Hideki Matsui made an immediate impression on the New York Yankees from the moment he slipped into pinstripes for the first time in the spring of 2003.
Friendship Series continues to build momentum
One day, they may meet again. Two groups of young men that play their baseball an ocean away from each other met this week in a Friendship Series at the Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Calif., and the hope is that the American and Japanese kids will take a lifelong memory from the experience.
Mets sign left-hander Laffey to Minor League deal
The Mets signed left-hander Aaron Laffey to a Minor League contract and invited him to Spring Training, the team announced Thursday.
Godzilla says goodbye: Matsui calls it a career
Hideki Matsui, who arrived in the United States with great fanfare after a terrific career in Japan and stamped his Yankees years with an exclamation point as the 2009 World Series MVP, officially announced his retirement from baseball on Thursday.
Royals have taken on a bold new personality
With James Shields, a legitimate No. 1, and heat throwers behind him, Kansas City has the arms to compete with the best in the American League Central.
Teammates will miss Pierzynski’s desire to win
“I always thought of A.J. as a winner,” said Rangers manager Ron Washington, during Wednesday’s conference call to announce Pierzynski’s one-year deal with Texas, ending Pierzynski’s successful, colorful eight-year run with the White Sox. “He plays winning baseball.”
Shortly after trade, Sox install Hanrahan as closer
The Red Sox took Andrew Bailey out of the closer’s role Wednesday, when they acquired Pirates closer Joel Hanrahan in a six-player trade.
Report: Veteran outfielder Diaz lands Minors deal
The Yankees may have found a low-cost fit in their search for a right-handed-hitting outfielder, reportedly agreeing to terms on a Minor League contract with Matt Diaz.
Hahn understands fan reaction to A.J.’s departure
Hahn may be general manager of the White Sox, but he’s also a fan in his own right. So he understands White Sox fans’ disappointment over A.J. Pierzynski’s eight-year run on the South Side of Chicago coming to an end when his one-year deal with the Rangers became official on Wednesday.
On one-year deal, Ibanez joins Mariners for third stint
The Mariners made it official on Wednesday, announcing the signing of free-agent outfielder Raul Ibanez to a one-year contract and designating right-handed pitcher D.J. Mitchell for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.
Pirates acquire four players in deal with Boston
The move anticipated for months and known for days became official on Wednesday, when the Pirates formally dealt closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston as the centerpiece of a six-player trade.
Former All-Star reliever Urbina released from prison
Former All-Star reliever Ugueth Urbina has been released from a Venezuelan prison after serving seven years of a 14-year sentence on attempted murder charges.
Uncertainty remains, but Boston should improve
No one really knows what the 2013 version of the Red Sox will be, but it can’t be worse than last season.
Andruw Jones arrested Christmas morning
Andruw Jones was arrested Christmas morning and charged with battery, according to the Associated Press. The arrest took place outside of Atlanta.
Former Rangers owner Corbett dies at 75
Brad Corbett, a Fort Worth businessman who owned the Rangers from 1974-80, passed away on Monday.
HOPE Week honoree Fratto passes away at 19
Daniel Fratto, a 2010 HOPE Week honoree, passed away on Sunday at the age of 19, the Yankees announced Monday evening.
Yanks may be in transition but don’t count them out
Maybe you’ve read that this has been a difficult offseason for the Yankees. Maybe you’ve noticed that some people have already declared them toast in 2013. There’s just one problem with that opinion.