins' 2006 AL Central championship team.

Woody Williams
The best years of Williams' 15-year career came in St. Louis, where the right-hander earned his lone All-Star nod in 2003. Williams was impressive in the early 2000s, going 63-38 with a 3.80 ERA from 2000-04. He began his career in Toronto as a reliever before shifting to the rotation in 1996 and eventually being traded to the Padres before the 1999 season. After San Diego traded him to St. Louis, he returned to the Padres in 2005 before finishing his career with one season in Houston.

Cash Kruth and Zack Meisel are reporters for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Pettitte's one-year deal with Yankees sealed

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte is confident that his experienced left arm still has plenty of strong big league innings to offer. The Yankees are going to be counting on it.

Pettitte and the Yankees officially agreed to a one-year contract on Wednesday, as the 40-year-old left-hander quickly set aside any thoughts of retirement in favor of putting the pinstripes back on for another season.

"It was pretty easy once I started working out, trying to decide if I felt like I had the desire to do the work that needed to be put in," Pettitte said. "It was pretty easy for me to realize that this was something I wanted to try and do again."

Pettitte's decision marks the second major move of New York's offseason, following last week's re-signing of right-handed starter Hiroki Kuroda, and gives the Yankees a pair of battle-tested arms to slot behind staff ace CC Sabathia.

The game's active wins leader with 245 victories, Pettitte will earn a base salary of $12 million for his services, plus potential awards bonuses. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, the Yankees designated catcher Eli Whiteside for assignment.

Though Pettitte was limited to just 12 regular-season starts in 2012 due to a fractured left ankle he sustained in late June, he proved that he still could compete at the highest level, coming out of retirement to go 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 75 1/3 innings.

"I definitely think that if I would have pitched a full season and thrown 200 innings, that I definitely wouldn't feel as fresh and physically feel as good as I do right now," Pettitte said. "Obviously, I feel like that helped lead me to a quick decision."

Because his competitive juices haven't been fully exhausted, Pettitte said, he also isn't ready to lock into the idea that 2013 will be his final season.

"Whenever I shut it down again, that is going to be it," said Pettitte, who retired for the first time after the 2010 season. "It wouldn't be smart for me to just say right now that I would never play next year. I just don't think that would be smart, because I have no idea."

Pettitte said that he didn't begin seriously preparing for the '13 season until about Nov. 16th, when his oldest son, Josh -- a right-handed pitcher -- committed to attend Baylor University.

"When I got home, it was straight nothing to do about me," Pettitte said. "It was all about trying to figure out Josh, and for the first major decision in his life, I wanted to just be there for him."

The Yankees were sure that Pettitte had something left to offer; in fact, shortly after the postseason ended, Pettitte said that general manager Brian Cashman told him, "I don't know what you're going to do, but as soon as you decide, we want to sign you back."


"That's obviously huge for a player," said Pettitte, who also heard encouragement from Sabathia, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera. "For Cash to reach out to me and tell me that, you feel like this organization feels pretty good about bringing you back."

After returning from the broken ankle, Pettitte went 2-1 with a 1.62 ERA in three September starts and posted a 3.29 ERA in his two postseason starts. Despite not adding to his total in October, he remains the active postseason wins leader with 19.

"Knowing now that I have the rest of this offseason to train and get ready for a full season, I expect to be healthy," Pettitte said. "I expect to make my 34 starts or however many the Yankees want me to make. I think I can do that. If I didn't, I wouldn't try to do this again."

The announcement frees the Yankees to begin looking at other areas of importance on their winter shopping list.

New York had been focusing on pitching early in the offseason, and the team is still working toward an agreement with all-time saves leader Rivera, who will turn 43 on Thursday and is expected to agree to a one-year contract in the near future.

The Yankees also have interest in retaining catcher Russell Martin, who is said to be drawing serious interest from the Pirates, among other teams, and they could also seek to bring back outfielder Ichiro Suzuki after his strong second half.

Pettitte expressed confidence that the Yankees will be able to field a World Series contender in 2013, which also played into his quick decision to continue pitching.

"I think we're good enough to go all the way, I really do," Pettitte said. "I'm at the point where, if I didn't feel like we had a chance to win it deep down, I wouldn't do this. I feel like we've got a certain group of guys that are still there and that know how to win and know how to get it done, and we can go do that."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Patient Yanks could have busy Winter Meetings

NEW YORK -- For the Yankees, the first nudge toward organizing their roster for 2013 arrived last week with the announcement that reliable starter Hiroki Kuroda had agreed to a $15 million contract for a second season wearing pinstripes.

Prioritizing starting pitching, the Yankees had essentially been in a holding pattern waiting for a response from Kuroda, and they also continue to hope that Andy Pettitte will soon confirm that he has more pitching in his future.

Pettitte's decision is expected as early as this week, so it is possible that the Yankees could be in good position to create headlines at next week's Winter Meetings, which will begin on Monday in Nashville.

"It feels like it's taken a while to get some traction this winter, but I also know patience is part of the process," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Despite his advancing age (38 in February), Kuroda was a perfect fit for the Yankees because he was a high-end player willing to return on a one-year commitment, which speaks volumes about where the Yankees stand heading to the Winter Meetings.

For the purposes of this year, at least, the image of the Yankees as aggressive checkbook wavers does not exist. Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has decreed that the club must fall below a $189 million payroll for 2014, which explains why you haven't heard the Yankees connected to big free agents like slugger Josh Hamilton and starter Zack Greinke.

The Yankees still have several holes to fill between now and the moment that manager Joe Girardi will address his roster for the first time in February, with several key figures expected to be deleted from the club that was swept in the American League Championship Series by the Tigers.

Hearing a positive reply from Pettitte would strengthen a rotation that projects to include CC Sabathia, Kuroda, Phil Hughes and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps at the moment.

"We'd like to add to that and lengthen it, and deepen it and strengthen it," Cashman said.

There is expected to be a vacancy in right field, as Nick Swisher is anticipated to exit in search of a large, multi-year contract, and the Yankees do not have high hopes of retaining Rafael Soriano, who opted out and likely will be sought by clubs as a closer.

The Yankees, of course, believe that their ninth innings will be handled by Mariano Rivera. Cashman and agent Fernando Cuza are expected to soon hammer out an agreement to keep Rivera in pinstripes after the all-time saves leader confirmed that he hopes to continue pitching following his season-ending leg injury in May.

