NEW YORK (AP) — Major League Baseball has imposed stricter limits on mound visits by players in an effort to speed games but decided against 20-second pitch clocks for 2018.After more than a year of negotiations, the Major League Baseball Players Association refused to agree to the changes but also signed an agreement that it will not oppose the rules.The amendments to the playing rules announced Monday include a general limit of six mound visits per nine-inning game without a pitching change, whether by a manager, coach or player."We'll have to just figure out a more non-verbal method of communication," Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "We're not going to be texting, I promise you that, even if we could."Detroit catcher James McCann objected."Some people may say that a catcher visiting with the pitcher isn't a big deal," he said, "but what if you've already had five mound visits and you got your closer on the mound in the ninth inning, and you're facing the three and four hitters... [More]

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Tony Watson and the San Francisco Giants have finalized a two-year contract that includes a player option for 2020, a deal that guarantees the former All-Star reliever $9 million.The deal announced Monday could be worth $26 million over three years, including performance bonuses. Among the performance bonuses are $2.5 million annually in 2018 and 2019 based on games finished. The deal was structured in a manner that lowers its average annual value for the luxury tax.The 31-year-old left-hander was 7-4 with a 3.38 ERA last year in 71 relief appearances for Pittsburgh and the Los Angeles Dodgers, who acquired him on July 31. He was 2-1 with a 2.70 ERA in 24 regular-season games with the Dodgers, then 2-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 11 postseason games.A 2014 All-Star, Watson pitched for the Pirates from 2011-17.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — As soon as Giancarlo Stanton touched down with their main rivals, the Boston Red Sox were eager to take on New York — the Yankees, or maybe even the Jets and Giants."They're fielding a football team out there is kind of what I was thinking," Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland said. "They're running a two tight-end set. They've got some big boys over there."The 6-foot-6 Stanton, who topped the majors in home runs and was the NL MVP last team, joins a lineup with 6-7 Aaron Judge, the AL homer leader. The Yankees got Stanton in a trade with the Miami Marlins in December."Job well done," Red Sox owner John Henry said Monday on the first day of full-squad workouts.Entering last season's camp, Boston was tabbed as the AL East favorite after landing one of the biggest prizes in ace lefty Chris Sale during the winter meetings. That prompted Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to reference another sport: "Boston's like the Golden State Warriors now in baseball," he said.The... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — At 6-foot-3, Miami Marlins outfield prospect Monte Harrison was surprised he stood eye to eye with new CEO Derek Jeter the first time they met last week."I was expecting him to be a little shorter. I can see why he played 20 years," Harrison said. "I never get star-struck, but when I saw him I was like, 'Wow, this is the real deal.'"The impact of Jeter's formidable presence was on full display Monday when the Marlins took the field for their first full-squad spring training workout. Of the 68 players in camp, 29 are new to the organization following a flurry of offseason trades Jeter swung to reduce payroll and rebuild a weak farm system.The heavy roster turnover transformed the start of camp into a meet and greet. Holdover shortstop Miguel Rojas said he arrived a week early to get a jump on introductory handshakes.Absent was half of last year's everyday lineup, including National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton. While Jeter and his players are anxious to turn the page,... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Bryce Harper is focusing on his immediate future. But don't bother asking him about plans beyond this year."If you guys do talk anything about that, I'll be walking right out the door," he said Monday.Everyone around baseball knows the Washington Nationals slugger could be part of a huge free agent class after the coming season. But if teams are saving money by passing on currently available players in hopes of signing a big star next year, that doesn't sound like the best way to impress Harper."I think if I'm an organization or a team I want the best players on my team," Harper said. "My fans deserve that, the players deserve that."Harper, Manny Machado, Josh Donaldson, Charlie Blackmon and potentially Clayton Kershaw could be free agents next offseason. Some within the industry suggest this market is slow because teams have their eyes on 2019 — pitchers Jake Arrieta and Alex Cobb and position players J.D. Martinez and Mike Moustakas are among the players looking... [More]

