DETROIT (AP)—Victor Martinez had knee surgery and will need a second operation, another indication he is likely to miss the entire 2012 season.

The Detroit Tigers star had microfracture surgery Friday to repair the medial and lateral meniscus in his left knee.

“I don’t want to say it was a surprise,” team president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said. “We knew it was a possibility.”

Martinez is projected to have anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery on the same knee in six-to-eight weeks, the procedure that was previously expected.

The team announced Monday that he was expected to be out for the year.

When the Tigers revealed two weeks ago that Martinez tore his left ACL during offseason conditioning, they said the designated hitter would “most likely be lost,” for the 2012 season.

The first of two operations was done last week by Dr. Richard Steadman in Vail, Colo.

“We didn’t know the full extent of the damage for sure until Dr. Steadman got in there,” Dombrowski said. “He’s the resident expert in the world on knees, and he feels it is more important to correct cartilage before the ACL to get the best results.”-http://sports.yahoo.com

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—The Oakland Athletics are open to signing slugger Manny Ramirez but the team is not actively pursuing the free agent.

That was the message Sunday from assistant general manager David Forst, who talked during A’s Fanfest held at the Oakland Arena, next door to the Coliseum. A’s owner Lew Wolff had suggested the move last week.
“We’re open to it,” Forst said. “We do have other things going on and we do expect other additions between now and opening day. We have never been in a situation where we had too many good players.”
Ramirez applied for reinstatement to Major League Baseball last month. He was suspended for 100 games last year but the ban was trimmed to 50 because he sat out nearly all of last season. The suspension would start with the first game he is eligible to play after signing with a club.

“I think it would be fun,” Wolff said. “This should be viewed on the basis of talent. Once he’s served the penalty he should be free to do what he wants. I don’t know what kind of shape he’s in, though I hear he’s in great shape.”

Ramirez, who will be 40 on May 30, ranks 14th on the career list with 555 home runs. He was 1 for 17 (.059) in five games last season for Tampa Bay, which had signed him to a one-year deal worth $2.02 million. He retired from baseball rather than serve his longer suspension.

“I never actually met him,” A’s outfielder Josh Reddick said. “But to have a veteran hitter like Manny? That experience can only help us. We’re a young team and I would look forward to a guy like that, a guy we can learn from.”- http://sports.yahoo.com/

CHICAGO (AP)—Commissioner Bud Selig will decide what compensation the Boston Red Sox will receive for Theo Epstein’s move to the Chicago Cubs.
Epstein left as Boston’s general manager with a year left on his contract to become president of baseball operations for the Cubs.

Epstein got a five-year, $18.5 million deal in late October. But the two teams have not been able to agree on compensation and now it’s up to Selig.
Selig said Friday night he’d like to have it done as quickly as possible. He said he gave the clubs more latitude in hopes they’d reach an agreement, but they couldn’t. Selig said now it’s his decision and that’s OK, all part of the job.- http://sports.yahoo.com

BOSTON (AP)—The Boston Red Sox on Thursday confirmed the signing of outfielder Cody Ross to a one-year contract and said right-hander Scott Atchison was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

The $3 million deal for Ross was first reported on Monday, when he told The Associated Press in a text message he still needed to take a physical.

The 31-year-old Ross batted .240 with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs for the San Francisco Giants last season while playing at least 22 games at every outfield position.

Ross was the 2010 NL championship series MVP for the Giants and helped them win the World Series that year after they picked him up off waivers in August.- http://sports.yahoo.com

Baseball 12Bet Guide: Lincecum’s $40.5M, 2-year deal includes bonuses: SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Giants ace Tim Lincecum’s new $40.5 million, two-year deal includes a series of bonuses for winning the Cy Young and ...

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)—Giants ace Tim Lincecum’s new $40.5 million, two-year deal includes a series of bonuses for winning the Cy Young and other awards.

Lincecum and San Francisco reached verbal agreement on a new contract Tuesday pending a physical, which likely will happen early next week before a formal announcement is made by the club.
Lincecum, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, gets a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $18 million this year and $22 million in 2013.

He would earn an additional $500,000 for winning his third Cy Young, $250,000 for second place, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. If he wins the Cy Young in 2012, the bonus for winning again in 2013 would increase to $1 million.

Lincecum also would make $250,000 for being voted NL MVP, $150,000 for being the runner-up, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. He would receive a $100,000 bonus if picked to the All-Star game and $50,000 for a Gold Glove.

Lincecum had asked for a near-record $21.5 million in salary arbitration and had been offered $17 million by the Giants. He remains eligible for free agency following the 2013 season.

The 27-year-old right-hander, the winning pitcher in the Game 5 World Series clincher at Texas in 2010, earned $13.1 million last season when he finished a two-year deal worth $23.2 million.

When the sides exchanged numbers last Tuesday, Lincecum’s request neared the record amount sought in arbitration. Houston pitcher Roger Clemens asked for $22 million in 2005.-http://sports.yahoo.com/

Baseball 12Bet Guide: Selig extension through 2014 as MLB boss finalized...: NEW YORK (AP)—Given some time to reconsider, the San Diego Padres have voted in favor of baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s two-year extens...

NEW YORK (AP)—Given some time to reconsider, the San Diego Padres have voted in favor of baseball Commissioner Bud Selig’s two-year extension.

Selig’s latest agreement was finalized in a 30-0 vote, the commissioner’s office said Monday.
Because it was not on the agenda when owners met Jan. 12 in Arizona, unanimous consent was needed then for approval. San Diego owner John Moores, upset that the Padres’ sale to Jeff Moorad’s group was not approved, voted no.

Owners then decided to have a vote conducted by return ballot over 10 days, which fulfilled the notice requirement.

Reinsdorf says Guillen had his blessing to leave

CHICAGO (AP)—Ozzie Guillen left the White Sox four months ago, and they’re still talking about him in Chicago.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf defended his former manager Monday, saying Guillen had his blessing to leave the team before the season was over. Guillen was released from his contract with two games left last year and became the Marlins manager two days later.

“Ozzie told me he wanted to finish out the year, the Marlins really wanted him in Miami for the conclusion of the season, and I told him that he had no choice but to go given the excitement surrounding the opening of their new stadium and the unveiling of their new uniforms,” Reinsdorf said in a statement. “Ozzie needed to be in Miami at the end of the season for the Marlins.”

Reinsdorf’s statement came after White Sox pitcher Jake Peavy questioned whether Guillen quit on the team during an interview on WSCR-AM 670 on Jan. 14. Guillen then took to his Twitter account Friday and promised to tell the truth about his departure from Chicago.

“At the end of the day, Ozzie didn’t finish the season with us the last few games,” Peavy said. “So I don’t know who quit on who. But it is what it is and we’re all looking forward to 2012.”- http://sports.yahoo.com/

 

Baseball 12Bet Guide: MLB news update 1/23: Mariners reportedly ink veteran righty Millwood Millwood, who turned 37 on Christmas Eve, last season went 4-3 in nine starts with the Roc...

Mariners reportedly ink veteran righty Millwood

Millwood, who turned 37 on Christmas Eve, last season went 4-3 in nine starts with the Rockies, who returned him to the Majors in mid-August after he had spent most of the year in the Minors in the Yankees and Red Sox organizations.

The Mariners would be the seventh club of Millwood's career, during which he has compiled a record of 163-140 with a 4.10 ERA. He also has a no-hitter to his credit, against the Giants on April 27, 2003 while with the Phillies.

Millwood would likely compete for a spot in a starting rotation that already includes Felix Hernandez, Jason Vargas, newly signed Japanese free agent Hisashi Iwakuma and 2011 rookies Blake Beavan and Charlie Furbush. Hector Noesi, who will be acquired in the Pineda trade from the Yankees as soon as that deal is finalized, is also expected to compete for a spot. The Mariners also have several top prospects who'll get a look in Spring Training, including Danny Hultzen, last year's No. 2 overall Draft pick out of Virginia.

A two-time 18-game winner with the Braves in 1999 and 2002, Millwood reportedly had a chance to remain in Colorado on a $1 million contract with an additional $1 million in incentives.

Baseball 12Bet Guide: MLB news 1/22: Rangers wait on Darvish AP ARLINGTON, TEXAS — With the deadline looming to complete a deal with pitcher Yu Darvish, the Texas Ranger...

Rangers wait on Darvish 

AP ARLINGTON, TEXAS — With the deadline looming to complete a deal with pitcher Yu Darvish, the Texas Rangers reached deals Tuesday with two right-handed relievers while some of their top pitching prospects worked out at Rangers Ballpark during a winter camp. 