"We're talking, so hopefully we'll finalize everything," Rivera said earlier this month.

With no apparent replacements from within the organization, the Yankees do have interest in re-signing catcher Russell Martin, who reportedly has agreed to wait for the Yankees to settle their pitching situation before negotiating with other teams in hopes of returning for a third season in New York.

"That's a very physical position and Russell handled it pretty well," Girardi said. "So I'm sure other teams are going to be interested in Russell, just like we are."

The Yankees have also heard rumors that Ichiro Suzuki's first choice would be to stay in New York, coming off the good vibes created during a successful half-season following the July trade with the Mariners.

Ichiro could slide into the right-field vacancy, but does not replace Swisher's power production, which could prove to be a concern if the Yankees intend to restore Brett Gardner to a starting role in left field.

The Yankees are planning as though Derek Jeter will be in the Opening Day lineup, and rumblings of a potential blockbuster trade involving Alex Rodriguez -- a sexy story during his tumultuous postseason -- have been repeatedly shot down by Cashman, who says that he fully intends to have Rodriguez manning third base for the Yankees in 2013.

Rodriguez's massive contract - $114 million remaining through 2017 -- and no-trade rights make any deal involving him a logistical nightmare, but the trade market should be an appealing avenue for the Yankees to check other boxes on the winter plan.

Viewed as reluctant to float multi-year offers because of the self-imposed $189 million target for '14 -- as YES Network broadcaster David Cone said recently, "Free agents need not apply here" -- Cashman will be challenged to show his creativity if the Yankees are to repeat as division champions.

"I've never said we wouldn't do multi-year deals. I never said we can't," Cashman said. "We're capable of a lot of different things, but we certainly have strong preferences. We will communicate those directly to the agents."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Offseason slugfest not in cards for Yanks, Red Sox

NEW YORK -- The last time we saw the Yankees and the Red Sox go head-to-head on the field, if we're being completely honest, it didn't exactly represent a storied showdown that will inspire flowery books years from now.

New York was looking ahead to the postseason, while a fatigued Bobby Valentine was filling out his final lineup cards for a 93-loss Boston club -- not what the schedule-makers envisioned when they dispatched the Red Sox to finish the regular season in the Bronx.

Now, with the offseason in full force and the kickoff of the Winter Meetings less than a week away, the brand of free-agent slugfest that the media craves between the Yankees and the Red Sox hasn't materialized -- and may not at all.

"There's some options in the free agent market," Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said. "There's not a handful of high-end options. There's opportunities to build a team through free agency; you've just got to find the right ones."

In theory, the Red Sox should have cash to spend, having cleared nearly $300 million in payroll with the August trade that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett to the Dodgers.

But Cherington has often talked about being disciplined and smart with Boston's newfound payroll flexibility, regretting the decisions that tempted the Red Sox to try to emulate, well, the George Steinbrenner-era Yankees.

Though the Sox have flirted with Mike Napoli and already signed Jonny Gomes and David Ross to two-year deals, it may prove wiser for them to focus on the trade market and watch free agency from the sidelines rather than dabble on, say, the Josh Hamilton front.

The Yankees are also in an unfamiliar situation -- one in which they are willing to spend but reluctant to do so for more than a one-year deal, a direct result of managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner's directive to lower payroll to beneath $189 million for 2014. They, too, promise to watch most of this class go by.

The Yanks had little issue with giving right-hander Hiroki Kuroda a $15 million payday for 2013, as he fit GM Brian Cashman's criteria of "short-term circumstances on high-end players." Andy Pettitte and Mariano Rivera would fit similar bills; Ichiro Suzuki could as well.

Yet even with a vacancy in right field following the expected departure of Nick Swisher -- rumored to be on Boston's radar -- New York never tendered an offer to free agent Torii Hunter, who instead signed a two-year, $26 million deal with Detroit.

"He is a quality guy who would have fit the bill as a potential player for us," Cashman said of Hunter. "He makes the Tigers better."

Cashman notes that he has "never said we wouldn't do multiyear deals," and if the Yankees are to retain catcher Russell Martin, they'll likely have to -- New York offered Martin a three-year, $20 million pact this spring, an offer that was declined.

That's a special case, because though some may scoff, the $189 million objective is legitimate. That figure comes from baseball's Collective Bargaining Agreement, which provides tremendous incentives if a perennial big spender such as the Yankees can get beneath that number for just one season.

If they avoid paying a 50 percent tax on every dollar over $189 million in 2014, the Yankees would receive amnesty, and if they exceed it in 2015, with a big free-agent class ahead, could return to a "first-time offender" rate of 17.5 percent.

"I've made it clear that it's very important to me, for several reasons," Steinbrenner said last month. "Again, you're talking about a 10 percent reduction in payroll. I don't see that as an outrageous concept. I never have."

While the Red Sox and Yankees speak about setting down their mighty checkbooks in favor of creative solutions, the landscape of the tough American League East is changing, with the Blue Jays aiming to leap past both the Wild Card Orioles and the pitching-rich Rays.

Coming off an 89-loss season, Toronto has made the loudest noise in the division thus far, sounding the alarms by completing a blockbuster 12-player deal with Miami that imported shortstop Jose Reyes, pitchers Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson, and outfielder Emilio Bonifacio.

"I know the sleeping giant that exists up there," Cashman said. "Last year wasn't a true reflection of how good they could have been, because they got derailed with injuries. I think their additions are going to serve them extremely well. It doesn't change how we go about our business."

And with an accelerated rebuilding process under way, the Red Sox aren't in position to try to win the winter either, despite holes at first base, shortstop and the outfield, and a desire for starting pitching help.

Insiders expect that the Red Sox will continue seeking veterans on shorter-term contracts to help bridge them to 2013 or 2014, when some of the organization's top prospects are ready to make an impact in the Majors.

"Your flexibility can go very quickly if you don't use it wisely and do the right things," Cherington said. "We've got to find the right opportunities. We'll do some things this offseason, but building a team doesn't stop on Feb. 15. You keep going."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. Ian Browne, a reporter for MLB.com, contributed. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks, Pettitte near new deal; Mo may be next

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/27/12 7:15 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte's decision is in, and the left-hander has told the Yankees that he is ready to reclaim his spot in the rotation for the 2013 season.

The Yankees hope to finalize a deal with the 40-year-old Pettitte within the next 48 hours, completing another major piece of their pitching planning after signing veteran right-hander Hiroki Kuroda last week.

