Mets third baseman David Wright called the two sons of slain NYPD officer Rafael Ramos on Wednesday, according to a report. He invited the boys to training camp and offered them a spot in the dugout for spring games.
All I want: Holiday wishes for the league
As David Byrne famously sang, “I can’t seem to face up to the facts.” It’s too late for last-minute shopping. The best you can do at this point is to extend New Year’s wishes.
Ishikawa’s life changed since walk-off, but he hasn’t
Ishikawa, 31, has remained in high demand since helping the Giants win their third World Series in five years. Though the exposure hasn’t been too overwhelming, he has been forced to adjust. Though the public regards Ishikawa differently, the man himself remains unaltered by fame.
Holidays extra special for new dad Gyorko
This promises to be a special — and certainly a more hectic — holiday season for Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko and his wife Karley, as their twin sons, Brody and Kadin, will be experiencing their very first Christmas at the family’s home in West Virginia.
Penn State, Boston College ready to rumble in the Bronx
Penn State and Boston College met the media in advance of the sixth running of the Pinstripe Bowl. The two regional powers will meet on the Yankee Stadium field Saturday, and they’ll be seeking fitting closure to their college football seasons.
Bernadina set to join Rockies on Minor League deal
The Rockies have reportedly signed outfielder Roger Bernadina, 30, to a Minor League deal.
Source: Young returns to Orioles on 1-year deal
The Orioles have agreed to a one-year deal with outfielder/designated hitter Delmon Young, a source tells MLB.com, helping the club add the right-handed bat they needed. The club has not confirmed.
Source: Pierzynski agrees to 1-year deal with Braves
Pending a physical, A.J. Pierzynski will join the Braves to help mentor catching prospect Christian Bethancourt, who is expected to be the primary backstop in 2015.
Gomes clears waivers, accepts assignment
Brandon Gomes cleared waivers and has accepted an outright assignment to Triple-A Durham with a Major League invite to Spring Training.
Winter Meetings in San Diego among the wildest in history
There’s never been a time like this in Major League Baseball. Maybe it shouldn’t have been so surprising that the Winter Meetings were the wildest we’ve seen since Bill Veeck set up his famous table in the hotel lobby in 1975, trading 22 players in three days.
For Hudsons, Christmas spirit a year-round endeavor
Tim Hudson and his wife, Kim, launched the Hudson Family Foundation in 2009 with one goal in mind: helping children and their families. Since its inception, the foundation has raised more than $600,000 for the needy.
Lone Star: Pence giving back to Houston kids
A Texas native and the Astros’ first pick in the Draft a decade ago, Giants outfielder Hunter Pence is usually in Houston this time of year, helping out at the Hunter Pence All-Star Camp for kids. And although he’s moved on professionally, this part of his past isn’t going anywhere.
No need to wait: Cubs have a spot for Bryant
If top prospect Kris Bryant is healthy and in form in Spring Training, he’s got to be in the Cubs’ Opening Day lineup.
Braves reach agreement with veteran reliever Grilli
Jason Grilli and the Braves have reached an agreement on a two-year, $8.25 million deal that includes a $3 million option for the 2017 season.
Twins sign right-hander Stauffer to 1-year deal
The Twins strengthened their bullpen on Tuesday as they signed right-hander Tim Stauffer to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million.
Angels invite 20 non-roster players to Spring Training
The Angels have invited 20 non-roster players, including 10 pitchers, three catchers, four infielders and three outfielders, to Spring Training.
Peavy thrilled to stay with Giants on 2-year deal
The Giants officially signed Jake Peavy on Tuesday to a two-year deal, which reportedly includes a $4 million signing bonus, a full no-trade clause and award incentives.