TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Boone kept tuning into postseason games, even after his New York Yankees were eliminated by Boston, and he watched the Red Sox win the World Series."I don't know if it was to torture myself or what," the New York manager said Wednesday as pitchers and catchers reported for spring training. "You put this hat on and this uniform on, to get to wear a big league uniform, you shouldn't need much motivation, but to watch a team that you know so well that's certainly one of your rivals celebrate where you want to be, I think that adds a little fuel to the fire, certainly."The Yankees went 100-62 in Boone's first season as manager, their best record since winning the 2009 World Series, and Boone thinks this team could be better following the additions of left-hander James Paxton, reliever Adam Ottavino, shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and infielder DJ LeMahieu."I feel like as we sit in here in early February on paper we probably look a little bit strong," he said. "Hopefully... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Masahiro Tanaka wants to keep on hitting and running the bases at NL ballparks, hoping use of the designated hitter does not spread to the National League.The New York Yankees pitcher missed a month last season after hurting both hamstrings while running the bases during a June 8 game at the New York Mets.The players' association has proposed extending the DH to the NL, a plan baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred says is too complex to consider for this year."I did get injured, but when you look at it I grew up where baseball was played by nine guys, meaning basically the pitcher would hit also, and I really enjoyed that baseball," Tanaka said Tuesday through a translator at New York's spring training complex.Despite winning 100 games last season, the Yankees still wound up second in the AL East behind Boston. The Red Sox beat the Yankees in the Division Series and went on to their fourth title in 15 seasons."Boston had the upper hand last season but, hopefully, we'll get... [More]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Even Zack Britton gets confused about the proper spelling of his first name.Known throughout his baseball career as Zach, the 31-year-old New York Yankees reliever said last week that going forward his name should be spelled Zack."I was born with a 'ch', sorry, excuse me, the 'ck,'" Britton said Monday after his first pre-spring training workout at the New York Yankees' minor league complex.Britton was traded to the Yankees from Baltimore last summer, became a free agent and agreed to a $39 million, three-year contract with New York last month. The contract initially used Zach before it was changed."My wife is an attorney, and she's like legally we need to change it because legally that's not your name," Britton said. "The Orioles always put 'k' on any, like, legal documents and then they just went with an 'h' (on printed rosters). The Yankees just felt like it was better for everybody if I just kept it with a 'k,' and I was like, yeah, why not?"Britton said with a smile... [More]

A team-by-team look at the American League East entering spring training, including key players each club acquired and lost, and dates of the first workout for pitchers and catchers, and the full squad:___Boston Red SoxManager: Alex Cora (second season).2018: 108-54, first place, World Series champions.Training Town: Fort Myers, Florida.Park: JetBlue Park at Fenway South.First Workout: Feb. 13/18.He's Here: OF Gorkys Hernandez, RHP Jenrry Mejia.He's Outta Here: RHP Craig Kimbrel, RHP Joe Kelly, 2B Ian Kinsler.Going campin': The Red Sox are largely standing pat as they attempt to win back-to-back World Series for the first time in more than a century. The team that won a franchise-record 108 games in the regular season last year is largely intact, with All-Star closer Kimbrel the biggest loss. Second baseman Dustin Pedroia is hoping to return from a knee injury that limited him to three games last season. Christian Vazquez, Blake Swihart and Sandy Leon will compete for two spots at catcher.... [More]

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Hal Steinbrenner had heard the constant criticism in New York: Why haven't the Yankees tried to sign Bryce Harper or Manny Machado?"I get hammered every year about something," the New York owner said Thursday. "If you don't win the World Series, that's perfectly justifiable."Speaking at the owners' meetings, Steinbrenner would not rule out more moves before opening day but sounded as if a deal for a high-priced free agent is unlikely."Fans should keep an open mind that I'm never done until I'm done, and that's usually not until opening day," he said. "Proposals come to me every day with these guys, between the analytics guys and the pro scouting guys, and I'm going to consider every single one of them."New York's offseason moves included re-signing CC Sabathia, Brett Gardner, J.A. Happ and Zack Britton, acquiring James Paxton in a trade, and signing reliever Adam Ottavino and infielders DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki.After New York avoided the luxury tax last year... