MLB

The Blue Jays front office was raided again Wednesday as director of Latin American operations Marco Paddy was hired by the White Sox.

Bobby Valentine hasn’t been officially introduced yet, but there are already whispers Red Sox players aren’t happy about their new manager.

Larry Walker is among those hoping to benefit from a relatively weak crop of new Baseball Hall of Fame candidates announced Wednesday.

Boston announced Valentine as its new manager Wednesday and will be introduced by the Red Sox at a Fenway Park news conference on Thursday.

Matt Stairs played for 13 teams in 19 MLB seasons so when he says he's ready to talk about each stop, 'good or bad,' he's got our attention.

Bob Elliot joins Bob McCown on PTS to talk about the Toronto Blue Jays' need for a closer and who they might be targeting.

Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik remains quiet on how hard the Mariners are pursuing Prince Fielder, who he drafted while with the Brewers.

The Boston Red Sox have picked Bobby Valentine to be their next manager and the sides were working to complete a contract.

Greg Maddux is leaving the Chicago Cubs to join the Texas Rangers, reuniting him with his brother Mike.

Right-hander Scott Mathieson has been released by the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing him to sign with a team in Asia.

Canadian pitcher-turned-outfielder Adam Loewen has agreed to a minor league contract with the New York Mets.

San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean and manager Bruce Bochy have received contract extensions taking them through the 2013 season.

Having finally gotten around to assessing the Blue Jays options in left field, the conclusion is an obvious, albeit upsetting one.

The Chicago Cubs have contacted the agent for free agent first-basemen Albert Pujols, according to an online report.

The Blue Jays hot stove has been lukewarm of late, but thanks to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the burner was flipped to high on Tuesday.

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms with right-handed relief pitcher Jonathan Broxton, the team announced on Tuesday.

Fan Fuel's Eric Brandt takes a look at the top 10 prospects in the Toronto Blue Jays organization.

The Braves say RHP Tim Hudson is expected to be ready for spring training after having surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back.

During an apperance on Sportsnet Radio Fan 590 Monday, John Farrell offered up an intriguing option for his team's closer vacancy.

Fan Fuel's Eric Brandt looks at five free agents the Blue Jays should target for next season.

The Houston Astros have fired general manager Ed Wade and team president Tal Smith.

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired second basemen Luis Valbuena from the Cleveland Indians on Saturday in exchange for cash considerations.

Would you be willing to let John Farrell manage the Red Sox in exchange for Clay Buchholz? We know Boston's answer.

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a two-year contract with left-hander Bruce Chen.

A day after the new labour deal, baseball ponders changes to draft system.

The Toronto Blue Jays have re-acquired catcher Brian Jeroloman on waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Milwaukee Brewers have offered arbitration to Prince Fielder and right-handed reliever Francisco Rodriguez.

The NL MVP will be awarded Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET and as was the case yesterday, the voters are presented with another interesting dilemma...

Authorities say a homeless man broke into Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams' downtown townhouse.

Baseball's new labour deal will limit the use of smokeless tobacco by players, but not ban it during games, as some groups had sought.

A change in Toronto Blue Jays team policy hasn’t deterred the Boston Red Sox in their pursuit of John Farrell, according to a report.

Major League Baseball players and owners have signed an agreement for a new labour contract.

Back-to-back American League championships got the Texas Rangers another prize in closer Joe Nathan.

Police say an argument about loud music could be the reason Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death.

Fan Fuel's Dave King explains why the third most successful MLB manager may not make it into the Hall of Fame.

Valentine formally interviewed for the Boston job on Monday when he met with general manager Ben Cherington and other members of the Red Sox

Jose Bautista doesn't think Justin Verlander--or any other pitcher--should be eligible for the MVP award. There, he said it.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Greg Halman was stabbed to death early Monday and his brother was arrested as a suspect.

Fan Fuel's Isaac Owusu breaks down the contenders for the American League's Most Valuable Player award.

Fan Fuel's Isaac Owusu looks at the contenders for the National League MVP award.

Japanese pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma told his team on Monday he will become a free agent with hopes of moving to the major leagues.

The AL MVP will be awarded Monday at 2 p.m. ET and it's a wide-open race. Sportsnet's baseball team has made their picks. Who's yours?

Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista was under a lot of pressure after signing a long-term contract extension and becoming the face of the franchise after his breakout 2010 campaign.

A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that baseball's new labour contract will include blood testing for HGH.

Expanded playoffs, a new CBA and a few Blue Jays roster moves meant their new uniforms weren't the only topic of conversation on Friday.

Okay Toronto Blue Jays fans, the new uniforms are in and Fan Fuel wants to know what you think.

Brett Lawrie joins the PTS roundtable to discuss the new look Blue Jays, look back on his rookie season, and look ahead to the upcoming one.

Bobby Valentine says he has spoken with the Boston Red Sox about their vacant managerial position.