Pettitte's contract will be in the range of $10 to $12 million, according to a source, representing a healthy raise over the $2.5 million that the left-hander earned this past season after coming out of retirement.

The Yankees are also hopeful of finalizing terms on a one-year contract with all-time saves leader Mariano Rivera before next week's Winter Meetings in Nashville, with that contract figure yet to be determined.

Contrary to a report published in Japan, the Yankees are not close to an agreement with outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, as the team is concentrating on finishing their shopping for pitching first.

Pettitte made 12 starts for the Yankees in 2012, with his season interrupted by a broken left ankle suffered in late June. He was 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA and said late in the season that he hadn't been able to "fully exhaust" himself of pitching because of injury.

The Major Leagues' active wins leader with 245 and the all-time postseason wins leader with 19, Pettitte said after the playoffs that he hoped to provide the Yankees with a decision "within a month or so" in order to help the club move on to other needs.

"There's no doubt I still have the desire to compete," Pettitte said then. "For me, it's the family situation; that's just the biggest thing. I'm going to try to figure that out. It's a long season. What better job to have, to play baseball, you know? But at certain times, it gets tough when the family can't be together."

Rivera, who turns 43 on Thursday, confirmed this month that he plans to return after missing most of his 2012 season with a torn right anterior cruciate ligament. The right-hander said that he was allowing his agent, Fernando Cuza, to hammer out the details with general manager Brian Cashman.

The owner of 608 regular-season saves plus 42 more in the postseason, Rivera earned $15 million this past season in the final year of a two-year contract.

While Rivera is expected to be ready for Opening Day, it has been suggested that the Yankees will aim to give Rivera a lower base salary for this season, potentially sweetening the deal with incentives.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yankees avoid arbitration with catcher Whiteside

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/26/12 1:48 PM ET

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have agreed to terms with catcher Eli Whiteside on a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration, the club announced on Monday. The contract is worth $625,000 in the Major Leagues and $200,000 in the Minors, according to the Associated Press.

Whiteside was claimed off waivers by the Yankees on Nov. 5 from the Giants. He appeared in 12 games for San Francisco this year, going 1-for-11 (.091) at the plate.

The 33-year-old backstop spent most of the year at Triple-A Fresno, batting .224 with one home run and 20 RBIs in 60 games, catching 36.2 percent (25-of-69) potential basestealers.

Originally selected by the Orioles in the sixth round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft, Whiteside has appeared in 208 career Major League games with the Orioles (2005) and Giants (2009-12), batting .215 (105-for-489) with 21 doubles, 10 home runs and 43 RBIs.

Whiteside joined a group of Yankees catchers that currently includes Chris Stewart and Francisco Cervelli, who appeared at the Major League level in 2012, as well as prospect Austin Romine, who is playing in the Arizona Fall League after losing much of his '12 season to injury.

The Yankees also continue to express a level of interest in re-signing Russell Martin, who has served as New York's starting catcher for each of the last two seasons.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Patient Yanks could have busy Winter Meetings

NEW YORK -- For the Yankees, the first nudge toward organizing their roster for 2013 arrived last week with the announcement that reliable starter Hiroki Kuroda had agreed to a $15 million contract for a second season wearing pinstripes.

Prioritizing starting pitching, the Yankees had essentially been in a holding pattern waiting for a response from Kuroda, and they also continue to hope that Andy Pettitte will soon confirm that he has more pitching in his future.

Pettitte's decision is expected as early as this week, so it is possible that the Yankees could be in good position to create headlines at next week's Winter Meetings, which will begin on Monday in Nashville.

"It feels like it's taken a while to get some traction this winter, but I also know patience is part of the process," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.

Despite his advancing age (38 in February), Kuroda was a perfect fit for the Yankees because he was a high-end player willing to return on a one-year commitment, which speaks volumes about where the Yankees stand heading to the Winter Meetings.

For the purposes of this year, at least, the image of the Yankees as aggressive checkbook wavers does not exist. Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has decreed that the club must fall below a $189 million payroll for 2014, which explains why you haven't heard the Yankees connected to big free agents like slugger Josh Hamilton and starter Zack Greinke.

The Yankees still have several holes to fill between now and the moment that manager Joe Girardi will address his roster for the first time in February, with several key figures expected to be deleted from the club that was swept in the American League Championship Series by the Tigers.

Hearing a positive reply from Pettitte would strengthen a rotation that projects to include CC Sabathia, Kuroda, Phil Hughes and either Ivan Nova or David Phelps at the moment.

"We'd like to add to that and lengthen it, and deepen it and strengthen it," Cashman said.

There is expected to be a vacancy in right field, as Nick Swisher is anticipated to exit in search of a large, multi-year contract, and the Yankees do not have high hopes of retaining Rafael Soriano, who opted out and likely will be sought by clubs as a closer.

The Yankees, of course, believe that their ninth innings will be handled by Mariano Rivera. Cashman and agent Fernando Cuza are expected to soon hammer out an agreement to keep Rivera in pinstripes after the all-time saves leader confirmed that he hopes to continue pitching following his season-ending leg injury in May.

"We're talking, so hopefully we'll finalize everything," Rivera said earlier this month.

With no apparent replacements from within the organization, the Yankees do have interest in re-signing catcher Russell Martin, who reportedly has agreed to wait for the Yankees to settle their pitching situation before negotiating with other teams in hopes of returning for a third season in New York.

"That's a very physical position and Russell handled it pretty well," Girardi said. "So I'm sure other teams are going to be interested in Russell, just like we are."

The Yankees have also heard rumors that Ichiro Suzuki's first choice would be to stay in New York, coming off the good vibes created during a successful half-season following the July trade with the Mariners.

Ichiro could slide into the right-field vacancy, but does not replace Swisher's power production, which could prove to be a concern if the Yankees intend to restore Brett Gardner to a starting role in left field.

The Yankees are planning as though Derek Jeter will be in the Opening Day lineup, and rumblings of a potential blockbuster trade involving Alex Rodriguez -- a sexy story during his tumultuous postseason -- have been repeatedly shot down by Cashman, who says that he fully intends to have Rodriguez manning third base for the Yankees in 2013.

Rodriguez's massive contract - $114 million remaining through 2017 -- and no-trade rights make any deal involving him a logistical nightmare, but the trade market should be an appealing avenue for the Yankees to check other boxes on the winter plan.

