MLB Capsules - AL: LHP Cotts, Texas agree to minor league deal

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Left-hander Neal Cotts has agreed to a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

Cotts, who appeared in all four World Series games for the Chicago White Sox in 2005, hasn't pitched professionally since having ligament-replacement surgery in July 2009.

The Rangers announced the signing Monday and said the 31-year-old will be in their minor league camp.

In 284 career major league games with the White Sox and Chicago Cubs, Cotts has a 10-12 record with a 4.63 ERA. He was 4-0 with a 1.95 ERA in 69 appearances in 2005 for the White Sox, and was the winner in Game 2 of the World Series.

Pujols starts anew with Angels

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Decked out in Angels' gear from head to toe, Albert Pujols looked like the same slugger whose swing in St. Louis became as symbolic as the Gateway Arch.

With a halo-topped "A'' logo on his cap, Pujols, his massive chest and arms filling out every corner of his red shirt, sat behind a microphone and excitedly announced the start of a new stage of his career.

"Here I am," he said.

And here he goes. Arriving just as the morning sun crept above the horizon, and more than a week earlier than required, Pujols reported to training camp Monday with the Los Angeles Angels, who will pay the three-time NL MVP $240 million over the next 10 years to be the face of their franchise — and to hopefully bring them several World Series titles.

"I'm just really excited to be here, it feels good to be outside," Pujols said during a news conference held at a nearby luxury hotel. "I've been training for three months, hitting in a cage in St. Louis, and it feels good to be here for some spring baseball."

Although only the Angels' pitchers and catchers had to be at camp this early, Pujols wanted to be there from Day One as well. That's how the 32-year-old has done it since breaking into the big leagues in 2001 and he wasn't about to change his routine.

He also felt it was important to begin bonding with his new teammates, some of whom were caught staring at him from across the clubhouse.

Driving a black Mercedes still tagged with Missouri license plates, Pujols pulled into the players' parking lot at 7:15 a.m. There were only a handful of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the nine-time All-Star, who helped lead the Cardinals to a championship last season before leaving the only baseball home he had known.

Pujols stopped in the equipment room and shook a few hands before heading to the clubhouse, where his locker is flanked by veterans Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter.

"The guys are awesome," Pujols said. "They well-received me as soon as I walked in there."

Shortly after dressing, Pujols made an early request to one of the team's media relations members.

"Let me take a peak of the ballpark," he said before walking out a side door for his first look at Tempe Diablo Stadium, the Angels' spring home, which is sure to be packed with fans throughout March.

It didn't take long for Pujols to feel like he was part of the club.

During manager Mike Scioscia's first team meeting, Pujols' cellphone rang, earning the superstar his first petty fine, which according to a team official, will require him to buy his skipper lunch.

No major league manager had a more productive offseason than Scioscia. Angels owner Arte Moreno spent $320 million in signing Pujols, left-hander C.J. Wilson (5 years, $77.5 million) and reliever LaTroy Hawkins (1 year, $3 million).

Scioscia, entering his 13th season with the Angels, will have the luxury every game of penciling Pujols' name onto his lineup card in the No. 3 spot and at first base.

"His whole game, not only being a presence hitting in the middle of the lineup, running the bases. He's an offensive machine," Scioscia said. "He's a special player and special players are usually multidimensional, and Albert is."

Scioscia said unless there's a need because of injury he has no plans to use Pujols at third, where the Cardinals had him for seven games last season.

After taking some swings in an indoor cage, Pujols was driven in a golf cart to one of the back fields on the team's minor league complex. With over 100 fans doing everything possible to get a close look from behind the right-field fence, Pujols fielded some grounders before taking his first outdoor batting-practice cuts of the spring.

With Moreno, trainers, coaches and instructors watching, Pujols ripped a few fastballs from hitting coach Mickey Hatcher for line drives and then launched a deep shot over the fence in left, the ball slicing between two giant palm trees and disappearing into the brush.

"It's too early for that," a smiling Hatcher yelled as Pujols switched spots with Kendrys Morales, who will likely bat in the cleanup spot behind him.

Jumping to a new league and facing unfamiliar pitchers might unnerve some players. Not Pujols. He intends to dig into the batter's box the same as always, square up a fastball the way he has for years and pad statistics that are likely to grace his plaque in Cooperstown.

"The game doesn't change," he said. "When I got into the big leagues in 2001, I didn't know anybody, so that's how I'm going to take it. It's a different league, but in 2001 I didn't know any pitchers around the league. It's going to be a little different, but when it comes to playing the game, nothing has changed except that we have a DH in the American League."

Pujols has joined a new team, new league and new city, but he will always have fond memories of his years with the Cardinals.

"You know what, I had a great time in St. Louis," he said. "Obviously, 11 years, you don't just flip the page and move on. There were some great moments. I was able to accomplish two World Series and that experience is something I want to bring to this city, to Anaheim, to this ballclub and have hopefully better seasons than I had in St. Louis and hopefully more championships."