Baseball players and owners have reached a verbal agreement on a five-year labour contract and hope to have a signed deal by next week.

A week after being kidnapped, Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been checked by team doctors during a quick trip to Washington.

A Delaware bankruptcy judge is set to hear arguments on a request by Fox Sports to delay the Dodgers' plan to sell media rights to games.

The Toronto Blue Jays took a page from their past in the design of their new look, which the team unveiled on Friday.

According to a report from Fox Sports, Jose Molina is close to a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Houston Astros will soon be playing the American League and new owner Jim Crane is promising many other changes, too.

The Chicago Cubs have hired Milwaukee Brewers hitting coach Dale Sveum as their new manager.

Major League Baseball announced plans to expand its playoffs by two teams Thursday, no later than 2013 and possibly as early as 2012.

Lawyers for Fox Sports are asking a Delaware bankruptcy judge to delay consideration of the L.A. Dodgers' plan to sell media rights.

Professional baseball could be returning to Ottawa in 2013 and it might very well be in the form of the Toronto Blue Jays double-A affiliate

Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers was named the NL Cy Young winner Thusday, beating out Roy Halladay of the Philadelphia Phillies.

The Milwaukee Brewers are considering their options while star slugger Prince Fielder tests the free agent market.

Venezuelan authorities have formally charged eight suspects in the kidnapping of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos.

Mark McGwire and Dave Duncan are staying on with the St. Louis Cardinals under new manager Mike Matheny.

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed reliever Cole Kimball off waivers from the Washington Nationals, the team announced Wednesday.

A suorce tells The AP that MLB only agreed to the pending sale of the Houston Astros to Jim Crane after he agreed to move the team to the AL.

Joe Maddon of the Tampa Bay Rays and Kirk Gibson of the Arizona Diamondbacks were named top managers in their respective leagues Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are complaining that Fox Sports is illegally trying to interfere with efforts to sell the team and it assets.

After being passed over for the managerial job in St. Louis, Terry Francona has decided he’s going to take a year away from the game.

Here’s a look at the contenders for the NL Cy Young in what could possibly be the closest awards race of the year.

The proposed sale of the Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane is expected to be approved when major league owners vote Thursday.

If you've been reading this blog or following us on Twitter, you know that aesthetic considerations weigh heavy on our pointy head.

Jonathan Papelbon talks about the excitement of starting his new chapter as the Phillies closer.

MLB will name it's manger of the year on Wednesday for both the AL and the NL. Here are the top contenders to take home the honour.

Venezuelan police said Monday that two more suspects have been arrested in the kidnapping of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos.

Scott Boras is already making his case for Prince Fielder over Albert Pujols, emphasizing that Fielder is four years younger.

Matt Kemp says he wants to remain with the Los Angeles Dodgers but no deal has been reached amid reports.

Baseball players and owners have moved closer to an agreement on a five-year labour contract.

Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander was named the American League Cy Young Award winner Tuesday, and it wasn’t even close.

The St. Louis Cardinals have introduced Mike Matheny as their new manager.

On the eve of the announcement of the AL Cy Young award winner, here’s a look at who the best pitchers were in the American League for 2011.

Craig Kimbrel was the unanimous choice Monday for NL Rookie of the Year. Jeremy Hellickson of the Tampa Bay Rays took home AL honours.

Two people familiar with the deal say second baseman Aaron Hill has reached an agreement to re-sign with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The St. Louis Cardinals say they will announce the hiring of Mike Matheny as manager during a news conference Monday.

The Boston Red Sox are interviewing Gene Lamont for their managerial opening. Lamont has been the third base coach for the Tigers since '06.

Wilson Ramos embraced investigators who planned his rescue and said he had wondered whether he would survive a two-day kidnapping ordeal.

Charlie Lea, who was the first French-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the major leagues, has died. He was 54.

Venezuelan police rescued Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos on Friday, two days after he was kidnapped.

Jays first base coach Torey Lovullo was in Boston Friday to interview for the job as Red Sox manager.

Sandy Alomar Jr. became the fourth, and possibly final, candidate to interview for the Chicago Cubs' managerial vacancy.

The proposed sale of the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane to Jim Crane is on the agenda for approval when baseball owners meet next week.

The Philadelphia Phillies are closing in a four-year deal with free agent closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to multiple online reports.

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton had successful surgery Friday to repair a sports hernia.

Cleveland Indians bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. interviewed for the Chicago Cubs managerial opening Friday.

A source requesting anonymity tells The Associated Press that free-agent slugger Albert Pujols was visiting the Florida Marlins on Friday.

Venezuelan authorities say they're confident they can quickly solve the kidnapping of Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos.

It’s been a quiet first week on the free-agent front, which means there’s been plenty of time to ponder what the Blue Jays are planning.

Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton is undergoing tests to determine if he has a sports hernia and will need surgery.

Pat Burrell says his baseball career is likely over because of a right foot injury that limited him in 2011 for the Giants.