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Didi Gregorius was quick when asked if he had a date in mind for his return from a torn elbow ligament."April," he blurted.Then he smiled, laughed and added: "We all know that's not going to happen, but that's what I want to do. It's a wait and see 'til everything is cleared, everything is ready to go."The New York Yankees shortstop tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow while making a throw from left field after a ball bounced off Fenway Park's Green Monster during Game 2 of the AL Division Series last Oct. 6. He had surgery 11 days later and had a checkup this week.Yankees general manager Brian Cashman says he expects Gregorius back sometime in the summer but has not been more specific.New York added DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki to shore up its infield, moves Gregorius thinks improved the roster. Gregorius wasn't concerned the Yankees would sign a high-priced free agent such as Manny Machado, who plays shortstop and third."If he comes over, he makes the... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — On his first full day with the New York Yankees, Adam Ottavino tried to explain his Insultin' of Swat.While a free agent last month, the 33-year-old reliever disparaged Babe Ruth, the Yankees' beloved Sultan of Swat, who helped New York win four World Series titles and seven AL pennants from 1920-34 while transforming the sport with home runs."I had an argument with a coach in Triple-A about Babe Ruth's effectiveness in today's game," Ottavino told MLB.com's Statcast podcast. "And this was like 10 years ago. I said, look, Babe Ruth, with that swing, swinging that bat, I got him hitting a buck-40 with eight homers.""And he's like, 'Are you nuts? Babe Ruth would hit .370 with 60 homers,'" Ottavino went on. "And I'm like, I would strike Babe Ruth out every time. I'm not trying to disrespect him, rest in peace, shout out to Babe Ruth. But it was a different game. I mean the guy ate hot dogs and drank beer and did whatever he did, and it was just a different game."Ottavino agreed... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Turns out Derek Jeter was not the last of the New York Yankees to wear single digits.The tradition-laden Yankees say newly signed reliever Adam Ottavino will become the first player in franchise history to wear No. 0, a decision that was OK'd by owner Hal Steinbrenner.Ottavino had worn 0 with the Colorado Rockies since the 2013 season after having 37, 35 and 56 previously in his big league career. He also wore the number — playing off the Os in his last name — at Berkeley Carroll High School in Brooklyn.Jeter was thought to be the last player with a single-digit uniform on the Yankees, wearing it from 1995-2014 and being honored when his No. 2 was retired in 2017. New York has retired Nos. 1 (Billy Martin), 3 (Babe Ruth), 4 (Lou Gehrig), 5 (Joe DiMaggio), 6 (Joe Torre), 7 (Mickey Mantle), 8 (Yogi Berra and Bill Dickey) and 9 (Roger Maris).New York finalized its $27 million, three-year contract with Ottavino on Thursday. The 33-year-old right-hander gets a $3 million signing... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — While shying away from high-priced free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the New York Yankees are boosting their bullpen.Reliever Adam Ottavino and the Yankees agreed to a $27 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal is subject to a successful physical.Ottavino is a 33-year-old New Yorker who went to Berkeley Carroll High School in Brooklyn and Northeastern University. He wore No. 0 with Colorado, a number not likely to be assigned by the tradition-bound Yankees.He had a career-high 112 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings last year for the Colorado Rockies, going 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA in 75 relief appearances. The right-hander reduced his fastball percentage, relying primarily on sliders and sinkers. He walked 36.Taken 30th overall by St. Louis in the 2006 amateur draft, Ottavino made his big league debut with the Cardinals in 2010 and was... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — While shying away from high-priced free agents Bryce Harper and Manny Machado, the New York Yankees are boosting their bullpen.Reliever Adam Ottavino and the Yankees agreed to a $27 million, three-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal is subject to a successful physical.Ottavino is a 33-year-old New Yorker who went to Berkeley Carroll High School in Brooklyn and Northeastern University. He wore No. 0 with Colorado, a number not likely to be assigned by the tradition-bound Yankees.He had a career-high 112 strikeouts in 77 2/3 innings last year for the Colorado Rockies, going 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA in 75 relief appearances. The right-hander reduced his fastball percentage, relying primarily on sliders and sinkers. He walked 36.Taken 30th overall by St. Louis in the 2006 amateur draft, Ottavino made his big league debut with the Cardinals in 2010 and was... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — DJ LeMahieu is putting away his mittens and packing more mitts.A star second baseman for Colorado, LeMahieu is set to join a crowded New York Yankees infield."I was told to bring a lot of gloves," he said Wednesday on a conference call.That's fine with LeMahieu, who became a free agent after the season and got a $24 million, two-year contract with the Yankees.LeMahieu was a three-time Gold Glover for the Rockies and hasn't played anywhere else the last four seasons. He has made 24 starts at third base in past years and also dabbled at first base and shortstop.LeMahieu said he's "pretty comfortable playing multiple positions."New York has plenty of infielders — and, the Yankees being the Yankees, no one is willing to completely rule them out of making a late play for All-Star free agent Manny Machado.Second baseman Gleyber Torres and third baseman Miguel Andujar were among the top rookies in the majors last year. Shortstop Didi Gregorius could return this summer after offseason... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — DJ LeMahieu is putting away his mittens and packing more mitts.A star second baseman for Colorado, LeMahieu is set to join a crowded New York Yankees infield."I was told to bring a lot of gloves," he said Wednesday on a conference call.That's fine with LeMahieu, who became a free agent after the season and got a $24 million, two-year contract with the Yankees.LeMahieu was a three-time Gold Glover for the Rockies and hasn't played anywhere else the last four seasons. He has made 24 starts at third base in past years and also dabbled at first base and shortstop.LeMahieu said he's "pretty comfortable playing multiple positions."New York has plenty of infielders — and, the Yankees being the Yankees, no one is willing to completely rule them out of making a late play for All-Star free agent Manny Machado.Second baseman Gleyber Torres and third baseman Miguel Andujar were among the top rookies in the majors last year. Shortstop Didi Gregorius could return this summer after offseason... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — DJ LeMahieu is putting away his mittens and packing more mitts.A star second baseman for Colorado, LeMahieu is set to join a crowded New York Yankees infield."I was told to bring a lot of gloves," he said Wednesday on a conference call.That's fine with LeMahieu, who became a free agent after the season and got a $24 million, two-year contract with the Yankees.LeMahieu was a three-time Gold Glover for the Rockies and hasn't played anywhere else the last four seasons. He has made 24 starts at third base in past years and also dabbled at first base and shortstop.LeMahieu said he's "pretty comfortable playing multiple positions."New York has plenty of infielders — and, the Yankees being the Yankees, no one is willing to completely rule them out of making a late play for All-Star free agent Manny Machado.Second baseman Gleyber Torres and third baseman Miguel Andujar were among the top rookies in the majors last year. Shortstop Didi Gregorius could return this summer after offseason... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees have finalized a $24 million, two-year contract.The deal, which would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado, was agreed to Friday subject to a successful physical. He will earn $12 million in each of the next two seasons.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.Outfielder Tim Locastro for was designated for assignment to open a roster spot.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the New York Yankees have finalized a $24 million, two-year contract.The deal, which would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado, was agreed to Friday subject to a successful physical.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the Yankees have agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no agreement had been announced.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.NOTES: OF... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning free-agent second baseman DJ LeMahieu and the Yankees have agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no agreement had been announced.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.NOTES: OF... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning free-agent second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and the Yankees have agreed to a $24 million, two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no agreement had been announced.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.___Outfielder Aaron Hicks agreed to a $6 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration and more than doubled his salary from $2,825,000. The 29-year-old switch-hitter took over as the Yankees primary center fielder and set career highs with 137 games, 27 homers and 79 RBIs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — Gold Glove-winning free-agent second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and the Yankees are nearing agreement on a two-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press, a deal that would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no agreement had been announced.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.___Outfielder Aaron Hicks agreed to a $6 million, one-year contract that avoided arbitration and more than doubled his salary from $2,825,000. The 29-year-old switch-hitter took over as the Yankees primary center fielder and set career highs with 137 games, 27 homers and 79 RBIs.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

NEW YORK (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Gold Glove-winning free-agent second baseman D.J. LeMahieu and the Yankees are nearing agreement on a two-year contract, a deal that would appear to eliminate New York as a destination for Manny Machado.The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because no agreement had been announced.The 30-year-old LeMahieu spent the previous eight seasons with Colorado at hitter-friendly Coors Field and won the NL batting title in 2016 with a .348 average. He hit .276 last year with 15 homers and 62 RBIs, and he won his second straight Gold Glove and third overall.New York was seeking infielders in the absence of shortstop Didi Gregorius, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and is not expected back until summer. The Yankees signed former Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki last week and said he will be their starting shortstop. LeMahieu likely will see time at second, third and possibly even first.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports