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MLB Roundup
AP source: Pineda, Montero in Yanks-Mariners swap
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SEATTLE (AP) — A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press the Seattle Mariners have agreed to trade right-hander Michael Pineda to the New York Yankees for catcher Jesus Montero in a deal involving two of baseball's top young talents.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Friday because he wasn't authorized to discuss the trade that will be completed pending physicals. The person also says there could be two other players involved in the swap.

In addition, another person familiar with the agreement tells the AP that the Yankees have reached a deal with free agent pitcher Hiroki Kuroda on a $10 million contract for one season. The 36-year-old righty was 13-16 with a 3.07 ERA for the Dodgers last season.

Kuroda's contract is pending a physical.

 

Fielder in Texas talking to Rangers

DALLAS (AP) — A person familiar with the meeting says free agent slugger Prince Fielder is in Texas to talk with the two-time American League champion Rangers.

Fielder's visit to Texas on Friday was first reported by USA Today.

Fielder is there to meet with Rangers officials, according to the person familiar with his situation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the discussions weren't meant to be public.

The meeting with Fielder comes at the same time the Rangers are negotiating a deal with Yu Darvish, the 25-year-old considered the best pitcher in Japan. Texas put in a record post of $51.7 million to negotiate with Darvish, and their 30-day window expires Wednesday.

 

Cubs say RHP Wood returning for 2012

CHICAGO (AP) — Relief pitcher Kerry Wood is returning to the Chicago Cubs.

Wood has reached agreement on a $3 million contract for 2012 with a $3 million club option for 2013.

The team announced Friday the popular Wood would come back during the Cubs Convention, the club's annual fan festival.

The 34-year-old righty went 3-5 with a 3.35 ERA in 55 games last year. He missed the end of the season because of a tear in his left knee that needed arthroscopic surgery.

Wood wanted to stay with the Cubs. He lives in Chicago year-round, and the team's new management had made it clear that it wanted him back.

 

Sweeney takes Boston's $1.75 million, 1-year deal

BOSTON (AP) — Outfielder Ryan Sweeney has agreed to a $1.75 million, one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Sweeney, who could have filed for arbitration, made $1.4 million last year with the Oakland Athletics. He is expected to compete for playing time in right field, where the Red Sox have a vacancy after deciding not to retain free agent J.D. Drew and trading Josh Reddick to Oakland.

In six seasons, Sweeney has a .283 batting average after hitting .265 with one homer and 25 RBIs in 264 at-bats last season.

The Red Sox obtained him and closer Andrew Bailey on Dec. 28 for Reddick, infield prospect Miles Head and minor league pitcher Raul Alcantara.

 

Braves' Prado agrees to $4.75 million contract

ATLANTA (AP) — Outfielder Martin Prado has avoided arbitration with the Atlanta Braves by agreeing to a $4.75 million contract for 2012.

Prado, who made $3.1 million last season, is a versatile player who could be the long-term replacement at third base when Chipper Jones retires. He moved to left field in 2011 and slumped a bit, batting .260 with 13 homers and 57 RBIs. Before that, he had three straight years hitting above .300.

Prado's deal, announced Friday, leaves the Braves with three players eligible for arbitration: pitcher Jair Jurrjens, outfielder Michael Bourn and reliever Eric O'Flaherty.