Major League Baseball has the perfect gift to bust a budget in a recession.

Reliever John Grabow signed a two-year US$7.5 million deal with the Chicago Cubs on Friday, adding an experienced arm to a young bullpen.

New York Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming said yesterday he prefers to stay in the Yankees next season unless he is forced to make another choice.

San Francisco ace Tim Lincecum won his second straight Cy Young Award as the National League's outstanding pitcher Thursday, the first repeat winner since Randy Johnson.

Major League Baseball still faces an uncertain U.S. economy that led to lower attendance and financial losses at some clubs this year, the commissioner of the U.S. sports league said on Thursday.

Mike Scioscia, who guided the Los Angeles Angels through a difficult season after the death in a road accident of pitcher Nick Adenhart, was named American League Manager of the Year Wednesday.

The La New Bears baseball team expelled two of its players yesterday for their alleged involvement in a game-fixing scam. The management said it will also seek compensation from the duo in a civil lawsuit.

Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey was named American League Rookie of the Year while Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the National League award announced on Monday.

Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima, who quit the Seattle Mariners hoping to play full-time, signed a four-year contract Friday with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League.

Former All-Star closer John Wetteland was resting at home Thursday night after a trip to a hospital, where the Seattle Mariners say he was treated for an elevated heart rate.