The Yankees played their final exhibition game Saturday, and they used the occasion to push past Spring Training and set their expectations for the regular season. And if you ask manager Joe Girardi, the message for the players and for Yankee fans is quite simple.
Morneau swings on practice field, ready for opener
Justin Morneau, who missed the final three games of Spring Training because of stiffness in his back, took “four or five at-bats” on a practice field under the watchful eye of Twins general manager Terry Ryan Saturday morning and was pronounced ready for Opening Day.
Leyland: Verlander’s deal great for club, pitcher, fans
A day after the Tigers and ace Justin Verlander agreed to a record-breaking contract extension, Detroit manager Jim Leyland chimed in on the idea of having Verlander in a Tigers uniform for, potentially, his entire career.
Young relief corps could be key to Rangers’ bullpen
Joe Nathan and Jason Frasor are the two veterans in the bullpen and the Rangers have an idea of what they can do. But manager Ron Washington admitted his bullpen’s effectiveness could depend on how fast his young relievers grow up.
Let’s forget about the idea of ‘surprise’ teams
After all we’ve seen the last couple of years, after all the parity and all the teams that have emerged, can there be a surprise team anymore? Maybe that’s the most significant story line of this Opening Day.
Giants reward Posey with $167M extension
The value to the Giants of former Rookie of the Year, defending MVP and two-time World Series champion Buster Posey was acknowledged Friday with a $167 million contract extension that will keep the catcher in San Francisco through at least 2021.
Hernandez named starter; Niemann to bullpen
The Rays’ last position battle of the spring officially ended Friday morning. Roberto Hernandez will be in the starting rotation, and Jeff Niemann is headed to the bullpen.
Verlander agrees to five-year extension
Justin Verlander and the Tigers agreed Friday on a five-year contract extension through the 2019 season with a vesting option for the 2020 season.
D-backs sign Goldschmidt to five-year extension
Paul Goldschmidt and the Diamondbacks reached a five-year, $32 million extension with a $14.5 million club option for 2019. The first baseman hit .286 with 20 home runs and 82 RBIs in 2012.
It is time to whet your baseball app-etite
As Spring Training ends and Opening Day approaches, updates are available over MLBAM’s suite of mobile applications.
Mets teammates feel for Johan after latest setback
Johan Santana’s teammates were hit hard by the news that he had torn his left shoulder capsule again, likely ending his tenure with the Mets.
Wright returns; likely to be ready for Opening Day
David Wright was back in the Mets’ lineup on Friday against the Cardinals, all but solidifying the fact that he will also play on Opening Day on Monday against the Padres.
O’s confident they’ll be back in the hunt
Last year, the Orioles snapped a streak of 14 consecutive losing seasons by earning a playoff spot. This year, they’re ready to prove that 2012’s success was no fluke.
A’s open AL West defense against King Felix
It’ll be ace vs. ace, with perennial Cy Young Award contender (and 2010 winner) Felix Hernandez for Seattle against Oakland left-hander Brett Anderson on Monday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. PT.
Brewers, Rox looking for reversal of fortunes
Both the Rockies and Brewers are looking for a reversal of fortunes in 2013, and it all starts Monday at Miller Park.
Loaded Halos in for a test from West foes
After a stirring finish to the 2012 season, the American League West gets even more wild with the addition of the Houston Astros. And it looks like the same three teams will be the ones duking it out for AL West supremacy come September.
Giants extend Bochy, Sabean through ’16
Coming off their second World Series title in three years, the Giants on Thursday signed general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy to contract extensions through the 2016 season. Terms were not disclosed.