KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Luke Hochevar and the American League champion Kansas City Royals completed a $10 million, two-year contract Thursday that includes a mutual option for 2017.The right-hander will earn $4 million next season and $5.5 million in 2016, and the option includes a $500,000 buyout, a person familiar with the terms told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the club does not release contract details.The Royals decided to sign the former No. 1 overall draft pick to a multiyear deal in part because he is coming off Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss last season, and it is unclear just how quickly he will be back to full strength.By signing Hochevar, the Royals have several expensive bullpen pieces under control.They exercised their option on setup man Wade Davis, which means he will earn $7 million next year and now has an $8 million option for 2016 with a $500,000 buyout. And if the Royals exercise that, they would have a $10 million option for 2017 with a $250,000 buyout.All-Star closer Greg Holland remains under club control through 2016, but hes eligible for arbitration and likely will earn more than $9 million next season. Kelvin Herrera is also eligible for arbitration and should receive a significant salary bump after a stellar season.With the Royals still needing to find another starting pitcher to replace James Shields and a designated hitter to replace Billy Butler, it is possible they will explore trading one of their expensive relievers. Holland figures to net the most in return.Hochevar struggled for years as a starter but was dominant after switching to the bullpen, no longer nibbling at corners but throwing straight heat. He went 5-1 with a 1.92 ERA in 2013, at one point becoming so good that the Royals considered moving him back to the rotation.In spring training, though, Hochevar felt a twinge in his elbow. An MRI exam a couple of days later revealed a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, resulting in Tommy John surgery.While he spent the entire season rehabbing, Hochevar always seemed to be around the club, enjoying its run to the World Series as best he could. And while he watched, Herrera, Davis and Holland become one of the most dynamic relief trios in baseball, pitching Kansas City to its first pennant in 29 years.Now, it appears general manager Dayton Moore is going to give Hochevar a chance to contribute in a more tangible way next season. Hochevar is expected to be ready to pitch when the Royals report to Surprise, Arizona, for spring training in mid-February. .A. Happ is coming off his first start of the year, a win at Philadelphia Monday. The former Phillie allowed three hits in five scoreless frames of a 3-0 triumph. . Both of Padakins goals came in the second period while Zane Jones added a single in the first period for Calgary (13-6-4). Hitmen goaltender Chris Driedger finished with 30 saves for the shutout.
http://www.airforce1storesale.com/. -- Hal Steinbrenner says Alex Rodriguez is "a great player" and "obviously an asset," but the New York Yankees managing general partner wouldnt discuss the third basemans possible return to the team following a season-long suspension. . - The Mavericks built a 12-point lead with 2:50 to play, gave away all but two points of it, and still managed to hang on. . Bjoerndalen broke the record he shared with cross-country skiing great Bjoern Daehlie, also matching his fellow Norwegians record of eight gold medals. Bjoerndalen earlier won gold in Sochi in the mens sprint biathlon.PHILADELPHIA -- Right-hander Chad Gaudin has signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and will be invited to spring training. Gaudin was 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 30 games last year for the San Francisco Giants. He made 12 starts and held hitters to a .227 batting average. The Phillies announced the move on Tuesday. The 30-year-old Gaudin began last season with 18 relief appeearances and posted a 2.dddddddddddd05 ERA in those games before moving to the starting rotation in June. His season ended in mid-August when he was placed on the disabled list with carpal tunnel syndrome. Gaudin is 45-44 with a 4.44 ERA in 344 games, including 87 starts, for Tampa, Toronto, Oakland As, Chicago Cubs, San Diego, New York Yankees, Washington, Miami and the Giants. ' ' '