Viewed as reluctant to float multi-year offers because of the self-imposed $189 million target for '14 -- as YES Network broadcaster David Cone said recently, "Free agents need not apply here" -- Cashman will be challenged to show his creativity if the Yankees are to repeat as division champions.

"I've never said we wouldn't do multi-year deals. I never said we can't," Cashman said. "We're capable of a lot of different things, but we certainly have strong preferences. We will communicate those directly to the agents."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks' Chamberlain has plenty to be thankful for

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/21/12 4:00 PM ET

Joba Chamberlain with his father, Harlan, before a game at Yankee Stadium (AP)

The wonderful aromas of Thanksgiving, if Joba Chamberlain closes his eyes and concentrates, are still wafting out of his Nebraska kitchen in steamy waves of ham and mashed potatoes with all the trimmings.

It's enough to get the Yankee reliever's appetite rumbling, even standing in New York, more than a thousand miles away from home. But the feeling of Thanksgiving? Especially this year, that's going to be more meaningful than the feast itself.

"My family is healthy and my son [Karter] is growing," Chamberlain said, "and I guess it's probably been the biggest year of growth for me personally as a man. When you get knocked down a lot, it's coming back that's the hard part."

Chamberlain, 27, can attest to the truth of that statement more than most. While recovering from Tommy John surgery this spring, Chamberlain was impressing the Yankees by beating all estimates on his rehab, sparking hope that he would be back, firing pellets out of the bullpen, early in the season.

• MLB in the Community

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Agent: Ichiro wants to stay with Yanks

By Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 11/24/12 10:51 AM ET

Coming to the Yankees proved a boon to Ichiro Suzuki, and the 39-year-old free agent wants to keep a good thing going.

Suzuki's agent Tony Attanasio said Suzuki wants to remain with the Yanks, according to a New York Post report on Saturday.

"They are going after pitching first which is what the Yankees normally do," Attanasio said. "There has been a lot of interest [from teams], but he enjoyed playing for the Yankees so much it's hard for him to say no to the Yankees. His preference is to stay there instead of going someplace else, but we will wait and see."

Suzuki played 67 regular-season games with the Yankees last season after being traded by Seattle, the only other team he's ever played for in the Majors. He put up a .322/.340/.454 line, after he carried a .261/.288/.353 line in 95 games with Seattle.

Suzuki made $17 million last season, so he'll be taking a pay cut no matter where he goes. Re-signing some other veterans, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte, appears highest on the Yankees' priority list right now.

Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shop MLB.com on Cyber Monday and save big

By Mark Newman / MLB.com | 11/26/12 12:00 AM ET

Shop MLB.com on Cyber Monday to buy one item and get one item of equal or lesser value at 50 percent off.

Baseball is a game of numbers, and they are in your favor right now.

How can you get an R.A. Dickey home jersey for under $50? Just order any item for at least $99.99, like an R.A. Dickey 2012 Cy Young Gold Coin Photo Mint or a Triple Peak Premier Jacket.

How can you get a pair of those new Fanatic Sherling Boots for just $55, or half off the usual price? Find an item for at least $109.99, like the Giants Replica 2012 World Series Champions Signature Edition Exclusive Jersey or a Bed-In-A-Bag Five-Piece Set.

Cyber Monday means holiday shoppers have an even better reason to be at the MLB.com Shop. From now until 11:59 p.m. ET, you can buy one item and get one item of equal or lesser value at 50 percent off. It doesn't matter whether you are looking for Derek Jeter's No. 2 jersey or some holiday decor, the time has arrived to save and save big.

As Major League Baseball clubs prepare to ratchet up their own shopping habits, it is pretty clear that many of us are on the strong hunt for bargains and getting our gift game on. The National Retail Federation estimates that overall sales in November and December will rise 4.1 percent this year to $586.1 billion. The online part of that is expected to rise 15 percent to $68.4 billion, according to Forrester Research.

"This Black Friday was by far the biggest ever," said Britt Beemer, founder and chairman of America's Research Group. "We've never seen 60 percent of consumers shop in a 12-14 hour window like we've seen this year."

Cyber Monday online sales have doubled since 2006, and industry analysts expect the trajectory to continue sort of like a Giancarlo Stanton home run, upward and upward into the distance. The MLB.com Shop Virtual Catalog and Gift Finder are two perfect ways to dive in, and as usual the MLB.com Shop Gift Guru is here to help with suggestions like these:

Buy a Seasonal KO Therma-FIT Hooded Sweatshirt from Nike for $74.99, and then get her that Women's Pullover Hoody that normally sells for $64.99. Boom, save over $30.

Houston's new look: This category of gifts also figures to dominate MLB.com Shop action the next month and a half, as Astros fans help other Astros fans prepare for their first season in the American League next spring. Get an Astros Personalized Tee for $34.99 and then you can take half the price off one of those orange Nike Dri-FIT Legend Tees that normally go for $29.99.

Baseball Base and Retro Bobbleheads: This is an obvious Cyber Monday target. These are typically around $25 a pop, and you can get a pair -- let's say Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw for you Dodgers fans -- so one is under $13.

A&E Home Video Giants 2012 World Series Videos: If history is an indicator, this will be either the most popular MLB.com Shop item of this holiday season or right around the top. It is treasured every year by fans of the champion, and it's the Giants' turn again.

Baseball Bat Bottle Opener: 'Tis the season to be jolly, and you might as well open your festive holiday beverages with an opener made from a real, game-used bat. This is a can't-miss item from Tokens & Icons that is on back-order for two to four weeks, so strike quickly with this one.

Cooperstown Dri-FIT Tempo Track Jacket: This Nike jacket is a popular item and features two-color contrast tape down each sleeve, with left-chest pocket and front zip pockets. It's $79.99, meaning this is a great opportunity to also get a typical replica jersey for someone.

Knits for the family: Reversibles, beanies, breakaway cuffs, sherpa and more. From knit caps for your baby to a baby blue Royals warmer. Cold weather means these are back in.

Adidas Newborn Gift Set: Some fans say they are born to follow their favorite teams. Then there are those newborns who prove it, because Mom, Dad, family or friend had the foresight to swaddle them in a six-piece set with their future club's colors. We're talking two newborn bodysuits, booties and bibs.

Oakley sunglasses: Just imagine you are out in the stands on a hot summer day, watching your team contending for a title and not having to squint because you have glare reduction, UV protection, anti-smudge lenses and they are impact-resistant in case you take one in the face during batting practice.