Pujols said he's fine physically and dismissed the idea that a wrist injury that nagged him early last season lingers.

"Just look at my numbers after the wrist injury," he said. "It doesn't bother me at all."

And neither does his decision to leave St. Louis, right after the Cardinals won the championship.

There was a point where it looked as if Pujols might stay with the Cardinals, and be that rare player in the era of free agency to spend his entire career with one team. However, the second-largest contract in baseball history along with the chance to prolong his career as a DH and an additional 10-year personal services contract with the Angels was too much to resist.

It was time for him to go. Pujols is pushing on.

"I can't go back and feel sorry," he said. "It's time to move forward. It's like another chapter in my life and it's time to open a new one. I don't' want to go look over my shoulder and regret the decisions I made. It was the best for me and my family "

-- Tom Withers

Angels' Iannetta looking forward to fresh start

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Chris Iannetta thinks he will get along just fine with Angels manager Mike Scioscia.

Los Angeles' new catcher is excited about his fresh start in Southern California, and is unafraid of the watchful eye of Scioscia. The manager was a longtime major league catcher and Angels fans vented about the lack of production from the position last season.

"No one is ever going to be harder on me than I am on myself, so, I'm excited for it," Iannetta said Monday. "I've had coaches my whole life be extremely hard on me so I'm not afraid of that."

New general manager Jerry Dipoto traded promising right-hander Tyler Chatwood to Colorado in November to acquire Iannetta, who hit .238 with 14 homers and 55 RBIs in 112 games with the Rockies last season.

Iannetta is a strong defender, unlike former Angels catcher Mike Napoli, who told reporters last season he learned a lot under the constant tutelage of Scioscia, but it "wasn't much fun."

And offensive-minded Los Angeles fans let it be known in various ways they didn't enjoy watching a trio of Angels catchers — Jeff Mathis, Hank Conger and Bobby Wilson — combine for 10 homers and 49 RBIs last season while Napoli hit 30 homers, drove in 75 runs and batted .320 to help Texas win the AL West.

Despite that pressure, Iannetta thinks he's in a great spot.

"It's a situation that I couldn't have created a better one for myself," he said. "Obviously, catching a great staff and also being with a winning organization, a great location with a manager who has the wealth of knowledge that he has. Every aspect of it just keeps getting better."

Iannetta is a .235 career hitter but he produced a .370 on-base percentage in 2011. The Angels ranked 21st in the majors last season with a team OBP of .313.

"His game has definitely been well-defined," Scioscia said. "He throws very well. He's tough. He's a great receiver. On the offensive end he's shown some power and the ability to draw walks."

Iannetta promises discipline at the plate.

"I don't look to walk at all, but I just don't like getting myself out," he said. "I'm not against swinging at the first pitch if it's there. If it's a pitch that I can do something with early in the count or if it's the 12th pitch. I'm not going to chase."

He's also modest about his solid on-base percentage.

"It helps and hurts having the pitcher behind you," he said. "A lot of times they might not give you much to hit."

Iannetta was selected by Colorado in the fourth round of the 2004 draft and played five seasons with the Rockies. He had no idea where he would end up after the 2011 season.

"I thought there was a very good chance I'd be back in Colorado," he said. "I didn't know what was going to happen to be honest with you. I knew a trade was possible. Anything can happen. It's baseball. It's not something I can control."

With fellow newcomer C.J. Wilson slotted behind holdovers Jered Weaver, Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, the Angels have a starting staff that Iannetta said is "right up there with the best rotations in all of baseball." The addition of Albert Pujols and the possible return of slugger Kendrys Morales makes the everyday lineup quite formidable, too.

"For me it's a new opportunity and a new start," Iannetta said. "It's tough to leave the relationships you have at first. But then (I) realized that this is a much better opportunity to play every day and a really good situation."

NOTES: Scioscia said there is very little chance Pujols will be used at third base, adding that the team's depth chart would have to be just about depleted. The Angels are trying to find a way to get the bats of Morales and upstart second-year player Mark Trumbo into the lineup at the same time. Trumbo is expected to see time at third base but has never played the position.

Fielder joins Cabrera, Verlander at Tigers' camp

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Miguel Cabrera began smacking line drives all over a practice diamond at the Detroit Tigers' spring training complex. Then Prince Fielder stepped up and cracked a soaring shot toward right field.

Forget those pitchers and catchers. To these Motown mashers, this was the sound of a powerful new partnership.

Fielder arrived at camp Monday, entering a clubhouse that is becoming increasingly crowded even though the first full squad workout isn't until Friday. Fielder and Cabrera both came to camp early, along with a handful of other position players.

"Does it mean you're going to win more games? No," manager Jim Leyland said. "But it makes you happy that guys want to be down here with the guys. It tells you basically that winter's over, and they want to get down here and get to work."

Monday was the first workout for pitchers and catchers, but Fielder and Cabrera put on the best show with their brief batting practice display. They made their way onto a back field after the pitchers were done using it for their drills.

