The Arizona Diamondbacks and young All-Star outfielder Justin Upton are closing in on a six-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The deal would be worth just over $50 million, the person said Tuesday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been finalized. Read more..
Cross another last off the list for Bobby Cox. Atlanta's longtime manager got two scoreless innings from Tommy Hanson, but the New York Mets spoiled Cox's last spring training opener with a 4-2 victory over the Braves on Tuesday. Cox announced last September that he plans to retire after his 21st consecutive season in Atlanta's dugout -- the longest tenure of any active manager -- and... Read more..
Colorado Rockies closer Huston Street is experiencing inflammation in his right shoulder, a condition he calls normal for this point in spring training and one he said is improving. Street, who converted 35 of 37 save opportunities last season, has thrown four times in spring training, three bullpen sessions and 10 minutes of live batting practice Friday.
Manny Ramirez is on the Dodgers' final roster for an upcoming three-game exhibition series in Taiwan, not that it guarantees the veteran will make the trip. The Dodgers are traveling to Asia for the second time in three years after also playing a series in China before the 2008 season. They will play three games against Taiwan all-star teams March 12-14. Read more..
Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran talked to federal investigators last week about a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug and said he recommended the physician to teammate Jose Reyes. Beltran went to Toronto last summer seeking Dr. Anthony Galea's opinion on his bruised right knee, the All-Star said Tuesday.
After Howick fight back, West City successfully defends its title
LLOYD ELSMORE - It was one of those games for the ages that will certainly grow in proportion with the passage of time.
One game, winner takes all for the fifth National Club Championship. A game at Lloyd Elsmore Baseball Park on Sunday afternoon that had more twists and turns than kabuki. West City essentially had to win it twice.
"That was as much intensity as you've seen in a baseball game in a long time," Tournament Director Ryan Flynn said after the three-hour spectacular ended with West City besting rival Howick, 13-9, in 9 innings. "It was incredible. It was really amazing."
West City and Howick familiar foes at Championship
Championship game will be third matchup between teams in tournament final
The 2010 BNZ National Club Championship thus far has been a festival of games played by 7 clubs from all over New Zealand.
Now it's down to one game and two teams from neighboring clubs.
This is the one game that both teams have been waiting to play since the tournament began on Friday, just perhaps, were destined to play all along: A Championship final.
West City up for National Championship title defense
Meeting Howick for the third time, West City hoping to repeat as champs
LLOYD ELSMORE - The BNZ National Club Championship trophy will return to Auckland for the fifth successive time in the tournament's five year history.
West City hopes the hardware returns to its clubhouse - again.
On Sunday at 1pm, West City (2-1) will defend its National Championship title against Howick (3-0) in the 2010 BNZ National Championship game at Lloyd Elsmore.
Classic championship game on deck after WC topples Canterbury
LLOYD ELSMORE - West City proved yet again that the club is a burgeoning baseball power, advancing to the National Club Championship final with a 10-0 classic against Canterbury in the semifinals in front of a good crowd on Saturday at Lloyd Elsmore Baseball Park.
Now West City, which has won the title in 2006, 2007, and 2009, will test its mettle against heated rival Howick in the finals at 1:00pm on Sunday.
Wildcats must step up to victory or else face elimination
LLOYD ELSMORE - For the first time since the National Club Championship started, West City will be playing a must-win game on Saturday.
Coming off its first loss in the tournament, a disappointing 19-1 defeat against Howick on Friday, the West City squad will face a Canterbury team that it crushed last year.
This time around, any win will do. Because for either side, defeat means the end of the tournament. The winner advances to the final of the Nationals on Sunday.
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