Reds sign Brackman

to 1-year contract

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds signed right-hander Andrew Brackman to a one-year deal on Wednesday, uniting him with his hometown team.

Brackman was the New York Yankees’ first-round pick in 2007 even though they knew he needed reconstructive elbow surgery. He had the operation nine days after signing. He went 15-29 in 58 starts and 31 relief appearances in the minors from 2009-11 with a 5.11 ERA.

The Yankees called up the 6-foot-10 Brackman last September and he pitched in three games. They declined his contract option after the season.

The Reds also announced that their pitchers and catchers will report and have their first spring training workout in Goodyear, Ariz., on Feb. 19. The rest of the squad will report and work out on Feb. 24th.

 

 

Cubs deal Zambrano for Marlins’ Volstad

MIAMI (AP) — Carlos Zambrano will get a much-needed fresh start with the Miami Marlins.

The Chicago Cubs traded their former ace Wednesday for Marlins right-hander Chris Volstad, pending physicals and approval by Major League Baseball, a person familiar with the negotiations said. The person confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the teams hadn’t announced a deal.

Zambrano wore out his welcome in Chicago because of repeated meltdowns and tantrums. The most recent came when he cleaned out his locker and talked about retiring after giving up five homers and being ejected during a loss to Atlanta on Aug. 12. He was suspended without pay and then it was decided he would sit out the rest of the season.

 

 

Kelly shakes up

ND coaching staff

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly has shaken up his staff following the departures of running backs coach Tim Hinton and offensive line coach Ed Warinner.

Chuck Martin, who had been coaching the defensive backs, is the new offensive coordinator for the Fighting Irish. He replaces Charley Molnar, who is the new head coach at Massachusetts.

Martin was a head coach and offensive coordinator at Grand Valley State, where Kelly previously coached.

The school also named defensive coordinator Bob Diaco an assistant head coach and promoted Scott Booker from intern to offensive assistant. Kerry Cooks is now co-defensive coordinator.

 

 

Torre quits MLB job

to pursue ownership

NEW YORK (AP) — Joe Torre has resigned as Major League Baseball’s executive vice president for baseball operations to join a group trying to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Torre managed the Dodgers from 2008-10, then retired and joined MLB last February as a top aide to Commissioner Bud Selig.

The Dodgers have been put up for sale by owner Frank McCourt, who put the team into bankruptcy last year as he battled former team executive Jamie McCourt in divorce court.

Initial bids for the team are due Jan. 23.