Phiten Authentic Collection: You know you want this. Every year you get a little closer to putting that same necklace around your neck that your favorite players wear on the field. Bracelet, necklace, power sleeve, titanium sock . . . the time has come to go for the aqua-titanium permeated accoutrement.

iPhone 5 Cases: Great stocking stuffer, and now is a great time to get one for at least a couple of family members of friends.

Shipping deadlines will be just around the corner, and we'll keep you updated on the key dates along the way. When in doubt, online gift certificates and MLB.com Gift Cards are safe bets for any fan.

Mark Newman is enterprise editor of MLB.com. Read and join other baseball fans on his MLB.com community blog. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks' Chamberlain has plenty to be thankful for

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/21/12 4:00 PM ET

Joba Chamberlain with his father, Harlan, before a game at Yankee Stadium (AP)

The wonderful aromas of Thanksgiving, if Joba Chamberlain closes his eyes and concentrates, are still wafting out of his Nebraska kitchen in steamy waves of ham and mashed potatoes with all the trimmings.

It's enough to get the Yankee reliever's appetite rumbling, even standing in New York, more than a thousand miles away from home. But the feeling of Thanksgiving? Especially this year, that's going to be more meaningful than the feast itself.

"My family is healthy and my son [Karter] is growing," Chamberlain said, "and I guess it's probably been the biggest year of growth for me personally as a man. When you get knocked down a lot, it's coming back that's the hard part."

Chamberlain, 27, can attest to the truth of that statement more than most. While recovering from Tommy John surgery this spring, Chamberlain was impressing the Yankees by beating all estimates on his rehab, sparking hope that he would be back, firing pellets out of the bullpen, early in the season.

• MLB in the Community

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sale at MLB.com Shop extended through Sunday

Save 30 percent on any order above $100, 25 percent between $50 and $99.99, and 20 percent up to $49.99.

Someone right now wants Mike Trout's No. 27 road gray Angels jersey, and you can save $77 if you order it through Sunday.

Someone right now wants the Official Giants World Champions Clubhouse sweatshirt like the 2012 champs wore, and you can knock 14 bucks off it. Someone else could use a Game-Used Wallet from Tokens & Icons and you can save $18 on one of those.

This is happening everywhere at the MLB.com Shop.

The Black Friday sale has been extended, and you know what that means: Many of the same people you saw at the ballpark last season are looking around with you for deals and steals at the official home of baseball shopping. From now until 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, you can save 30 percent on any order above $100; 25 percent on any order between $50 and $99.99; and 20 percent on any order up to $49.99.

The MLB.com Shop Virtual Catalog launched this week, and that is always a convenient way to see it all.

If you are a Major League Baseball fan -- and you are -- then the MLB.com Shop should be your default home for gift ideas. We again promise no long lines, no doorbuster stampedes or fighting, no parking lot stalking. Just savings and satisfaction.

The people who have brought you Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday and once upon a time even Bug Holliday now bring you Holiday 2012. Take this year's catalog for a spin. You can easily zoom from one category to the next. Mouse over an item, like the Slugger Pullover Hood by '47 Brand on page 9. It's a quick Buy Now process.

By all accounts, it should be a more brisk year for online shopping than the last one. According to Fortune magazine, a survey by consulting firm Accenture found that 52 percent of U.S. consumers will increase their spending this year by $250 or more, with consumers on the whole spending an average of $582. Shop.org forecasts e-commerce sales for all of November and December growing 12 percent.

Maybe the most important distinction in this entire 2012 holiday shopping season will be not the lines of merchandise, but -- surprise! -- the platforms we use to find them. Any baseball fan can tell you how mobile has transformed the national pastime, and shopping will be right there in line.

Sales from mobile devices will play a bigger role than ever this holiday season, rising 110 percent to account for 21 percent of all online sales, Adobe predicts. Two-thirds of those mobile sales will come through tablets, and the other third through smartphones. The average fan with the MLB.com At Bat 12 app can simply touch "More" on the bottom right and then tap MLB.com Shop.

So now the question is, how do I make the best use of this special tier sale at the MLB.com Shop? Relax, the MLB.com Gift Guru is here with you through New Year's. We will advise you on key upcoming dates, and as usual we will suggest items that not only are new and cool, but ones that are hot right now among other MLB.com shoppers. Here's a start:

A&E Home Video Giants 2012 World Series Videos: If history is an indicator, this will be either the most popular MLB.com Shop item of this holiday season or right around the top. It is treasured every year by fans of the champion, and it's the Giants' turn again. MLB.com exclusive release dates are Nov. 20 for the single-disc versions and Dec. 4 for the Collector's Edition eight-disc sets.

Houston's new look: This category of gifts also figures to dominate MLB.com Shop action the next month and a half, as Astros fans help other Astros fans prepare for their first season in the American League next spring.

Baseball Bat Bottle Opener: 'Tis the season to be jolly, and you might as well open your festive holiday beverages with an opener made from a real, game-used bat. This is a can't-miss item from Tokens & Icons that is on back-order for two to four weeks, so strike quickly with this one.

Baseball Base and Retro Bobbleheads: You might be tempted to order one of each -- one as a gift and one for yourself. The 1972 Braves Retro Bobblehead is the Gift Guru's personal favorite, only because it looks exactly like Dale Murphy -- four years before he got to the big leagues.

Women's Pullover Hoody: You can't go wrong with this Nike item. It retails for $64.99, so you can take 25 percent off during this sale. It is 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester, with ribbed cuff and waistband, a front pouch pocket and drawstring hood, and satin twill and a zig-zag embroidered team logo on the front.

Seasonal KO Therma-FIT Hooded Sweatshirt: Gray is in, as you can see in this great Nike line. It is normally $74.99, so knock 25 percent off that order. Or add another item to get the whole order price above $100, and the total savings is 30 percent.

iPhone 5 Cases: Great stocking stuffer, and you get to take 20 percent off the price.

Knits for the family: Reversibles, beanies, breakaway cuffs, sherpa and more. From knit caps for your baby to a baby blue Royals warmer. Cold weather means these are back in.

Cooperstown Dri-FIT Tempo Track Jacket: This Nike jacket is a popular item and features two-color contrast tape down each sleeve, with left-chest pocket and front zip pockets. Knock 20 bucks off the regular $79.99 price.

Adidas Newborn Gift Set: Some fans say they are born to follow their favorite teams. Then there are those newborns who prove it, because Mom, Dad, family or friend had the foresight to swaddle them in a six-piece set with their future club's colors. We're talking two newborn bodysuits, booties and bibs.

