Category: MLB Betting

Bobby Abreu’s $16 million option for next season was exercised Friday by the New York Yankees. The 33-year-old right fielder overcame a slow start to hit .283 with 16 homers and 101 RBIs this year, when he finished second in the AL with 123 runs. He has reached 100 RBIs in five consecutive seasons. “Bobby…

Joe Torre was an immediate success with the New York Yankees, managing them to four World Series titles in his first five years on the job. The Los Angeles Dodgers can only hope for similar results. Torre, who grew up in Brooklyn rooting against the Dodgers, was hired Thursday as their manager — a half-century…

The new Joe sounded more reticent than the old one. Joe Girardi appeared at Yankee Stadium for the first time since he was hired this week to replace Joe Torre, put on a pinstriped jersey with No. 27 and discussed his new job. He was asked which areas the Yankees need improve. “In my heart…

The Baltimore Orioles cut ties with Kris Benson on Thursday, declining their $7.5 million option on the right-hander. Benson, who missed the 2007 season with a torn labrum, files for free agency later in the day and will receive a $500,000 buyout. He made 30 starts for the Orioles in 2006, going 11-12 with a…

Barry Bonds would boycott Cooperstown if the Hall of Fame displays his record-breaking home run ball with an asterisk. That includes skipping his potential induction ceremony. “I won’t go. I won’t be part of it,” Bonds said in an interview with MSNBC that aired Thursday night. “You can call me, but I won’t be there.”…

Jim Hickey was retained Thursday as pitching coach of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, three days after he pleaded no contest to charges of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage. Hickey, who agreed to a one-year contract to complete manager Joe Maddon’s staff for next season, was…

The San Diego Padres declined outfielder Rob Mackowiak’s $3.25 million option for next season, making him eligible to become a free agent. The Padres chose instead to pay a $300,000 buyout. Mackowiak was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on July 31 for minor league right-hander Jon Link. Mackowiak played in 28 games with San…

San Francisco Giants general manager Brian Sabean plans to “kick the tires” to determine the feasibility of signing free agent Alex Rodriguez, but characterized the team’s chances of acquiring the slugger as “a reach.” With Barry Bonds’ tenure in San Francisco over after 15 seasons, there has been speculation that the Giants could try to…

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will support instant replay in baseball next season. At their meetings in Orlando, Fla., next week, major league GMs plan to discuss whether to recommend using television replay to commissioner Bud Selig and owners. “I am 110 percent for it and have been for quite some time,” Cashman said Thursday,…

With the California wildfires closing in on his parents’ house, Joel Zumaya went up to the attic and tried to salvage a few things for his father. Moments later, his 2008 season was in jeopardy. A heavy box fell on top of the Detroit Tigers reliever, injuring his pitching shoulder and forcing him to have…

Joe Torre grew up in Brooklyn rooting against the Dodgers. Now, a half-century after they moved west, he’s their manager. Torre was hired by Los Angeles to succeed Grady Little on Thursday, taking the job two weeks after walking away from the New York Yankees. The winningest manager in postseason history, Torre moved from one…

Alex Rodriguez a Mud Hen? Spurred by an offhand remark from George Steinbrenner’s son, the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens want in on the A-Rod sweepstakes. The Mud Hens playfully offered the prize free agent a deal Thursday — a contract proposal that includes a bonus for hitting 75 home runs next year and leading them…