Washington Nationals catcher Wilson Ramos has been kidnapped in his native Venezuela.

Speaking Wednesday, Posada said he will not return to the Yankees and has heard from several teams other interested in his services.

A person familiar with discussions between Jose Reyes and the Florida Marlins says the team is courting the free-agent shortstop in Miami.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said it's too early in the off-season to determine whether he'll go for a big-name addition to his rotation.

Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux has interviewed for the open manager's job with the Chicago Cubs.

Giants third base coach Tim Flannery aims to keep injured fan Bryan Stow taken care of.

Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona has interviewed with the St. Louis Cardinals for their manager opening.

Is Friday, Nov. 18 the day the Toronto Blue Jays will unveil their rumoured new uniforms? A invitation sent out by the team suggests so.

Baltimore Orioles reliever Alfredo Simon has been acquitted of an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Keep it here all winter long for the latest Blue Jays and MLB off-season news, rumours, trades and signings as they break on Twitter.

Dan Duquette was introduced Tuesday as the Orioles new executive vice-president of baseball operations.

Dale Sveum felt as though he was seeing the same pitch twice when he interviewed for the Chicago Cubs' managing job.

The Baltimore Orioles have formally announced the hiring of Dan Duquette as executive vice-president of baseball operations.

Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux has withdrawn from consideration for the manager's job with the Boston Red Sox.

The Minnesota Twins have fired general manager Bill Smith and returned Terry Ryan to the role on an interim basis.

The Toronto Blue Jays promoted Pete Walker to bullpen coach Monday to replace Pat Hentgen.

With MLB free agency officially underway, here’s a look at who I believe are the top 10 free agents available this year.

Robinson Cano hit a solo home runs lead an MLB All-Star team to a win over Taiwan and a sweep of their five-game series.

Michael Morse hit a two-run single in the sixth inning to lead the MLB All-Star team to a 3-2 win over the Taiwan national team Saturday.

Less than a week after he threw out the first pitch at Game 7 of the World Series, former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Forsch has died.

A person with knowledge of the search tells AP that former St. Louis catcher Mike Matheny has been interviewed for the Cardinals manager job

We hope that Jays fans see John McDonald opting not to return to Toronto as a good thing for all parties.

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired right-handed pitcher Trystan Magnuson from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for cash considerations.

Tigers ace Justin Verlander has been selected player of the year in voting by the Major League Baseball Players Association.

Court documents show Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt must pay his former wife, Jamie, US$131 million as part of their divorce settlement.

Chien-Ming Wang and the Washington Nationals have agreed to the terms of a contract, pending a physical, according to sources.

Matty Alou, once part of an all-Alou outfield for the San Francisco Giants with brothers Felipe and Jesus, died Thursday in his native Dominican Republic.

The Chicago Cubs will interview Philadelphia Phillies bench coach Pete Mackanin for their vacant manager's job on Friday.

Texas Rangers pitching coach Mike Maddux has been given permission to interview for the manager openings with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.

Baseball's free agent frenzy kicks off Thursday, with millions of dollars sure to be splashed on talent, some proven and some more questionable

Ryne Sandberg is among the candidates who will be interviewing for the manager position with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Major League Baseball free agent signing period is officially open and these 20 players can expect to break the bank this winter.

The Toronto Blue Jays have outrighted outfielder Adam Loewen and pitcher Jesse Carlson off the 40-man roster.

Dale Sveum remembers both good times and tough times in Boston. Now, he'd like another chance with the Red Sox -- as manager.

John McDonald won't be returning to Toronto next season after coming to terms on a two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

For the second year in a row, Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista has won a Silver Slugger Award.

Texas Rangers outright five players off their 40-man roster, lose right-hander O'Day on waiver claim.

With hundreds of fans cheering and many urging him to stay, St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols watched the unveiling of a 10-foot statue of himself Wednesday.

Lawyers reach a tentative deal in the Mets-Madoff lawsuit over $16M in 401(k) assets.

Theo Epstein, the team's new president of baseball operations, announced That Cubs' manager Mike Quade will not return next season.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are headed to a bankruptcy court auction with an expected US$1 billion sale price.

The Red Sox and Dodgers each took home three Gold Glove awards on Tuesday.

After a roaring end to the 2011 Major League Baseball season, the finality of it all has just started to hit fans.

Detroit Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski says it is highly unlikely free agents Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Guillen will be back next season.

Will the Cincinnati Reds put Joey Votto on the block? It's just one of several fascinating storylines worth following this off-season.

Brian Cashman has signed a three-year contract with the New York Yankees, a day after his previous deal as general manager expired.

Curtis Granderson hit a grand slam to lead a team of major league stars to a 7-0 win over Taiwan's national team on Tuesday.

The Toronto Blue Jays continue to dream on Edwin Encarnacion, hoping one of these days he'll find a way fulfil his potential.

The latest MLB news including Tony La Russa's retirement, and CC Sabathia re-signing with the Yankees.