Fukudome Lifts Cubs Past Astros

'I didn't know,' says player Eugenio Velez of spelling snafu

(NEWSER) - Outfielder Eugenio Velez made his season debut yesterday when his San Francicso Giants took on and beat the Houston Astros. That’s right—Velez played the whole game blissfully unaware that his jersey pegged him as a player from some mythical, misspelled version of the City by the Bay. “I didn’t know,” he tells the AP . “Increible!” And that’s not misspelled—it’s Spanish for “incredible.” More»

Marlins come bottom in latest ranking of baseball's MVTs

(NEWSER) - The New York Yankees' $1.5 billion valuation lands them solidly in the top spot in the Forbes ranking of baseball's most valuable teams. The crosstown Mets came second, trailing by almost $600 million. The Yanks, however, were one of only two teams to lose money last season, dropping $3.7 million. The Detroit Tigers lost a whopping $26.3 million. More»

(AP) - Francisco Rodriguez became the first top-tier free agent to reach an agreement when he decided to join the New York Mets, while longtime Cub Kerry Wood appeared to be on the verge of striking a deal with the Cleveland Indians. Coming off a record 62 saves for the Los Angeles Angels, Rodriguez reached a preliminary agreement on a $37 million, three-year contract with the Mets, who are desperate for bullpen help. More»

(NEWSER) - Chicago Cubs brass expects the team to be sold by spring training, the Tribune reports. The chairman of the team, which is in the midst of a century-long title drought, says it is reviewing bids and could have a deal in place by February. Crane Kenney also shot down rumors that Sam Zell's Tribune Company would hold onto to a big part of the team. “Any interest would be a small interest,” he said. More»

Chicago posted NL's most wins; Tampa Bay had first-ever winning season, reached World Series

(NEWSER) - Lou Piniella and his Tampa Bay successor, Joe Maddon, have been voted baseball’s managers of the year, MLB.com reports. Maddon’s first-ever recognition is no surprise after he led the Rays to their first-ever winning season and the American League pennant. Chicago’s Piniella won the honor—his third, after two with the Seattle Mariners—after leading the Cubs to a National League-best 97 wins. More»