Narduzzi withdraws from UConn search

December 12, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

EAST LANSING, Mich.

Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi says he has withdrawn from consideration for Connecticut’s head coaching job.

Narduzzi, an Ursuline High graduate, said in a statement Wednesday night that he was honored to be considered by UConn but is devoting his full attention to the fourth-ranked Spartans as they prepare for the Rose Bowl. Later Wednesday it was reported that Notre Dame defensive coordinator Bob Diaco took the Connecticut job.

Led by Narduzzi’s defense, Michigan State won the Big Ten title and will make its first Rose Bowl appearance since 1988. Report: FAU won’t retain Brian Wright

BOCA RATON, FLA.

Former YSU offensive coordinator Brian Wright will not be retained as the head coach at Florida Atlantic, according to a report from FootballScoop.com.

Wright served as interim head coach for the final four games (all wins) at FAU, replacing Youngstown native Carl Pelini after Pelini and defensive coordinator Pete Rekstis were fired.

Wright worked under former YSU coach Jon Heacock for nine seasons, serving as quarterbacks coach from 2001-04 and offensive coordinator from 2005-09. He was a graduate assistant under Jim Tressel in 1997.

Francona: Masterson not being traded

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona has put to rest trade rumors involving right-hander Justin Masterson. “I called him yesterday and told him whether he liked it or not, he’s not getting rid of us,” Francona said Wednesday at baseball’s winter meetings.

“Knowing you, I doubt if you’re reading it. And he said, ‘But my mom might.’ I said, ‘Tell her you’re not going anywhere.’ I thought it was getting a little out of hand, so I did call him.”

Also, catcher Carlos Santana could add third base as another option to keep his bat in the lineup. “Santana is down at winter ball just kind of trying,” Francona said of his playing third. “I don’t know where that’s going to go.”

Pirates, RHP Volquez agree to 1-year deal

PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Pirates have reached a deal with right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez on a one-year contract for $5 million. Volquez, 30, went 9-12 with a 5.71 ERA in 2013 while splitting time with the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Volquez is the latest reclamation project signed by the Pirates. Volquez was an All-Star in 2008 when he went 17-6 for the Cincinnati. He has spent the last five years dealing with injury and other issues. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2009 and served a 50-game suspension in 2010 for using performance-enhancing drugs.

Volquez gives the Pirates some rotation depth if the team cannot sign free agent A.J. Burnett, who is mulling retirement. Earlier Wednesday the Pirates and right-handed pitcher Charlie Morton agreed to a three-year deal.

M’s and Mets spend as meetings continue

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

Seattle is spending, adding two-time All-Star Corey Hart and Logan Morrison to go along with Robinson Cano, and the New York Mets also are flashing big bucks, striking a deal with pitcher Bartolo Colon after signing Curtis Granderson. As the baseball winter meetings continue the Mariners added a pair of first baseman-outfielders with pop, reaching agreement on a one-year deal with Hart and acquiring Morrison in a trade with the Miami Marlins.

After giving outfielder Curtis Granderson a $60 million, four-year contract, the Mets reached agreement on a $20 million, two-year deal with Colon, 40.

Reporting prep results

The Vindicator encourages coaches and statisticians to report prep results by email (sports@vindy.com) or fax (330-747-6712). Phone calls (330-747-1478) are also acceptable but emails and faxes are strongly preferred. Deadline is 10:30 p.m.

Staff reports/Associated Press