Fielder and Cabrera started by throwing a bit with each other, then the two sluggers went to the plate with shortstop Jhonny Peralta and took some swings.

"Hitting with a group with Miggy and Prince Fielder — it was really fun," Peralta said. "It's good to see that a couple of guys reported early, and they're ready to go."

Fielder agreed to a $214 million, nine-year contract with the AL Central champions in the offseason. The Tigers will put him and Cabrera in the middle of their lineup, and with ace Justin Verlander also in the fold, Detroit has an imposing trio of MVP-caliber players in their primes.

Cabrera is expected to move to third base to make room for Fielder at first, but the two aren't in the lineup for their defense. They combined to hit 68 home runs last year.

"I'm very excited, but we've still got work to do," Fielder said shortly after arriving in the clubhouse. "I can't say it's going to be guaranteed to have a perfect year just because we have a good team. ... You have to do what people expect of you, first."

Cabrera tried to do his part to make Fielder feel welcome.

"I was excited to see him today, man," Cabrera said. "It's all family here. We've got to do a lot of things to get him comfortable. ... He's going to feel like he's played for a lot of years here."

Fielder was introduced at a news conference in Detroit after agreeing to his contract. But there, he was accompanied by team management. Now he's with a big group of new teammates.

"I'm very respectful of all my players, but when a guy like that shows up, guys obviously take notice," Leyland said. "When star players show up, people take a look."

NOTES: Leyland said he expects injured DH Victor Martinez to show up at camp at some point. Martinez's left knee injury — which could cause him to miss the entire season — precipitated the Fielder signing. Martinez has already had knee surgery and still needs another operation. ... Leyland said he expects longtime friend and former St. Louis manager Tony La Russa to visit the Tigers in camp Tuesday. "We're going to talk some baseball," Leyland said. "That's what baseball people do. But he's not working for the Tigers. He's not in uniform."

-- Noah Trister

Verlander hoping to improve, if that's possible

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander fielded grounders at the mound and threw easily to first base — a reminder that even baseball's most dynamic stars have to start the season with the same tedious drills as everyone else.

For Verlander, 2011 is in the past. It's time to look forward.

"You guys know me. You know how competitive I am," the talented right-hander said. "Having one great year isn't going to change anything. If anything, it makes me want to be better."

Verlander celebrated his 29th birthday Monday, the day Detroit's pitchers and catchers worked out for the first time at spring training. After winning the AL Cy Young Award and MVP last year, he still hopes the best is yet to come.

He is determined to keep working hard. Especially since as good as he was, his team came up a bit short last season, losing to Texas in the AL championship series.

Detroit signed slugger Prince Fielder in the offseason and will try to defend its AL Central title and go further in the postseason.

"Last year we expected greatness — fell a little bit short," Verlander said. "I think everybody's excited with the Prince signing, but I don't think we expect any more or less out of ourselves. I think every year we come here expecting a World Series title, at least since I've been here."

Verlander went 24-5 with a 2.40 ERA in 2011, a season that also included a no-hitter. Detroit catcher Gerald Laird observed Verlander's performance from afar. He played for the Tigers from 2009-10 before spending 2011 with St. Louis. The Tigers brought Laird back for this season, so he'll be Verlander's teammate again.

"You always knew he had that season in him, it was just a matter of when he was going to it," Laird said. "Last year it all came together for him, and he helped lead this team to an American League championship series. He's obviously the best in the game."

Verlander was in high demand this offseason, appearing on the cover of a video game and showing up on Conan O'Brien's show to promote it. Still, he understood it was important to avoid overextending himself.

Manager Jim Leyland wasn't concerned.

"I think Justin really has a handle on things. ... I'm really proud of the way he's handled everything," Leyland said. "They're grown men. They've got to do what they need to do. You want them to experience that. He did something special. He deserved to get some special attention."

With the focus now on the upcoming season, Verlander says he is constantly fine-tuning his spring training routine, and he's eager to prove he can keep pitching effectively despite a heavy workload.

Verlander threw 3,941 pitches — the most in baseball — in 34 starts in 2011. And that doesn't even count the postseason.

"I want to go deep into the postseason again," he said. "There's stuff to be said about guys going deep into the postseason, throwing a lot of innings and getting tired. But there's also the other end of the spectrum — the great ones that don't have that affect them. You can talk about that all you want, but you can also bring up ... the Roger Clemenses, Nolan Ryans — the guys that got better with age and got better after long seasons."

At 6-foot-5, Verlander has the build to keep throwing hard — highlights of him throwing triple-digit fastballs in the late innings became almost routine last season. The only problem was he didn't have the chance to do it on the biggest possible stage. His team was eliminated two wins short of a pennant.

"It was a great year, yeah, but it was last year," Verlander said. "And the ultimate goal wasn't achieved, which was a World Series title."

-- Noah Trister

Rays embrace heightened expectations

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays aren't afraid of lofty expectations.