Oakley sunglasses: Just imagine you are out in the stands on a hot summer day, watching your team contending for a title and not having to squint because you have glare reduction, UV protection, anti-smudge lenses and they are impact-resistant in case you take one in the face during batting practice.

Phiten Authentic Collection: You know you want this. Every year you get a little closer to putting that same necklace around your neck that your favorite players wear on the field. Bracelet, necklace, power sleeve, titanium sock . . . the time has come to go for the aqua-titanium permeated accoutrement.

When in doubt, online gift certificates and MLB.com Gift Cards are safe bets for any fan.

Mark Newman is enterprise editor of MLB.com. Read and join other baseball fans on his MLB.com community blog. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Agent: Ichiro wants to stay with Yanks

By Evan Drellich / MLB.com | 11/24/12 10:51 AM ET

Coming to the Yankees proved a boon to Ichiro Suzuki, and the 39-year-old free agent wants to keep a good thing going.

Suzuki's agent Tony Attanasio said Suzuki wants to remain with the Yanks, according to a New York Post report on Saturday.

"They are going after pitching first which is what the Yankees normally do," Attanasio said. "There has been a lot of interest [from teams], but he enjoyed playing for the Yankees so much it's hard for him to say no to the Yankees. His preference is to stay there instead of going someplace else, but we will wait and see."

Suzuki played 67 regular-season games with the Yankees last season after being traded by Seattle, the only other team he's ever played for in the Majors. He put up a .322/.340/.454 line, after he carried a .261/.288/.353 line in 95 games with Seattle.

Suzuki made $17 million last season, so he'll be taking a pay cut no matter where he goes. Re-signing some other veterans, Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte, appears highest on the Yankees' priority list right now.

Evan Drellich is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @EvanDrellich. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kuroda re-signs with Yankees on one-year deal

NEW YORK -- Seeking stability in their rotation, the Yankees on Tuesday turned to the same place they found it a year before. The club re-signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year contract worth a reported $15 million plus incentives, answering perhaps the most critical question of New York's offseason.

"I suspect it was a very aggressive market for him, as it should have been," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "I feel fortunate that we were able to acquire him last year, and I feel the same way this year."

Most important for the Yankees, Kuroda should provide the same sort of consistency he did in 2012, when he went 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA in 33 starts, leading the team in wins, ERA, starts, complete games and shutouts.

Though Kuroda recently rejected the Yankees' one-year, $13 million qualifying offer, it was widely assumed that he was still interested in a one-year deal. He was also reportedly considering a return to Los Angeles, where he played from 2008-11 with the Dodgers, or Japan, where he broke into professional baseball with the Hiroshima Carp in 1997.

"I am very happy and excited to re-sign with the Yankees," Kuroda said. "I am very grateful for all of the interest and all of the offers that I received from the various teams that courted me. It was a tough decision for me to make, but at the end of the day, I wanted to try to win a championship with the teammates that I went to battle with last season."

Kuroda, who will turn 38 before Opening Day, has found mostly success since leaving the Carp to try his hand in the Majors. He posted a 3.45 ERA over four seasons with the Dodgers, striking out more than three times as many batters as he walked. Answering all questions about his readiness to tackle the American League East last season, he proved immune to the regression that haunts most pitchers upon a jump from the National League.

As a result, he quickly became indispensable to the Yankees, who would have been hard-pressed to replace him considering the state of their rotation. CC Sabathia should again anchor the rotation next season, and Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova or David Phelps could round out the bunch behind him. But beyond the very top of the rotation, the situation grows murky.

"He can play a really important role here as he did last year," Cashman said. "He's a pro. He did everything on the field and had a seamless transition to New York in our clubhouse and off the field, so he was a welcome addition last year and I look forward to him this year slotting behind CC and make our starting rotation deeper."

Kuroda was one of three players to reject qualifying offers from the Yankees. The others, Rafael Soriano and Nick Swisher, are not as likely to re-sign, though the Yankees are good bets to pursue Soriano for bullpen insurance behind Mariano Rivera. Because the Yankees gave Kuroda a qualifying offer, they would have been eligible for Draft pick compensation had he signed with another club.

In his five big league seasons, Kuroda has never produced an ERA lower than 3.07 or higher than 3.76. He has thrown at least 196 innings in each of his last three seasons, which could be his most valuable trait for a team searching for rotation consistency. Nor did hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium adversely affect him; he went 11-6 with a 2.72 ERA at home compared with 5-5 with a 4.23 mark on the road.

"As a pitcher, I try to evolve and be creative every year that I pitch," Kuroda said during the regular season. "I like to believe that I'm evolving and that I'm a better pitcher now than I was before."

He apparently evolved enough to become one of the few Yankees who carried his regular-season success into the postseason, giving up five runs over a combined 16 innings against the Orioles and Tigers. Kuroda struck out 14 and walked five, though the Yankees supported him with a total of three runs in his two outings.

Next up for the Yankees could be Andy Pettitte, who is deciding whether to play another season at age 41. Though it is widely expected that Pettitte, who went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 12 starts last season, will return for another go, it is possible he could choose to retire for the second time in two years. He missed three months last summer with a broken left fibula after coming out of retirement to rejoin the Yankees.

"Andy is deciding whether he wants to play," Cashman said. "As of right now he hasn't put himself in play, so there really is nothing to discuss at this point until he goes through that process which he said he will be doing."

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks' Chamberlain has plenty to be thankful for

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/21/12 4:00 PM ET

Joba Chamberlain with his father, Harlan, before a game at Yankee Stadium (AP)

The wonderful aromas of Thanksgiving, if Joba Chamberlain closes his eyes and concentrates, are still wafting out of his Nebraska kitchen in steamy waves of ham and mashed potatoes with all the trimmings.

It's enough to get the Yankee reliever's appetite rumbling, even standing in New York, more than a thousand miles away from home. But the feeling of Thanksgiving? Especially this year, that's going to be more meaningful than the feast itself.

"My family is healthy and my son [Karter] is growing," Chamberlain said, "and I guess it's probably been the biggest year of growth for me personally as a man. When you get knocked down a lot, it's coming back that's the hard part."

Chamberlain, 27, can attest to the truth of that statement more than most. While recovering from Tommy John surgery this spring, Chamberlain was impressing the Yankees by beating all estimates on his rehab, sparking hope that he would be back, firing pellets out of the bullpen, early in the season.

