Kansas City Star: Baseball

Curt Flood auction offers artifacts of another era of baseball

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Earlier this year, Bob Gibson auctioned off his Hall of Fame ring. This month, there’s a price tag on the base Lou Brock touched to break the stolen-base record. Those two have nothing on another St. Louis Cardinals star of the 1960s. Beyond the Gold Gloves, signed balls, gloves and the like, Curt Flood’s estate is offering bidders an opportunity this weekend to purchase true history.

Kauffman again under consideration for induction into Hall of Fame

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Former Royals owner Ewing Kauffman is again just one step away from a posthumous induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Kauffman was one of 10 executives selected Tuesday for consideration by a 12-member Veterans Committee that again includes current Royals owner David Glass.

Royals notebook: DiNardo and Yabuta sent to Omaha on outright assignments

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The Royals continued to tweak their 40-man roster Tuesday by sending pitchers Lenny DiNardo and Yasuhiko Yabuta to Class AAA Omaha on outright assignments after they cleared waivers. Each player has the option of refusing the assignment and becoming a free agent. The moves came one day after the Royals sent pitcher John Bannister to Omaha on an outright assignment before signing him to a minor-league contract.

Baseball GMs come to Chicago for brief meeting

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Baseball’s general managers came to Chicago to swap stories and perhaps players, and to start discussions with agents. Increasing the use of video replay among umpires could be a topic when the formal meetings start today, especially after a series of missed calls in the postseason. Video reviews, which began in 2008, are limited to determining whether potential home runs are fair or foul or whether the ball cleared a fence.

Royals covet a catcher as the next step in offseason overhaul

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The next step in the Royals’ offseason makeover is to acquire a catcher before Dec. 12 and therefore provide an alternative to offering a contract to arbitration-eligible John Buck.

Girardi stops to aid motorist after bagging Series

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. | Good thing Yankees manager Joe Girardi had a late night at the ballpark. Girardi capped off a victorious evening by helping a car crash victim in suburban New York.

Trade underscores Royals' desire to increase inventory and gain financial flexibility

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Two overriding factors surfaced Friday in explaining the Royals’ decision to send third baseman/outfielder Mark Teahen to division-rival Chicago with cash for second baseman Chris Getz and third baseman/outfielder Josh Fields. Increasing inventory while gaining financial flexibility.

World Series MVPs

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

1955 Johnny Podres, Brooklyn (NL) 1956 Don Larsen, New York (AL)

New York's finest: Yankees win World Series

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:05 CST

Baseball’s glamour franchise grabbed its 27th world championship, winning 7-3 against the Phillies in game six of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.

World Series notes

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The MVP gap Scott Brosius, the 1998 World Series MVP for the Yankees, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Most titles in baseball

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

When it comes to winning World Series championships, there are the Yankees, then everyone else. New York added to its legacy on Wednesday. A look at the most championships in baseball:

World Series schedule

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

Yankees win series 4-2

Wilson & Mariners agree to $10 million, 2-yr deal

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:35 CST

After shortstop Jack Wilson arrived in Seattle in a trade last summer, it didn't take long for him to know he wanted to stay.

Brewers decline Looper option

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30 CST

The Milwaukee Brewers have declined their mutual option on pitcher Braden Looper, instead agreeing to a $1 million buyout with the right-hander.

Mariners ink SS Wilson to two-year contract

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:58 CST

The Seattle Mariners on Friday signed shortstop Jack Wilson to a two-year contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mariners coach Wetteland at home after hospital stay

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:26 CST

Seattle Mariners bullpen coach John Wetteland is resting at home after a hospital stay because of what Denton County officials called a "mental health issue."

Rockies decline option on Betancourt

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:40 CST

The Colorado Rockies on Friday declined the 2010 team option on Rafeal Betancourt, making the reliever a free agent.

Eight more elect for free agency

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:03 CST

Paul Byrd was among eight MLB players to file for free agency on Friday.

AP Interview: Cuban pitcher defects without drama

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:48 CST

Aroldis Chapman simply left his room at the Domina Hotel in Rotterdam last July and went down to the lobby.

Blue Jays' Wells undergoes wrist surgery

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:08 CST

Toronto Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells underwent surgery to repair cartilage damage in his left wrist on Thursday and is expected to be ready for spring training.

Wetteland at home after hospital trip

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:28 CST

Former All-Star closer John Wetteland was resting at home Thursday night after a trip to a hospital, where the Seattle Mariners say he was treated for an elevated heart rate.

Hudson agrees on $28M, 3-year deal with Braves

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:31 CST

Tim Hudson agreed to a $28 million, three-year contract with the Atlanta Braves on Thursday, giving the team a wealth of starting pitching and setting up a likely trade to bolster the offense.

Utley, Jeter among Silver Slugger winners

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:07 CST

Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley and New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter each brought home his fourth career Silver Slugger Award on Thursday to highlight the honors given to the top offensive performers at their respective positions.

Braves, Hudson finalize extension

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:15 CST

The Atlanta Braves and starting pitcher Tim Hudson officially agreed upon a three-year contract extension on Thursday.

New York celebrates, then gets hungry, makes sandwich

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:18 CST

The $200 million Yankees screamed and hugged and waved championship flags on the field of the $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium, the celebration spilling out to the streets, and this is going to sound weird, but it's the absolute truth: The whole thing was a little unimpressive. I don't mean the Yankees, who made their case as one of the very best teams in a generation, or the new stadium, which is amazing, but the celebration, which was, eh. read more

NY vs Philly and wow

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:12 CDT

So, close readers of this blog may remember my occasional point about Kansas City having a bit of an inferiority complex in relation to St. Louis and, well, lots of other stuff. It bugs me at times. Kansas City is a terrific place, for a lot of reasons, and sometimes I wish we as a whole were just a little more secure about that. But I do have to point out that I hope we never swing the other way, and develop a jaw-dropping superiority complex. read more

This is gonna hurt, but the Royals should at least look at trading Joakim Soria

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:51 CDT

Aside from a barstool, there may be no more emotional position in baseball than closer. This is certainly true for Jonathan Papelbon and K-Rod, but more, it's true for the people watching. So long as it doesn't get watered down from blowouts, the best moment at Kauffman Stadium is when the video boards set fire and Slash starts playing "Welcome to the Jungle" and Joakim Soria comes out from the bullpen to throw fastballs at the knees and 67-mph curveballs through bats. read more

Smoke, fire, trade rumors and the Royals

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:34 CDT

Maybe you heard about the unfortunate post on the usually unreliable Bleacher Report website over the weekend. The writer had a "rumor" that had the Brewers considering sending J.J. Hardy, Manny Parra and two prospects to the Royals for -- wait for it -- Zack Greinke. If this is the first you heard of it, I'll wait while you cycle through the normal emotions. "WHAT?!?" (shakes head in disgust) read more

Meteorologist Joe Girardi and Kansas City

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:21 CDT

Joe Girardi is the manager of a team that won 103 games, so that's what matters, and who is this little blog to challenge that? Except that Girardi is apparently set to go with a three-man rotation in the ALCS, despite evidence that suggests modern big league pitchers just aren't effective on three days rest. We should pause for a quick moment here and point out that Girardi knows his team, um, better than some idiot newspaper guy wearing sweats at his kitchen table. The Yankees are paying CC Sabathia $160 million, so, you know, get your money's worth. read more

Royals prepare to reshape their roster for 2010

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:15 CST

The switch by Royals general manager Dayton Moore from active free-agent shopper to swap-meet enthusiast suggests a major shift in the organization’s philosophical approach this winter.