MLB News Blog

The Minnesota Twins acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy on Friday, sending speedy outfielder Carlos Gomez to the Milwaukee Brewers in a trade. The move relieves a crowded outfield for the Twins, who also have Delmon Young, Denard Span and Michael Cuddyer. And it's a second chance for Hardy, who once was considered a rising star for [...]

Pitcher Brandon Webb's $8.5 million option was exercised Friday by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander made just one start last season before being put on the disabled list and had arthroscopic surgery Aug. 4 on his pitching shoulder. Arizona would have had to pay a $2 million buyout if it had declined the option.

Crowds roared and church bells rang in lower Manhattan on Friday as the Yankees' World Series championship celebration revved up with a ticker-tape parade. As the players on floats made their way through Wall Street toward City Hall Plaza, a loud roar rose above Broadway and confetti rained down on the parade.

The Chicago White Sox have declined the mutual option on veteran right fielder and former World Series MVP Jermaine Dye, clearing the way for him to become a free agent. Dye will get a buyout of $950,000 instead of $12 million he could have gotten in salary next season. Dye, the World Series MVP in [...]

The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday exercised their 2010 contract option for right-handed pitcher Brandon Webb. General manager Josh Byrnes says Webb has recovered well from an Aug. 4 arthroscopic surgery on his pitching shoulder. Byrnes cited Webb's significant contributions to the club in deciding to pick up the option year.

Former Indians pitcher Tim Belcher is the team's new pitching coach, the first member of manager Manny Acta's staff. Belcher has spent the past eight years as a special assistant to baseball operations in the Indians organization. He was responsible for evaluating players in Cleveland's system and scouted other teams.