Go ahead, pencil them in as World Series contenders. After making the playoffs three of the past four seasons, they concede it'll be a major disappointment if they aren't playing deep into October this year.

The cost-conscious franchise rarely creates splashy headlines during the offseason, and this winter has been no different. But after quietly bolstering the middle of the batting order with a couple of modest, but productive free-agent acquisitions, manager Joe Maddon thinks the team has a very good chance to return to the postseason.

"I like the idea of the expectations being raised a little bit. I like the idea of people wanting to include us in that kind of a discussion. I want our players to like it, too," Maddon said Monday, the eve of the start of spring training for pitchers and catchers. The first full-squad workout is Feb. 26.

"It's more about managing expectations this year as opposed to trying to build some. I'm very good with that," he said. "That's the position you want to be in on annual basis. You want to be able to be included in that kind of talk."

Much of the optimism is rooted in the Rays having one of the deepest pitching rotations in baseball, a unit that executive vice president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman didn't have to disrupt in order to address the club's biggest priorities this winter, adding power to an often anemic offense and strengthening the bullpen.

The front office extended a tight budget by spending $13 million to sign first baseman Carlos Pena and designated hitter Luke Scott, a couple of left-handed bat that could add some balance to a lineup already featuring Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, B.J. Upton, Matt Joyce and Desmond Jennings.

The Rays also brought in veteran catcher Jose Molina, utility infielder Jeff Keppinger and relievers Burke Badenhop and Fernando Rodney and believe they have a blend of youth and experience capable of continuing to compete with the big spending New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox in the AL East.

Last year's starting rotation of James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann remains intact, and rookie left-handers Matt Moore and Alex Torres and young righty Alex Cobb provide depth in case of injuries or if the team decides to make a deal to try to improve the roster between now and opening day.

Not that Friedman isn't comfortable with what seems like a surplus.

"We don't view it as having three first basemen when you have seven or eight starters. Over the course of 162 games, if you go back and look, starting in 2008, we've used a minimum of seven. And in one year, nine starting pitchers," Friedman said.

"So with the razor-thin margin in this division, and what can be the difference between moving on and staying home, it's something we're very mindful of," Friedman added. "We don't look at it as having an overabundance of starting pitching."

The Yankees and Red Sox begin every season with expectations of winning the division. The Rays, who won the AL East in 2008 and 2010, are getting to that point.

"When you step back and take a big picture view, for us to have those expectations is a great thing. It's never a problem. It's never something that you shy away from. ... The only way or time it can become a problem is if you take on that mentality of we're that good or we don't have to work," Friedman said.

Short of injuries, few jobs will be on the line in spring training. Still, Maddon and Friedman are confident players won't become complacent.

"It really speaks to the culture we've created, the process that's in place. Whether there's extremely high expectations or not, I don't think it fazes our guys. ... They're focused on the process and how they all fit together — the 25-man roster — to compete and win on a nightly basis," Friedman said.

One subject Maddon plans to address with pitchers and catchers on Tuesday, and again when the full squad reports on the weekend, is the importance of getting off to a fast start.

Thanks to Boston's monumental September collapse, Tampa Bay was able to overcome a nine-game deficit in the standings to earn the AL wild-card berth on the final night of last season.

"I think that's really paramount for us," the manager said. "Last year we proved to ourselves that we can come from behind and win, and that's nice. But it's much better to do it from the other side. You can't always count on a bunch of circumstances working in your favor at the end of a season because you've dug yourself a hole."

-- Fred Goodall

Valentine looking for Red Sox to bus it this spring

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — Bobby Valentine always expects his players to bust it. The new manager of the Boston Red Sox also wants his team to bus it this spring.

When the Red Sox play exhibitions on the road, Valentine says the players will take the team bus. It's common around the majors for stars to drive themselves to spring training road games, mostly to get a fast start home after they're pulled early.

"I think guys drove to the ballpark when we played away (in previous springs)," Valentine said Monday. "We're not going to do that anymore."

"Buses. Yeah, buses. Unless there's an exception, someone has to pick their wife up at the airport along the way. There's always exceptions to rules," he said. "The manager and coaches will drive and at times there might be a player there because at times there might be a 'B' game that I'm going to watch and the bus leaves early."

The Red Sox are coming off a season in which a late collapse cost them a playoff spot. Valentine has been trying to add games and innings to get enough time to evaluate everyone.

Left fielder Carl Crawford was an early arrival among the pitchers and catchers. Despite having surgery on his left wrist in January, Crawford looked fine to Valentine.

"I didn't know he was there," Valentine said. "I just walked around the corner, there he was, throwing the ball. It was great to see him. His health looks much better than I expected. I'm pleasantly surprised."

Crawford had a disappointing first season with the Red Sox last year and was a target of some of Valentine's pointed criticism as an analyst for ESPN. The manager, though, is not concerned about any lingering discomfort.