The Rangers avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to contracts with relievers Mike Adams and Mark Lowe, starting pitcher Matt Harrison and outfielder David Murphy. They exchanged arbitration figures with catcher Mike Napoli, outfielder Nelson Cruz and shortstop Elvis Andrus.


The two-time defending AL champions also were working to finish a multiyear deal with Darvish before their 30-day negotiating window ends Wednesday at 4 p.m. Central Standard Time. 


"We'll see if (Wednesday) is Christmas or not," Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux said. - http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

Baseball 12Bet Guide: MLB News 1/20: Cust agrees to $600,00 deal with Astros HOUSTON (AP)—Outfielder Jack Cust has agreed to a $600,000, one-year contract with the Houston Ast...

Baseball 12Bet Guide: 12BET MLB News 1/19: Rangers, Darvish beat deadline with 6-year deal Star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish agreed to a six-year, $60 million contract with the Texas ...

Rangers, Darvish beat deadline with 6-year deal

Star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish agreed to a six-year, $60 million contract with the Texas Rangers just before the Wednesday deadline to hammer out a deal.

Baseball 12Bet Guide: MLB news 12BET update 1/18: Gonzalez’s deal with Nats has team, player options WASHINGTON (AP)—Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez’s new $42 million, five-year contract incl...

Gonzalez’s deal with Nats has team, player options

WASHINGTON (AP)—Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez’s new $42 million, five-year contract includes both a club option and a vesting player option that could make it worth $65.5 million over seven seasons.

The deal, announced by Washington on Sunday, includes a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries of $3.25 million in 2012, $6.25 million in 2013, $8.5 million in 2014, $11 million in 2015 and $12 million in 2006.


Washington holds a $12 million option for 2017 with a $500,000 buyout. If that option is exercised, Gonzalez gets a $12 million option for 2018 that becomes guaranteed if he has 180 innings in 2017.

Gonzalez’s agreement, negotiated by agents Sam and Seth Levinson, is the largest contract for a pitcher eligible for arbitration for the first time.

Acquired from Oakland last month, the 26-year-old left-hander went 16-12 with a 3.12 ERA last season and was a first-time All-Star. He made $420,000 last season.- http://sports.yahoo.com/

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Alberto Callaspo agrees to $3.15M deal with Angels

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)—Third baseman Alberto Callaspo and the Los Angeles Angels have agreed to a $3.15 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration. The Angels announced a deal Monday with Callaspo, who batted .288 with six homers and 46 RBIs last season with the Angels, who acquired him in a trade with Kansas City in July 2010. He made $2 million. The Venezuelan infielder spent most of 2011 as the Angels’ starting third baseman, providing little power but leading the club with a .366 on-base percentage. Gold Glove shortstop Erick Aybar is the Angels’ only remaining player in arbitration. Los Angeles is working on a long-term deal with Aybar.-http://sports.yahoo.com/

For Cubs, uncertainty comes with excitement

 

Ricketts hopes Castro’s legal issue resolved soon

 

Baseball 12Bet Guide: 12BET MLB News 1/13: Mattingly—Preston—agrees to deal with Yanks NEW YORK (AP)—A Mattingly will be back in uniform in the New York Yankees’ organization this yea...

Mattingly—Preston—agrees to deal with Yanks

NEW YORK (AP)—A Mattingly will be back in uniform in the New York Yankees’ organization this year—Preston.

The 24-year-old son of the former Yankees star and current Los Angeles Dodgers manager agreed Wednesday to a minor league contract with New York

.He hit .232 with five doubles, five home and 19 RBIs in 53 games last year with Class A Great Lakes and Rancho Cucamonga.

He was drafted by the Dodgers in 2006, then traded to Cleveland in September 2010. He was released by the Indians the following April and then signed with the Dodgers. He became a six-year minor league free agent after the season.

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MLB: Pujols joins LA

Star hitter leaves Cardinals in US$254million deal



The Los Angeles Angels have confirmed the singing of star hitter Albert Pujols from the St Louis Cardinals on a mega 10-year deal.

The 31-year-old Major League star has signed a 10-year contract worth a reported US$254million. If true, the deal would be the second largest in MLB history, behind the US$275million one of the same length which prompted Alex Rodriguez to join the New York Yankees in 2007.

"This is a monumental day for Angel fans, and I could not be more excited," team owner Arte Moreno said.

"Albert's career performance clearly speaks for itself. He has proven to be the best player of his generation."

In October, Pujols became only the third player in baseball history, after Babe Ruth and Reggie Jackson, to hit three home runs in a World Series game.

His efforts helped the Cards claim the title but now he heads west to LA. The Angels also announced on Thursday that they had signed pitcher CJ Wilson from the Texas Rangers. - http://www1.skysports.com/

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Baseball 12Bet Guide: 12BET MLB online sports betting News 1/11: AP Source: Yankees Posada set to retire NEW YORK (AP)—Catcher Jorge Posada is planning to retire after 17 seasons with th e New York Yankee ...

AP Source: Yankees Posada set to retire

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision has not yet been made public. Posada’s plans were first reported by sports radio station WFAN. The 40-year-old Posada won five World Series titles with the team that drafted him in the 24th round of the 1990 draft. He became a free agent after a trying season in New York, the final year of a four-year, $52 million contract.

Earlier this offseason, Posada acknowledged that his career with the Yankees was over, but said he had offers from several other teams. Posada’s retirement leaves shortstop Derek Jeter and closer Mariano Rivera as the two remaining players from the core group that led the Yankees to four World Series championships from 1996-2000 and one more in `09. Andy Pettitte retired after the 2010 season. Only Bill Dickey and Yogi Berra have caught more games in pinstripes than Posada (1,574). But Posada lost his catching job before the start of last season and struggled early in his new role as the designated hitter. The switch-hitter was batting .165 against left-handers on May 14 when he was dropped to No. 9 in the batting order and asked to be left out of the game against Boston.- http://sports.yahoo.com

 online sports betting odds area available at 12BET

Barry Larkin elected to baseball Hall of Fame

 

Lilliquist replaces Duncan as Cards pitching coach

Online sports betting: ST. LOUIS (AP)—Derek Lilliquist will be making the calls from the St. Louis Cardinals dugout instead of receiving them next season.The Cardinals retooled their coaching staff Friday while Dave Duncan takes an open-ended leave of absence, elevating Lilliquist from bullpen coach to pitching coach and replacing him in the pen with Dyar Miller.General manager John Mozeliak said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press that he didn’t know whether Duncan planned on returning for a 17th season. Mozeliak said reports that Duncan will retire were speculation at this point.

“Honestly, I don’t know that answer,” Mozeliak said. “The one thing I wanted to make clear, I did want Lilly and Dyar to know they’d be with the team. I want clarity going into 2012.”If Duncan does not return, the Cardinals will be defending their World Series title without three of their biggest figures. Tony La Russa retired as the third-winningest manager in major history the day after the World Series parade. Three-time NL MVP Albert Pujols, who anchored the No. 3 spot in the lineup for 11 seasons, agreed to a $240 million, 10-year contract with theLos Angeles Angels.- http://sports.yahoo.com

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Cubs’ Castro accused of sexual assault


Chicago police are investigating an allegation that Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro sexually assaulted a woman last fall. The 21-year-old Castro has not been charged with a crime, and police otherwise declined comment. “It’s an ongoing investigation,” Officer John Mirabelli said Friday. Castro was unavailable for comment, but his attorneys said the allegation is false. “We are aware of certain allegations that have been made against our client, Starlin Castro. We have thoroughly investigated this matter, and we are confident that these allegations are baseless,” attorneys Jay Reisinger and Michael Gillespie said in an emailed statement. “Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we cannot comment any further.” Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer declined to discuss the allegation in any detail.


“While an allegation like this is something we take very seriously, don’t have enough information to make any further comment or answer any questions at this time,” he said. “It is a very much in a fact-finding mode on this whole thing and really to comment on any part of this matter involving Starlin would be really inappropriate because the investigation is incomplete,” Hoyer added. Castro was chosen to the All-Star team last year in his first full major league season when he batted .307 and led the National League with 207 hits. The Cubs are expected to build their team around the young star who made his major league debut in May 2010. Chicago signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Castro is scheduled to attend the annual Cubs convention fan event next weekend at a downtown hotel, and Hoyer said he still expects Castro to be there. Castro is scheduled to participate in a segment with fans where he and a couple other players are to discuss their experiences in the Dominican Republic and Mesa, Ariz., where the Cubs hold spring training. Hoyer wouldn’t say whether the Cubs expect Castro to be at spring training. “There is a time and place to comment on this and it’s not right now,” he said.- http://sports.yahoo.com