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations says pitcher Chris Tillman and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract.The deal includes performance bonuses, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Monday because the deal had not yet been announced.Tillman was 1-7 with a 7.84 ERA in 19 starts and five relief appearances last year. He would be the second starter added by the Orioles in the past week after right-hander Andrew Cashner.Tillman likely would join right-handers Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman and Cashner in the rotation.The 29-year-old right-hander lives in Sarasota and had been working out at the Orioles' facility before spring training. Manager Buck Showalter watched Tillman throw and was impressed.Tillman began last season on the disabled list with right shoulder stiffness."Better than he did last year at this time. I think he's got the chance to pitch well for somebody this year," Showalter said. "A lot of the challenges he had last year — this time last year — aren't there. Somebody's going to reap the benefits."Tillman's is 73-55 with a 4.43 ERA in nine major league seasons, all with the Orioles. He won 16 games in both 2013 and 2016."He's a guy when he's healthy you can bank on him giving you 200 innings and keeping his ERA between a 3 and a 4," Gausman said. "That in the AL East is always going to be very valuable."___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Red Sox owner John Henry calls talk of collusion in free-agent negotiations "ridiculous."About half the 166 players who exercised free-agency rights in November remain unsigned."There are a lot of factors, I think, driving it, and I think they've all been identified," Henry said Monday as Boston began full-squad workouts. "There's a lot of factors that have driven this offseason, and you just can't expect every season to be a feeding frenzy, so to speak."J.D. Martinez, Jake Arrieta and Mike Moustakas were among the free agents still looking for a place to play."This one, it's surprised me," he said of the slow pace of agreements. "I think it's surprised all of us in baseball." ''But, I think probably next year will be quite different."Next year's free-agent class includes Bryce Harper, Manny Machado and Josh Donaldson, plus possible Clayton Kershaw.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Joe Musgrove started in the All-Star Futures Games two years ago when he was a Houston Astros' prospect. Now, the Pittsburgh Pirates hope the right-hander can be a big part of their future.Musgrove was the centerpiece of a four-player package the Pirates acquired from the defending World Series champion Astros on Jan. 13 in a trade for right-hander Gerrit Cole.Three of those players are expected to be on Pittsburgh's opening-day roster — Musgrove, right-handed reliever Michael Feliz and third baseman Colin Moran — while outfielder Jason Martin is slated to begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis."It was hard to leave the Astros," Musgrove said. "From a career standpoint, though, this is a really good move for me. I feel like I fit in with what the Pirates are doing."The Pirates are going out of their way not to use the word "rebuild" as they prepare for the 2018 season. They are, however, are at the very least retooling on the heels of back-to-back losing season... [More]

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Adrian Beltre would bring in some big-time free agents if he was making those kinds of decisions for the Texas Rangers. The veteran third baseman just wants to win a World Series before the end of his career.While there have been no such marquee additions for the Rangers, the newest member of the 3,000-hit club said after arriving at spring training Monday that he's not unhappy and still believes the Rangers can compete for a postseason spot."Obviously we can be better, especially with the free agents out there that are still not signed," Beltre said. "There is no doubt that I would like to win and have the best chance to win. ... If it was my option, I would like to add some other people and make the roster even stronger."Going into his 21st big league season, when he will turn 39 just more than a week after opening day, Beltre's primary focus is to win a World Series . He has been there only once, in his first year with the Rangers in 2011, when they lost in seven... [More]

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — As soon as Giancarlo Stanton touched down with their main rivals, the Boston Red Sox were eager to take on New York — the Yankees, or maybe even the Jets and Giants."They're fielding a football team out there is kind of what I was thinking," Red Sox first baseman Mitch Moreland said. "They're running a two tight-end set. They've got some big boys over there."The 6-foot-6 Stanton, who topped the majors in home runs and was the NL MVP last team, joins a lineup with 6-7 Aaron Judge, the AL homer leader. The Yankees got Stanton in a trade with the Miami Marlins in December."Job well done," Red Sox owner John Henry said Monday on the first day of full-squad workouts.Entering last season's camp, Boston was tabbed as the AL East favorite after landing one of the biggest prizes in ace lefty Chris Sale during the winter meetings. That prompted Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to reference another sport: "Boston's like the Golden State Warriors now in baseball," he said.The... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — At 6-foot-3, Miami Marlins outfield prospect Monte Harrison was surprised he stood eye to eye with new CEO Derek Jeter the first time they met last week."I was expecting him to be a little shorter. I can see why he played 20 years," Harrison said. "I never get star-struck, but when I saw him I was like, 'Wow, this is the real deal.'"The impact of Jeter's formidable presence was on full display Monday when the Marlins took the field for their first full-squad spring training workout. Of the 68 players in camp, 29 are new to the organization following a flurry of offseason trades Jeter swung to reduce payroll and rebuild a weak farm system.The heavy roster turnover transformed the start of camp into a meet and greet. Holdover shortstop Miguel Rojas said he arrived a week early to get a jump on introductory handshakes.Absent was half of last year's everyday lineup, including National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton. While Jeter and his players are anxious to turn the page,... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Joey Votto had one of his best seasons — good enough for second in the National League MVP voting — but Cincinnati lost more than 90 games yet again. The first baseman is yearning for the Reds to get back to a level when he's playing for more than acclaim.Votto and the rest of the Reds position players reported ahead of their first full-squad workout Monday. He's got six years left on a $251.5 million, 12-year deal agreed to in 2012, when Cincinnati was in the midst of a resurgence. He envisioned a run of playoff-caliber seasons in Cincinnati when he committed long-term.The Reds made three playoff appearances between 2010-13 and won a pair of NL Central titles. After failing to get past the first round of the playoffs, they fired manager Dusty Baker, traded away the rest of their stars and started a long, painful rebuild that's not close to finished.Votto is the last remaining link, still playing at a high level at age 34. He finished two points behind Giancarlo Stanton... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Rizzo's parents were among the first homeowners in Parkland, Florida. The Chicago Cubs first baseman has watched his tight-knit community grow and change dramatically. He remembers as a boy when there were no stoplights in town to the four there are now.Rizzo feels great ties to his hometown that touches up on the Everglades.So last week, after the shooting rampage at his former high school, Rizzo knew he must immediately go home . "Numb" is how he described his initial feelings hearing the deadly attack happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.He left his team's camp in Arizona and on Thursday night spoke at a candlelight vigil back in Florida. He visited victims in the hospital. He spent time with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. He talked with neighbors."I felt helpless here," Rizzo said Monday upon rejoining his teammates at spring training. "That's where I grew up, in Parkland. I got in trouble there. I succeeded there. I learned... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Rizzo's parents were among the first homeowners in Parkland, Florida. The Chicago Cubs first baseman has watched his tight-knit community grow and change dramatically. He remembers as a boy when there were no stoplights in town to the four there are now.Rizzo feels great ties to his hometown that touches up on the Everglades.So last week, after the shooting rampage at his former high school, Rizzo knew he must immediately go home. "Numb" is how he described his initial feelings hearing the deadly attack happened at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.He left his team's camp in Arizona and on Thursday night spoke at a candlelight vigil back in Florida. He visited victims in the hospital. He spent time with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. He talked with neighbors."I felt helpless here," Rizzo said Monday upon rejoining his teammates at spring training. "That's where I grew up, in Parkland. I got in trouble there. I succeeded there. I learned... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Rizzo's parents were among the first homeowners in Parkland, Florida. He has watched his tight community grow and change dramatically. He remembers as a boy when there were no stoplights in town to the four there are now.The Cubs first baseman still feels tied to his hometown that touches up on the Everglades.So last week, after the shooting rampage at his former high school, Rizzo knew he must immediately go home. "Numb" is how he described his initial feelings.He left his team's camp in Arizona and on Thursday night spoke at a candlelight vigil at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. He visited victims in the hospital. He spent time with his parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. He spoke with neighbors."I felt helpless here," Rizzo said Monday upon rejoining his teammates at spring training. "That's where I grew up, in Parkland. I got in trouble there. I succeeded there. I learned how to be who I am because of Parkland, because of Stoneman Douglas."Rizzo... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Tim Tebow arrived at the New York Mets spring training camp on Sunday, and the attention immediately turned to whether the quarterback who became an outfielder could make it all the way to Citi Field in the future.Guess what? Mets general manager Sandy Alderson votes yes."Somebody asked me if thought he'd be a major league player at some point. I think he will play in the major leagues. That's my guess," Alderson said."This experiment is not going to last forever, but he's made meaningful progress. We thought he would best benefit from being in major league camp — that that would accelerate his development," Alderson said.The 30-year-old Tebow has already had success on another field. A former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion at Florida, he reached the NFL and threw an overtime TD pass for Denver to beat Pittsburgh in the playoffs."As an athlete, you always want to be the best you can and play at the highest level, win a championship, be the... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Anthony Rizzo is back with the Chicago Cubs after spending time at home in Florida in support of victims of the deadly shooting at his former high school.The first baseman rejoined the 2016 World Series champions Monday for their first full-squad workout of spring training. He had been an early arrival before leaving Thursday for Parkland, Florida. He spoke at a vigil for victims of the attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Wednesday.He is a 2007 graduate of the school and donated $150,000 to his alma mater in November to help build lights for the baseball and softball fields. His parents still live in the area.Manager Joe Maddon supported Rizzo's trip and pledged any help the Cubs might be able to provide.___More AP baseball: https://apnews.com/tag/MLBbaseball

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Buster Posey gets going at Scottsdale Stadium around 7 a.m. most days of spring training, a couple of hours before he's due to be there.It gives him time for a quick bite to eat, to lift weights or do some extra baseball work then have a real breakfast ahead of the Giants' formal workout.Years ago, manager Bruce Bochy can't quite recall when but at least three or four seasons back, San Francisco began starting spring training practices later in the morning. The Giants have consulted a sleep specialist at various times for guidance on issues such as when to travel — sometimes staying overnight and leaving the next morning rather than flying immediately after late games — or how to best turn off the mind or electronic device at bedtime.Around baseball, many teams are now following suit — from the Cactus League in Arizona to Florida's Grapefruit League."I will say for me what's nice is I can get in at a little after 7 and if I want to get some work in taking care of... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Addison Russell was a rising All-Star on a World Series championship team going into last spring.His trajectory soon took a different path.The Chicago Cubs shortstop faced domestic abuse claims, which he denied, that led to wife Melisa filing for divorce.On the field, injuries to his foot and throwing shoulder limited him to 110 games. He wound up batting just .239 with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs, hardly what was expected of him."I definitely wanted to showcase some more of my talent than I displayed," Russell said. "Going into this year, I'm keeping a good mental (approach), staying level-headed and then also staying healthy and producing when I'm on the field.""You can't take anything for granted," he said. "You have to live in the moment. It was a tough season last year. We were coming off winning the World Series and the World Series hangover."Manager Joe Maddon said he feels the 24-year-old Russell is in a good place after seeing him rebound toward the end of the regular... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers entered spring training with five consecutive NL West titles and a major league-high 473 victories in that span.It is not enough for a team that was so close to winning it all in 2017."You can sense the hunger in this clubhouse," said Enrique Hernandez, noting that the majority of the Dodgers' position players arrived days ahead of the required reporting date.The first full-squad workout was set for Monday."We have five straight division titles and pretty much nothing to show for it besides the National League championship. This core of position players has been together for a few years now," he said Sunday."I think it is a cumulative thing that has been growing for years. Getting so close to it last year and seeing the other team celebrate at our home stadium, maybe that's the last bit of fuel that we needed to make that fire burn. We're ready," he said.The Dodgers added old friend Matt Kemp to basically the same position player group that... [More]