"I think it's cleared up," Valentine said. "And if it's not, I don't think it's a big deal anyway. I think he's ready to play baseball. He had the great look in his eye. He's a great athlete. Looks like he's going to have good health."

That's not the case, though, for all his players.

Right-handed reliever Bobby Jenks is entering the second season of a two-year, $12 million contract. He appeared in just 19 games, spanning 15 2-3 innings, last season while limited by injuries, including a pulmonary embolism. Jenks had two procedures on his back in the offseason.

"Bobby said he'd like to take it one week at a time and I'd say that that means he's a long ways away from thinking about baseball activities," Valentine said. "He's really had a terrible offseason, health-wise, and so he's a real back-burner guy. I don't expect to see him in many baseball activities for a while, if at all this spring."

"I would think that he would be that in-season trade that everyone would be looking for and we'd have him right here already. That's what I'm hoping for. I would think some time into the season. Things happen differently and that's my opinion," he said.

Righty Aaron Cook, a non-roster invitee, will be on a slower pace than most of the other pitchers.

Righty Daisuke Matsuzaka and lefty Rich Hill are both making their way back after each underwent Tommy John surgery in June. Valentine said they are on similar recovery paths.

"I think Rich is throwing a little better," Valentine said. "I think recovery and healing process is very similar and I think it could be a similar pace."

Valentine does not expect either to pitch in spring training games.

After the Red Sox went 7-20 in September, there were reports that pitchers were drinking beer in the clubhouse during games.

Valentine said he had made a decision on whether or not to ban alcohol in the clubhouse, but wasn't going to publicly announce it yet.

"I think the players should know first," he said.

Valentine will talk to the club after the full squad reports on Saturday.

"I've thought about addressing the team," he said. "I don't know that I'm going to address any things concerning the regular season next week. But I've thought about it."

Twins closer Capps eager for another chance

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — After getting booed out of Target Field more times than he'd care to remember in 2011, it would be understandable if Minnesota Twins closer Matt Capps grabbed the first airplane out of the Twin Cities and never looked back.

Instead, Capps couldn't say yes fast enough when the Twins gave him a chance to return.

Much to the chagrin of many Twins fans, general manager Terry Ryan re-signed Capps to a one-year, $4.75 million contract after Joe Nathan left for the Texas Rangers. Now, after perhaps the worst season of his career, the closer's job is all his.

"I feel like I let a lot of people down last year, myself, the fans, especially (former GM) Bill Smith and the organization when they made the trade that they made," Capps said. "They expected me to perform at a level higher than what I did last year and that didn't happen."

The right-hander saved just 15 games, the fewest since he became a closer in 2007, and he blew seven other chances. He went 4-7 with a 4.25 ERA and lost his job when Nathan finally returned to full strength from Tommy John surgery.

He didn't look like the same pitcher who was acquired from Washington at the trade deadline in 2010 for prized catching prospect Wilson Ramos. Capps came over to a new league and stabilized the back end of the Twins' pitching staff with 16 saves and a 2.00 ERA to help them make the playoffs.

Some minor injuries zapped some of the life from his pitches, and Capps thinks he'll be back to normal this season.

"When the opportunity came about for me to come back here, I jumped on it as quick as I could," Capps said.

After losing longtime closer and clubhouse pillar Nathan to the defending AL champions, manager Ron Gardenhire was delighted to see Capps return. The old-school Gardenhire is big on personal accountability and professionalism, two traits Capps has in abundance.

"Letting people down? No," Gardenhire said. "I think you let people down when you don't give it everything you have. And that's never been the case with Matt Capps, so he didn't let people down. Maybe he didn't get the job done that he was asked to do. But he didn't let people down. He gave it everything he had. His full heart and courage and everything he has is into it."

This time around, Capps and the Twins coaching staff are hoping a more defined role will help him return to form.

Last spring, Nathan was dubbed the closer right off the bat even though missed all of 2010 because of the surgery. He struggled early in the regular season and had to be sent down for another rehab stint, moving Capps from a setup man back into the closer's position.

Poor defensive play and inconsistent starting pitching taxed the Twins' bullpen heavily, forcing Gardenhire to use Capps for more than one inning far too often, something the manager likes to call "the domino effect."

The struggles were weighing heavily on the closer, and Gardenhire could see it every time he had to make that long walk from the dugout to the mound to pull him.

"I'm not used to walking and taking a closer out of a game," he said. "I haven't done that too many times in my career. You could see that he was battling it out there and a couple times I had to do that."

Capps pitched a second inning nine times last season. If the starters can pitch deeper into games and the defense plays better behind them, the Twins hope to trim that number significantly this season.

"I'm certainly not going to shy away from throwing multiple innings if that's what they want me to do and that's what they need me to do," Capps said. "But we need to prepare for that and use this time in spring training to prepare for that. That's something we didn't do last year."

In past springs, Capps said he would try to get one or two long outings — sometimes as many as three straight innings — to build up strength in his arm and have him ready for longer appearances. Pitching coach Rick Anderson said that won't be a problem and that they'll do whatever they need to do to make sure he's comfortable to start the season.

