The outfield used to be a prime destination for the fantasy needs of every baseball shopper. Times have changed.Other positions are more fruitful and stolen bases are more valuable than ever because they're not as readily available.In 2017, outfielders accounted for 38 percent of all plate appearance in Major League Baseball, and accordingly represented 38.9 percent of home runs and 37.9 percent of all RBIs. Looking at other standard categories, outfielders accounted for 41 percent of runs scored and 54.9 percent of stolen bases. They hit an average of .260 versus the typical .255 batting average. They were even better with on-base percentage, earning a .332 mark compared to baseball's average OBP of .324.Combine those numbers with the reality that HRs overall are up 45.8 percent since 2014, and RBIs increased by just 15 percent - but stolen bases are down 29.8 percent from their peak this decade.The takeaway: You can get power anywhere, but steals are at a premium and the outfield is a... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was rocked for seven runs and seven hits over 1 1/3 innings in his second major league spring training start for the Los Angeles Angels, allowing long home runs to Colorado's Ian Desmond and Nolan Arenado that went over the left-field berm on Friday in an 18-6 loss.The 23-year-old Japanese two-way star made his first big league exhibition appearance since Feb. 24, when he pitched 1 1/3 innings against Milwaukee and gave up Keon Broxton's home run leading off the second.Desmond hit a solo homer and Arenado had a three-run shot. Charlie Blackmon had a two-run single, and DJ LeMahieu a run-scoring infield single.Desmond also hit a solo homer off Tyler Warmoth. Kole Calhoun homered for the Angels and Justin Upton went deep for the third time.ELSEHWERE AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUESROYALS 12, PADRES 4Mike Moustakas hit a two-run single in his first spring training appearance for Kansas City after rejoining the Royals. Salvador Perez homered twice,... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was rocked for seven runs and seven hits over 1 1/3 innings in his second major league spring training start for the Los Angeles Angels, allowing long home runs to Colorado's Ian Desmond and Nolan Arenado that went over the left-field berm on Friday in an 18-6 loss.The 23-year-old Japanese two-way star made his first big league exhibition appearance since Feb. 24, when he pitched 1 1/3 innings against Milwaukee and gave up Keon Broxton's home run leading off the second.Desmond hit a solo homer and Arrenado had a three-run shot. Charlie Blackmon had a two-run single, and DJ LeMahieu a run-scoring infield single.Desmond also hit a solo homer off Tyler Warmoth. Kole Calhoun homered for the Angels and Justin Upton went deep for the third time.ELSEHWERE AROUND THE GRAPEFRUIT AND CACTUS LEAGUESROYALS 12, PADRES 4Mike Moustakas hit a two-run single in his first spring training appearance for Kansas City after rejoining the Royals. Salvador Perez homered twice,... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was rocked for seven runs over 1 1/3 innings in his second major league spring training start for the Los Angeles Angels, allowing long home runs to Colorado's Ian Desmond and Nolan Arenado that went over the left-field berm on Friday.The 23-year-old Japanese two-way star made his first big league exhibition appearance since Feb. 24, when he pitched 1 1/3 innings against Milwaukee and gave up Keon Broxton's home run leading off the second.Against the Rockies, he walked NL batting champion Charlie Blackmon leading off and allowed Arenado's one-out single before escaping a first-inning jam.Desmond homered starting the second, Ohtani hit Chris Iannetta with a pitch, Mike Tauchman singled and Jordan Patterson loaded the bases when his popup dropped for a single.Blackmon hit a two-run single, DJ LeMahieu reached on a run-scoring infield single for a 4-0 lead and Arenado hit a three-run homer. Ohtani struck out Trevor Story for the second time and was removed... [More]

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could... [More]

Jake Arrieta finally found a deal he liked.The free agent ace and the Philadelphia Phillies have reached agreement on a three-year contract, two people familiar with the decision told The Associated Press.Both people spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal, reportedly worth $75 million, is pending a physical. Arrieta is joining the Phillies just 2 ½ weeks before opening day.The 32-year-old Arrieta was among several top free agents who didn't get a contract for six or seven seasons in a changing market. The Phillies, who have plenty of money to spend, waited until the price was right for them.Arrieta won the 2015 NL Cy Young Award with the Chicago Cubs and helped them win the World Series the next season. The right-hander was 14-10 with a 3.53 ERA last year.The Phillies went 66-96 and finished last in the NL East, and haven't had a winning season since 2011. But they've added veteran slugger Carlos Santana, Arrieta and quality relievers to a young nucleus that could... [More]

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Shohei Ohtani didn't quite dazzle in his spring pitching debut with the Los Angeles Angels.Maybe things will change when he swings the bat for the first time in a Cactus League game.The star two-way player from Japan had mixed results in his first big league mound appearance Saturday, when he allowed a home run and didn't make it through his scheduled two innings in a 6-5 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.The 23-year-old right-hander threw some nice pitches, including a fastball clocked at 97 mph, and a curveball that came across at 69 mph.But he also struggled with his fastball command in allowing two runs, one earned, and two hits in 1 1-3 innings. Keon Broxton tagged him for a home run leading off the second inning."Besides the results, I mean, I had a lot of fun out there, so I think it went all well," Ohtani said through a translator.He struck out two and walked one. He threw 31 pitches, 17 for strikes.Ohtani didn't hit — he wasn't in manager Mike Scioscia's... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — New Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich struck out twice in his spring training debut Friday when the Brewers hosted the Chicago Cubs in a split-squad game.He also singled before departing after the fourth inning.Yelich, who arrived via trade for four prospects in one of the major leagues' most notable offseason moves, played left field. That's the spot where he figures to see most action in 2018.Yelich was primarily a left fielder from 2013 to 2016 with the Miami Marlins, then played 155 games in center field there last season. He ran down a curling line drive off the bat of the Cubs' Ian Happ on the first pitch of the game, then went 1 for 2 with two strikeouts and a soft single to left-center."Excited to get things under way. These guys have been awesome," Yelich said.Coming from the Marlins, who let their entire starting outfield from 2017 go in the offseason, the Brewers with their additions and better outlook for a winning season seem to be a happy destination.... [More]

PHOENIX (AP) — Ryan Braun has never been a fan of spring training, but he'll have plenty of work to keep him busy this year.The Milwaukee left fielder reported to camp Monday to prepare for his 12th big league season. And for the first time since his rookie campaign in 2007, he'll be taking groundballs as the Brewers try to get him work at first base.Moving Braun became an option when Milwaukee acquired outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in January. Their additions created a logjam in an already-crowded outfield, so to help ease the situation, general manager David Stearns and manager Craig Counsell approached Braun about potentially playing first base.With the Brewers trying to build off their surprising 2017 season that finished a victory short of the postseason, Braun embraced the opportunity."I don't know exactly what the plan is yet as far as how often I'll be at what position, but it's definitely something I'm looking forward to," Braun said. "If I can be more versatile,... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Lorenzo Cain felt comfortable back at Miller Park even if his new Milwaukee Brewers uniform seemed to fit a bit snugly over his dress shirt and tie.The former Kansas City Royals outfielder has returned to the organization that drafted him, his future secure after a quieter-than-expected start to free agency.Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee general manager David Stearns acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects."You definitely don't want to be out there too long. It's definitely chilly out there," Cain said. "But Milwaukee was in on me from the get-go — other teams as well - and once I got a phone call from David, this was the spot I wanted to be in."A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Lorenzo Cain felt comfortable back at Miller Park even if his new Milwaukee Brewers uniform seemed to fit a bit snugly over his dress shirt and tie.The former Kansas City Royals outfielder has returned to the organization that drafted him, his future secure after a quieter-than-expected start to free agency.Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee general manager David Stearns acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects."You definitely don't want to be out there too long. It's definitely chilly out there," Cain said. "But Milwaukee was in on me from the get-go — other teams as well - and once I got a phone call from David, this was the spot I wanted to be in."A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Free agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain and the Brewers finalized an $80 million, five-year contract Friday, one day after Milwaukee acquired center fielder Christian Yelich from the Miami Marlins for four prospects.A 31-year-old former Brewers farmhand, Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City and was part of the core group that won the World Series in 2015. He hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.He rejoins the Brewers, who dramatically remaking their outfield as they seek to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.Cain's deal is the highest for a free agent this offseason and the second-highest overall behind outfielder Justin Upton's $106 million, five-year agreement to remain with the Los Angeles Angels."Lorenzo is a multifaceted player and proven winner who we are pleased to welcome back to Milwaukee," general manager David Stearns said in a statement. "His combination of speed, fielding prowess and ability to hit for average will be a... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal, according to person familiar with the negotiations.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.Cain is a former Brewers farmhand who will join Christian Yelich as part of a dramatic outfield makeover for a team hoping to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.The 31-year old Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City, where he was part of the core of a Royals team that won the World Series in 2015. Cain hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.Cain's deal is the highest for a free agent this offseason and the second-highest overall behind outfielder Justin Upton's $106 million, five-year agreement to remain with the Los Angeles Angels. The Athletic first reported Cain's agreement and ESPN first reported terms.Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2004 before... [More]

MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers and free-agent outfielder Lorenzo Cain have agreed to a five-year, $80 million deal, according to person familiar with the negotiations.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement has not been announced.Cain is a former Brewers farmhand who will join Christian Yelich as part of a dramatic outfield makeover for a team hoping to dethrone the Chicago Cubs in the NL Central.The 31-year old Cain spent the past seven seasons in Kansas City, where he was part of the core of a Royals team that won the World Series in 2015. Cain hit .300 with 15 homers, 49 RBIs and 26 steals last season.The Athletic first reported the agreement. ESPN.com first reported terms of the deal.Cain was drafted by the Brewers in the 17th round in 2004 before being traded to Kansas City as part of a deal that sent Zack Greinke to Milwaukee before the 2011 season. The career .290 hitter is also known for his defense, as is Yelich, who was... [More]

CF Keon Broxton became the eighth player in Brewers history to steal at least 20 bases while hitting at least 20 home runs Sunday when he swiped second in a 5-0 loss to the Cubs. Broxton is batting .221 this season with 20 homers and 49 RBIs but his future with the team is in question as the Brewers have an influx of young outfield talent waiting in the minor leagues.

CF Keon Broxton scored four of Milwaukee's 15 runs and scored a career-high four runs while collecting a career-high three walks. Broxton became the third player in baseball this season to score at least four runs in a game while recorded one hit or less. He became the first Brewers player to score four runs in a game since Geoff Jenkins did it in 2004 against Arizona.

CF Keon Broxton went 2-for-4 with a home run, his 20th of the season. Broxton has hit four home runs in his past three games. He has at least one homer in three consecutive games, the second three-game home streak of this season and of his career. The other was June 15-17.

CF Keon Broxton drove in the first run of the game Tuesday for Milwaukee with a bunt single, his 17th RBI in 21 career interleague games. The speedy Broxton now has 40 RBIs on the year and is 7-for-23 in his last seven games.

OF Keon Broxton will serve as the Brewers' primary center fielder, manager Craig Counsell said Tuesday after Broxton was recalled from Triple-A Colorado Springs earlier in the day. Broxton was sent down a week ago in the hopes of snapping out of a lengthy slump -- he was batting .060 over his last 18 games but batted .385 with a .500 OBP over seven games and was brought back up Tuesday.

OF Keon Broxton, who was optioned to Triple-A Colorado Springs on July 22, reached base five times in his first minor league game, showing the kind of plate discipline manager Craig Counsell would like to see on a consistent basis. "This was a confidence thing -- let's get him some confidence. If it happens there, in a different environment, that's perfect," Counsell said.