• MLB in the Community

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sale at MLB.com Shop extended through Sunday

Save 30 percent on any order above $100, 25 percent between $50 and $99.99, and 20 percent up to $49.99.

Someone right now wants Mike Trout's No. 27 road gray Angels jersey, and you can save $77 if you order it through Sunday.

Someone right now wants the Official Giants World Champions Clubhouse sweatshirt like the 2012 champs wore, and you can knock 14 bucks off it. Someone else could use a Game-Used Wallet from Tokens & Icons and you can save $18 on one of those.

This is happening everywhere at the MLB.com Shop.

The Black Friday sale has been extended, and you know what that means: Many of the same people you saw at the ballpark last season are looking around with you for deals and steals at the official home of baseball shopping. From now until 11:59 p.m. ET Sunday, you can save 30 percent on any order above $100; 25 percent on any order between $50 and $99.99; and 20 percent on any order up to $49.99.

The MLB.com Shop Virtual Catalog launched this week, and that is always a convenient way to see it all.

If you are a Major League Baseball fan -- and you are -- then the MLB.com Shop should be your default home for gift ideas. We again promise no long lines, no doorbuster stampedes or fighting, no parking lot stalking. Just savings and satisfaction.

The people who have brought you Roy Halladay, Matt Holliday and once upon a time even Bug Holliday now bring you Holiday 2012. Take this year's catalog for a spin. You can easily zoom from one category to the next. Mouse over an item, like the Slugger Pullover Hood by '47 Brand on page 9. It's a quick Buy Now process.

By all accounts, it should be a more brisk year for online shopping than the last one. According to Fortune magazine, a survey by consulting firm Accenture found that 52 percent of U.S. consumers will increase their spending this year by $250 or more, with consumers on the whole spending an average of $582. Shop.org forecasts e-commerce sales for all of November and December growing 12 percent.

Maybe the most important distinction in this entire 2012 holiday shopping season will be not the lines of merchandise, but -- surprise! -- the platforms we use to find them. Any baseball fan can tell you how mobile has transformed the national pastime, and shopping will be right there in line.

Sales from mobile devices will play a bigger role than ever this holiday season, rising 110 percent to account for 21 percent of all online sales, Adobe predicts. Two-thirds of those mobile sales will come through tablets, and the other third through smartphones. The average fan with the MLB.com At Bat 12 app can simply touch "More" on the bottom right and then tap MLB.com Shop.

So now the question is, how do I make the best use of this special tier sale at the MLB.com Shop? Relax, the MLB.com Gift Guru is here with you through New Year's. We will advise you on key upcoming dates, and as usual we will suggest items that not only are new and cool, but ones that are hot right now among other MLB.com shoppers. Here's a start:

A&E Home Video Giants 2012 World Series Videos: If history is an indicator, this will be either the most popular MLB.com Shop item of this holiday season or right around the top. It is treasured every year by fans of the champion, and it's the Giants' turn again. MLB.com exclusive release dates are Nov. 20 for the single-disc versions and Dec. 4 for the Collector's Edition eight-disc sets.

Houston's new look: This category of gifts also figures to dominate MLB.com Shop action the next month and a half, as Astros fans help other Astros fans prepare for their first season in the American League next spring.

Baseball Bat Bottle Opener: 'Tis the season to be jolly, and you might as well open your festive holiday beverages with an opener made from a real, game-used bat. This is a can't-miss item from Tokens & Icons that is on back-order for two to four weeks, so strike quickly with this one.

Baseball Base and Retro Bobbleheads: You might be tempted to order one of each -- one as a gift and one for yourself. The 1972 Braves Retro Bobblehead is the Gift Guru's personal favorite, only because it looks exactly like Dale Murphy -- four years before he got to the big leagues.

Women's Pullover Hoody: You can't go wrong with this Nike item. It retails for $64.99, so you can take 25 percent off during this sale. It is 80 percent cotton and 20 percent polyester, with ribbed cuff and waistband, a front pouch pocket and drawstring hood, and satin twill and a zig-zag embroidered team logo on the front.

Seasonal KO Therma-FIT Hooded Sweatshirt: Gray is in, as you can see in this great Nike line. It is normally $74.99, so knock 25 percent off that order. Or add another item to get the whole order price above $100, and the total savings is 30 percent.

iPhone 5 Cases: Great stocking stuffer, and you get to take 20 percent off the price.

Knits for the family: Reversibles, beanies, breakaway cuffs, sherpa and more. From knit caps for your baby to a baby blue Royals warmer. Cold weather means these are back in.

Cooperstown Dri-FIT Tempo Track Jacket: This Nike jacket is a popular item and features two-color contrast tape down each sleeve, with left-chest pocket and front zip pockets. Knock 20 bucks off the regular $79.99 price.

Adidas Newborn Gift Set: Some fans say they are born to follow their favorite teams. Then there are those newborns who prove it, because Mom, Dad, family or friend had the foresight to swaddle them in a six-piece set with their future club's colors. We're talking two newborn bodysuits, booties and bibs.

Oakley sunglasses: Just imagine you are out in the stands on a hot summer day, watching your team contending for a title and not having to squint because you have glare reduction, UV protection, anti-smudge lenses and they are impact-resistant in case you take one in the face during batting practice.

Phiten Authentic Collection: You know you want this. Every year you get a little closer to putting that same necklace around your neck that your favorite players wear on the field. Bracelet, necklace, power sleeve, titanium sock . . . the time has come to go for the aqua-titanium permeated accoutrement.

When in doubt, online gift certificates and MLB.com Gift Cards are safe bets for any fan.

Mark Newman is enterprise editor of MLB.com. Read and join other baseball fans on his MLB.com community blog. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Banuelos among six added to Yankees' roster

By Anthony DiComo / MLB.com | 11/20/12 5:43 PM ET

Manny Banuelos underwent Tommy John surgery on Oct. 4 after missing almost the entire season with a sore left elbow. (AP)

NEW YORK -- Rehabbing prospect Manny Banuelos is among six players the Yankees added to their 40-man roster on Tuesday, thus protecting them from next month's Rule 5 Draft.