"I certainly felt like I wanted to come back here and do better by everybody," Capps said. "That's the bottom line. That's why I'm here."

-- Jon Krawczynski

Broxton among Royals reporting to spring training

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) — Jonathan Broxton isn't sure his right arm will ever deal another 100 mph fastball.

The longtime Los Angeles Dodgers closer is certain, though, that he won't be trying to reach triple digits in his first spring training with the Kansas City Royals.

Broxton was once among the most feared closers in baseball, but injuries derailed his career. He didn't pitch in a game after May 3, the day before he went on the disabled list with bone spurs in his right elbow. Arthroscopic surgery followed last September.

Broxton hopes to rediscover his overpowering stuff with the Royals, who signed him to an incentive-laden $4 million deal to pitch the eighth inning ahead of closer Joakim Soria.

"I'm just trying to stay healthy. I don't need any setbacks," Broxton said. "I'm just going to try to ease into it. There ain't no sense of going out and trying to throw 95 right now.

"I've got a month and a half. I don't need to be ready for spring training. You don't see spring training stats on the back of a baseball card. I've got to be ready for April 6."

The Royals' bullpen is shaping up to be a crowded affair this spring.

Greg Holland and Louis Coleman emerged as shut-down relievers last year, and Aaron Crow — who is getting a look at the rotation — was an All-Star out of the bullpen. Blake Wood, Jose Mijares, Tim Collins and Everett Teaford join Kelvin Herrera in the battle for big league jobs.

None of those guys has quite the panache that Broxton had with the Dodgers.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound right-hander has registered 102 mph on the radar gun. That power led him to striking out 398 in 303 1-3 innings from 2006-09. He was an All-Star in 2009 and 2010, and he used the heat to save the showcase game in 2010.

"It's very exciting because you can get the crowd into it big time," Broxton said. "It's a lot easier when you can throw strikes with it. You get guys in a defensive mode soon as they step into the box. You basically just try to use it to your advantage."

The problem is that fastball may never have the same kind of zip, which led Broxton's agent B.B. Abbott to acknowledge that Broxton may have to reinvent himself.

"You never know," Broxton said. "I could come out this year and throw 100 or come back and throw 95. You never know what your velocity is going to be. You just can't pitch off your velocity. You've got to hit spots and be able to set up guys. I know if you can throw hard, you can get away with a lot more, but you've still got to get it over the plate."

Broxton said he has no medical restrictions as spring training begins and has already thrown seven bullpen sessions. But he is being smart about his return to the mound.

"I haven't really let any go," he said.

Broxton is working on a curve ball, a pitch he hasn't used since the minors, and said he is "trying to get away" from throwing a split-finger fastball, which can be taxing on the elbow.

Roughly 10 teams showed interest in Broxton as a free agent, but he decided to go with the Royals, who haven't been to the playoffs in nearly three decades. The idea is that by signing a one-year deal and proving he's back, Broxton could be in line for a big deal next season.

"Kansas City was first," he said. "I weighed my options and I thought this was the best fit for me, going to a setup role, trying to take some pressure off my elbow and stuff."

Broxton will be tasked with taking some pressure off Soria, too. The two-time All-Star closer blew a career-worst seven saves in 35 opportunities last year, his 4.03 ERA a career high. Soria also lost five games and surrendered seven homers, both career highs, while his 60 strikeouts were a career-low in five big league seasons.

Soria was even removed from the closer's job for a brief time after a rocky May, when he blew four saves in five chances. He also missed the final 2½ weeks of the season with a pulled hamstring.

Royals manager Ned Yost insists that Soria is still the closer, but Broxton represents a good Plan B. And if both are healthy, the Royals should have a solid finishing punch.

The Royals' first real workout for pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Tuesday. Position players report Friday with the first full-squad workout scheduled for Saturday, all leading into their spring opener against Texas on March 4.

Mariners pay tribute to fallen OF

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — For Mike Carp and Carlos Peguero, Greg Halman was a brother.

Carp used the word in English. Fellow Seattle Mariners outfielder Peguero offered its Spanish counterpart, "hermano."

It was a fitting tribute to Halman, who spoke four languages and was a popular clubhouse figure before he was stabbed to death last November while in his native Netherlands for a series of clinics throughout Europe.

The death of the Mariners prospect stunned former teammates and coaches at both the minor league and major league levels. Carp is remembering Halman this spring with a T-shirt that he gave to each of his teammates that reads "Brother for life" in Dutch on the front.

"He fit in with everybody," Carp said. "He was really a big part of my life. I only knew him for about 2½ years, but he definitely made an impact.

"I'm going to carry him with me for the rest of my life, that's just the way it's going to be."

Halman was a top outfield prospect in the Mariners' organization. He made his major league debut in 2010 and played in 35 games last season. He was hoping to earn a spot on Seattle's 25-man roster this spring.

Halman, a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, was more than just a player, teammates said. He happily served as a cross-cultural bridge between Latino teammates from the Caribbean region who spoke little English, and American players whose Spanish was limited.

"He was a tremendous person," Peguero said. "Like a brother, because he talked to me like a brother. Told me to keep on pushing and told me things just as how they are. That's the kind of person you can appreciate. The things he said about life . I can't point to all of those things, but he was always great to me."

Carp and Halman were teammates at Triple-A Tacoma in 2010 and part of 2011 before reuniting with the Mariners, also last year. Carp wanted to posthumously honor his ex-teammate, and the orange T-shirts he had made also include Halman's No. 56 in black with a Jackie Robinson quote: "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

Halman played for the Netherlands in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. The team's primary colors were orange and black.

Carp was so close to Halman that he got the same tattoo Halman had, a rendering of half the earth showing North America and Europe under baseball seams with the words "My World" on his left bicep. Carp added stars over Seattle and the Netherlands to his version.

Carp had the shirts handed out to all teammates and staff at spring training, even if some folks were new to the team or weren't familiar with Halman.

"I wanted him to be here with us, he would have loved to be here," Carp said. "Hopefully these guys appreciate the experience, take care of him and read the message on (the shirt). Life is not promised to you."

Peguero said he and his teammates still can't believe Halman is gone.

"It's like a shock you couldn't be ready for," Peguero said. "Time will pass, but we'll always remember him because he'll always be in our memory as a fine person and good baseball player."

Carp and his associates are trying to get the Mariners to sell the shirts at official team shops in Washington, and perhaps at spring training. He'd like the proceeds to go to charity or to Halman's family.

Mariners manager Eric Wedge said he's fine with the gesture.

"Grieving is a personal thing, and when you talk about a team setting it's of course a little bit different," Wedge said. "Some guys out there (on the team) never met the man, other guys were really good friends with him. I let them handle that as they see appropriate."

Ramirez, Athletics reach minor league deal

PHOENIX (AP) — Manny Ramirez found a taker in Oakland — at a bargain price.

The suspended slugger agreed on a minor league contract Monday with the Athletics that is worth approximately $500,000 if he's added to the big league roster.

The A's announced the deal and said Ramirez is expected to report to spring training by the end of the week, in time for Oakland's first full-squad workout Saturday. He is a non-roster invitee.

The 12-time All-Star is due to serve a 50-game suspension for his second positive drug test before he can play for the A's. Barring rainouts, his first game could be May 30 — on his 40th birthday. But that didn't deter general manager Billy Beane and the Athletics.

"I am very pleased Billy was able to add Manny to our team," owner Lew Wolff said in an email. "I look forward to welcoming him and the entire team that Billy and his people have assembled for the coming season."

ESPN first reported earlier in the day that the sides had reached an agreement, speaking directly to Ramirez.

The A's made public their interest in the enigmatic outfielder, who had been working out in Florida this winter. Starving for offense, Oakland finished third in the AL West last season at 74-88 and ranked 12th out of 14 American League teams in runs.

For the small-budget A's, Ramirez presents little financial risk. They don't have to pay him during his suspension and will give him per diem money during the club's spring training stint in Phoenix, which is shorter than usual because of two season-opening games in Japan next month.

Oakland sent representatives to Florida this winter to watch workouts by Ramirez, who retired from the Tampa Bay Rays last season rather than serve a 100-game suspension. For Ramirez, this could become a chance to help mend his reputation — at least a little bit — and serve as a positive clubhouse influence on a young team.

The A's recently agreed to terms on a $36 million, four-year contract with highly regarded outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, a Cuban defector who has expressed interest in playing with Ramirez.

At baseball's winter meetings in December, it was announced that Ramirez had applied for reinstatement. He had his suspension for a second failed drug test cut to 50 games because he sat out nearly all of last season. MLB had announced his retirement on April 8, saying he was notified "of an issue" under the drug program.

Ramirez ranks 14th on the career list with 555 home runs. He went 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.

This would be the 20th major league season for Ramirez, a career .312 hitter with 1,831 RBIs.

-- Janie McCauley

Rivera hints 2012 could be his final season

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mariano Rivera hinted 2012 could be his final year in the major leagues, saying he won't announce his long-term plans until after the season.

The New York Yankees 42-year-old closer says he has reached a decision about whether he will retire or return in 2013 but said he won't reveal it until "maybe October."

"I know," Rivera said. "I'll tell you when I'm ready."

Rivera, the career saves leader with 603, is signed through this season. Following the retirements of Bernie Williams, Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada, Rivera and 37-year-old Derek Jeter are the only remaining players from the core group that led the Yankees' resurgence.

"My kids want me home," Rivera said Monday. "They were ready for me to stay home. I had to tell them, I have a job to do. I have obligations."

Should he retire, Rivera has many interests away from baseball.

"I have my church, my family," he said. "I've been blessed in amazing ways. I've have a great career, but at the same time, there's other things to do."

