Free Agency Loses Some of Its Luster

Sport re-evaluates its pay structure

(NEWSER) - Looking at baseball, you’d think the country wasn’t in a recession—clubs are charging exorbitant ticket prices and shelling out tens of millions of dollars on top free agents. Will the bubble ever collapse? Probably not, writes Nate Silver for Esquire. MLB is, after all, a legally protected monopoly. But more importantly, the sport already has taken steps to add a dose of reality its out-of-control pay structure. More»

Deal is for 10 years, $250 million

(NEWSER) - The Los Angeles Angels made two huge splashes today, snatching up two of the biggest free agents on the market: Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. Pujols has agreed to a 10-year deal worth between $250 and $260 million, a source tells Yahoo! Sports . Depending on the exact number, it may be the second-biggest baseball contract ever—behind Alex Rodriguez's $275 million deal with the Yankees—and according to ESPN, it includes a full no-trade clause. More»

Slugging catcher a lock for the hall

(NEWSER) - The most prolific hitting catcher of all-time is hanging up his spikes. After 16 years, Mike Piazza is calling it a career, one that saw him amass a .308 lifetime batting average and 427 homeruns; 396 of those dingers came as a catcher, which is the most all time, reports AP. "It has been an amazing journey,” said the 12-time All-Star. More»

Buchholz done in despite Twins' lack of power hitting

(NEWSER) - Livan Hernandez won again, Craig Monroe contributed another big hit, and the Minnesota Twins beat the Boston Red Sox 7-3 on Monday night to win the four-game series. Manny Ramirez finally went deep, hitting career homer No. 498 in the first inning for the Red Sox. The two-run shot was his second home run in 20 games. More»

(NEWSER) - Matt Holliday had four singles, Jorge De La Rosa scattered five hits over 5 2-3 innings and the Colorado Rockies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-3 last night to salvage a split in their four-game series. Omar Quintanilla added a career-high three hits and Garrett Atkins finished 2-for-3 with a double, triple and two RBIs for the Rockies. More»