News briefs: Yankees deal reliever Bruney to Nationals
CBSSports.com wire reports
INDIANAPOLIS -- Brian Bruney was dealt Monday to the Washington Nationals from the New York Yankees for a player to be named in the first trade of the winter meetings.
The 27-year-old right-hander was 5-0 with a 3.92 ERA in 44 regular-season appearances but pitched just once for the Yankees from mid-April until mid-June because of a strained right elbow, an injury he blamed on time he spent warming up during an umpires' video review.
"He's a power arm and we need help in the bullpen. We need help," said Jim Riggleman, who took over as Washington Nationals manager in July.
Bruney was dropped from the Yankees' roster for playoff series against Minnesota and the Los Angeles Angels, then gave up two runs and got just one out in his lone World Series appearance, in the opener against Philadelphia.
He is 16-10 with 13 saves and a 4.27 ERA in 229 relief appearances and one start over six seasons. He had 12 saves for Arizona in 2005.
Bruney had a $1.25 million salary this year and is eligible for arbitration. He won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2011 season.
To clear roster space, the Nationals unconditionally released right-hander Saul Rivera, who had a 6.10 ERA in 30 appearances for Washington this year. Full story
Trial starts for woman in BoSox-Yanks incident
NASHUA, N.H. -- A murder trial has begun for a New Hampshire woman accused of killing a man with her car after a group of people allegedly taunted her for having a New York Yankees decal on the vehicle.
Ivonne Hernandez's trial started in Nashua. Jurors spent the morning viewing the crime scene. Opening statements began in the afternoon.
The May 2008 crash killed 29-year-old Matthew Beaudoin.
Hernandez claimed that a group of people had been taunting her because of the Yankees decal. Police said the dispute had started as an exchange about the Yankees and Red Sox.
Tigers keep Everett
DETROIT -- Smooth-fielding shortstop Adam Everett decided to stay with the Detroit Tigers, agreeing to a $1.55 million, one-year contract.
Everett hit .238 with three homers and 44 RBI for Detroit this year, his ninth season in the majors. He has a .976 fielding percentage at shortstop during his career.
Everett made $1 million last season.
Red Sox add Atchison
INDIANAPOLIS -- The Boston Red Sox got a pitcher on the first day of the winter meetings.
No, not that one.
Right-hander Scott Atchison has agreed to a one-year contact after spending the last two seasons with Hanshin of Japan's Central League.
The Red Sox are among the teams interested in acquiring Toronto ace Roy Halladay.
Atchison was 12-9 with a 2.77 ERA in 117 relief appearances, going 5-3 with a 1.70 ERA in 75 games this year. The 33-year-old is 2-3 with a 4.10 ERA in 53 games with Seattle (2004-05) and San Francisco (2007).
He is guaranteed $430,000 in Monday's deal. Atchison gets $420,000 next season, and the Red Sox have a 2011 option at $40,000 above the minimum with a $10,000 buyout. Boston has a 2012 option at $200,000 above the minimum.
Tigers' Rapada dealt to Rangers
INDIANAPOLIS -- Left-hander Clay Rapada has been acquired by the Texas Rangers from the Detroit Tigers for a player to be named or cash.
The 28-year-old had a 5.40 ERA in 3 1/3 innings over three relief appearances for Detroit last season and was 4-2 with five saves and a 2.76 ERA in 42 games at Toledo. He struck out 47 and walked 17 in 45 2/3 innings for the Triple-A farm team, holding left-handed batters to a .210 average.
Texas also sent right-hander Willie Eyre outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Rockies sell Murton's contract
DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have sold the contract of outfielder Matt Murton to the Hanshin Tigers in Japan.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 28-year-old Murton hit .250 with five doubles, one home run and six RBI in 29 games for the Rockies in 2009. He spent most of the season with Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he hit .324 with 12 home runs and 79 RBI and hit safely in a franchise-record 29 consecutive games.
The Rockies acquired Murton on Feb. 4 from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for minor-league infielder Corey Wimberly. Murton also has played for the Chicago Cubs.
Pirates don't raise prices
PITTSBURGH -- For an eighth consecutive season, the Pittsburgh Pirates won't raise season-ticket prices -- the longest such stretch without a hike in the major leagues.
The Pirates haven't boosted season-ticket prices since a much-criticized increase following their 100-loss season in 2001. One plan for 2010 offers a full 81-game package for $399, an average of $4.93 per game, and another offers box seats for $999.
The club's home attendance this year during a major league record-setting 17th consecutive losing season was 1,577,853, the Pirates' lowest since PNC Park opened in 2001.