Rivera played catch with fellow reliever Rafael Soriano during the Yankees' first workout of the year. When asked whether he was as excited as he was in his first big league camp almost 20 years ago, Rivera responded: "Believe it."

"You come here to compete," Rivera said. "I love to compete. I don't come here for a free ride. I'm come here to get ready: the playoffs, the World Series, that's the goal."

Rivera was 1-2 with 44 saves in 49 chances and a 1.91 ERA. He was selected for his fourth straight All-Star appearances and 12th overall.

Rivera had an eventful offseason, undergoing surgery in December to remove polyps from his vocal chords.

"It did scare me," Rivera said. "It did change a lot of things. It shows you how quick you can be gone. How important not to overlook anything. It could be cancer. I was relieved when everything came back negative."

Rivera wasn't able to talk for a week following the operation,

"Not being able to speak, I was going crazy," he said, "but at the same time you appreciate that."

Notes: DH Raul Ibanez has agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year contract that allows him to make $2.9 million more in performance bonuses, a person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The 39-year-old outfielder, who played with Philadelphia the last three seasons, is expected to be the Yankees' primary designated hitter against right-handed starting pitchers. ... The Yankees have an offer out to re-sign backup INF Eric Chavez.

... RHP Joba Chamberlain (elbow ligament replacement surgery) threw off a 5-inch half-mound for the fifth time and remains on target to throw off a full mound on Feb. 28. ... Lou Piniella, a special assistant to the general manager with San Francisco last season, will join a group of spring training instructors that also includes Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Goose Gossage and David Wells. ... Manager Joe Girardi said if he made up a lineup on Monday, Derek Jeter would hit leadoff, with Robinson Cano batting third, Alex Rodriguez fourth and Mark Teixeira fifth.

AP source: Ibanez agrees to $1.1M deal with Yanks

NEW YORK (AP) — A day after trading A.J. Burnett, the New York Yankees used some of the salary they saved to add Raul Ibanez as their left-handed designated hitter.

Ibanez and the Yankees agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year contract, a person familiar the negotiations said Monday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was pending a physical. It includes $2.9 million in performance bonuses.

"He's a guy that's hit right-handers very well over his career, can still play the outfield," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said, without confirming the agreement. "Has been a productive player if you look over the last 10 years."

Ibanez is a 39-year-old outfielder who played with Philadelphia the last three seasons and hit .245 last year with 20 homers and 84 RBIs.

With a swing that seems tailored to the short right-field at Yankee Stadium, Ibanez is expected to be the Yankees' primary designated hitter against right-handed starting pitchers. New York decided on him over Johnny Damon and Hideki Matsui, who also are free agents.

The agreement came one day after the Yankees traded Burnett to Pittsburgh, a deal in which the Pirates pay $5 million of the pitcher's salary this year and $8 million in 2013.

New York also has an offer out to re-sign backup INF Eric Chavez.

-- Ronald Blum

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Free agent Rodriguez hoping for another shot

DETROIT (AP) — Ivan Rodriguez is working out daily to keep his 40-year-old body in shape, hoping he'll get a chance to play this season.

The 14-time All-Star and 13-time Gold Glove catcher insists he's not ready to retire — yet.

"I can still play," Rodriguez said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Monday from his home in Miami. "But it has been a tough market for veterans.

"There are a lot of guys who have won championships and have playoff experience to offer teams with no jobs. It's hard to believe."

Rodriguez, Roy Oswalt, Johnny Damon, Hideki Matsui, Vladimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez and Jason Varitek are among the big names available.

A strained right oblique limited Rodriguez to a career-low 44 games last year with Washington and he hit just .218 with two homers and 19 RBIs.

"Everything is fine with my health and I feel great mentally," Rodriguez said. "I'm still working out every day in the gym, on the track and on the baseball field to stay ready.

"I cannot control when I get a call, but I can control what kind of shape I'm in so I am focusing on that."

Rodriguez is a career .296 hitter with 311 homers and 1,332 RBIs with Texas, Florida, Detroit, the New York Yankees, Houston and Washington. He has won three more Gold Gloves than any other catcher and was the 1999 AL MVP and 2003 NL championship series MVP.

He has 2,844 career hits — another record for a catcher — and said being in the 3,000-hit club is "absolutely" important to him, saying the milestone motivates him to work out harder.

"Of course, I would love to get 3,000 hits and win another World Series before I hang up my spikes and glove," said Rodriguez, who helped the Marlins win it all in 2003. "But I am not a person to just follow numbers. I just want to go to the ballpark every day to help a team win and to work with a pitching staff."

Rodriguez, Mike Piazza (396) and Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk (351), Johnny Bench (327) and Yogi Berra (306) are the only catchers with 300-plus home runs. Piazza is eligible to be inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

Rodriguez isn't ready to start his five-year clock to get on the Cooperstown ballot.

"I still have a lot of baseball left in me," he said. "All I can do is wait for a chance to show what I can still do."

-- Larry Lage