The team also claimed right-hander Mickey Storey off waivers from the Astros and added outfielder Ramon Flores, right-handers Brett Marshall and Jose Ramirez, and lefties Francisco Rondon and Nik Turley to the 40-man roster, which now stands at 39. Right-hander Dave Herndon elected for free agency rather than accept an outright assignment to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Storey, 26, made his big league debut with the Astros in August, posting a 3.86 ERA in 26 relief appearances. A 31st-round Draft pick of the A's, he began the season with Triple-A Oklahoma City, where he went 7-4 with two saves and a 3.05 ERA in 36 relief appearances and two starts.

Banuelos, 21, missed almost the entire season with a sore left elbow, and he underwent Tommy John surgery on Oct. 4. He made only six starts for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA after opening the year as the Yankees' fourth-ranked prospect on MLB.com's 2012 Prospect Watch.

Flores, 20, spent the majority of the season with Class A Tampa, batting .302 with six home runs and 39 RBIs in 131 games. He also appeared in one game with Double-A Trenton, hitting a home run.

Marshall, 22, spent the 2012 season with Trenton, going 13-7 with a 3.52 ERA and a team-leading 120 strikeouts in 27 starts.

Ramirez, 22, went 7-6 with a 3.19 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) with Tampa in 2012. Rondon, 24, combined to go 5-0 with one save and a 3.93 ERA in 44 relief appearances for Tampa, Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. And Turley, 23, went 9-5 with a 2.89 ERA in 23 games (21 starts) for Tampa before a late-season promotion to Trenton.

Major League regulations stipulate that any player who signed his first professional contract before age 19 and has been in the organization for five years, or who signed after age 19 and has been in the organization for four years, is eligible to be selected in the Rule 5 Draft if left unprotected. Thus, such players as Banuelos and Flores must be added to the 40-man roster, whereas younger prospects are safe.

If selected, a player must remain on his new team's active roster or disabled list all season or be offered back to his original club at a discounted price.

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kuroda re-signs with Yankees on one-year deal

NEW YORK -- Seeking stability in their rotation, the Yankees on Tuesday turned to the same place they found it a year before. The club re-signed Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year contract worth a reported $15 million plus incentives, answering perhaps the most critical question of New York's offseason.

"I suspect it was a very aggressive market for him, as it should have been," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "I feel fortunate that we were able to acquire him last year, and I feel the same way this year."

Most important for the Yankees, Kuroda should provide the same sort of consistency he did in 2012, when he went 16-11 with a 3.32 ERA in 33 starts, leading the team in wins, ERA, starts, complete games and shutouts.

Though Kuroda recently rejected the Yankees' one-year, $13 million qualifying offer, it was widely assumed that he was still interested in a one-year deal. He was also reportedly considering a return to Los Angeles, where he played from 2008-11 with the Dodgers, or Japan, where he broke into professional baseball with the Hiroshima Carp in 1997.

"I am very happy and excited to re-sign with the Yankees," Kuroda said. "I am very grateful for all of the interest and all of the offers that I received from the various teams that courted me. It was a tough decision for me to make, but at the end of the day, I wanted to try to win a championship with the teammates that I went to battle with last season."

Kuroda, who will turn 38 before Opening Day, has found mostly success since leaving the Carp to try his hand in the Majors. He posted a 3.45 ERA over four seasons with the Dodgers, striking out more than three times as many batters as he walked. Answering all questions about his readiness to tackle the American League East last season, he proved immune to the regression that haunts most pitchers upon a jump from the National League.

As a result, he quickly became indispensable to the Yankees, who would have been hard-pressed to replace him considering the state of their rotation. CC Sabathia should again anchor the rotation next season, and Phil Hughes, Ivan Nova or David Phelps could round out the bunch behind him. But beyond the very top of the rotation, the situation grows murky.

"He can play a really important role here as he did last year," Cashman said. "He's a pro. He did everything on the field and had a seamless transition to New York in our clubhouse and off the field, so he was a welcome addition last year and I look forward to him this year slotting behind CC and make our starting rotation deeper."

Kuroda was one of three players to reject qualifying offers from the Yankees. The others, Rafael Soriano and Nick Swisher, are not as likely to re-sign, though the Yankees are good bets to pursue Soriano for bullpen insurance behind Mariano Rivera. Because the Yankees gave Kuroda a qualifying offer, they would have been eligible for Draft pick compensation had he signed with another club.

In his five big league seasons, Kuroda has never produced an ERA lower than 3.07 or higher than 3.76. He has thrown at least 196 innings in each of his last three seasons, which could be his most valuable trait for a team searching for rotation consistency. Nor did hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium adversely affect him; he went 11-6 with a 2.72 ERA at home compared with 5-5 with a 4.23 mark on the road.

"As a pitcher, I try to evolve and be creative every year that I pitch," Kuroda said during the regular season. "I like to believe that I'm evolving and that I'm a better pitcher now than I was before."

He apparently evolved enough to become one of the few Yankees who carried his regular-season success into the postseason, giving up five runs over a combined 16 innings against the Orioles and Tigers. Kuroda struck out 14 and walked five, though the Yankees supported him with a total of three runs in his two outings.

Next up for the Yankees could be Andy Pettitte, who is deciding whether to play another season at age 41. Though it is widely expected that Pettitte, who went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA in 12 starts last season, will return for another go, it is possible he could choose to retire for the second time in two years. He missed three months last summer with a broken left fibula after coming out of retirement to rejoin the Yankees.

"Andy is deciding whether he wants to play," Cashman said. "As of right now he hasn't put himself in play, so there really is nothing to discuss at this point until he goes through that process which he said he will be doing."

Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Yanks' Chamberlain has plenty to be thankful for

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 11/21/12 4:00 PM ET

Joba Chamberlain with his father, Harlan, before a game at Yankee Stadium (AP)

The wonderful aromas of Thanksgiving, if Joba Chamberlain closes his eyes and concentrates, are still wafting out of his Nebraska kitchen in steamy waves of ham and mashed potatoes with all the trimmings.

It's enough to get the Yankee reliever's appetite rumbling, even standing in New York, more than a thousand miles away from home. But the feeling of Thanksgiving? Especially this year, that's going to be more meaningful than the feast itself.

"My family is healthy and my son [Karter] is growing," Chamberlain said, "and I guess it's probably been the biggest year of growth for me personally as a man. When you get knocked down a lot, it's coming back that's the hard part."

Chamberlain, 27, can attest to the truth of that statement more than most. While recovering from Tommy John surgery this spring, Chamberlain was impressing the Yankees by beating all estimates on his rehab, sparking hope that he would be back, firing pellets out of the bullpen, early in the season.

• MLB in the Community

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More