Indians’ Antonetti named top MLB exec

Indians’ Antonetti named top MLB exec

CLEVELAND

Chris Antonetti, the architect of the Indians’ 2016 season, has been named Executive of the Year by Baseball America.

The Indians won their first AL Central title since 2007 with a 94-67 record during the regular season. They followed that by winning their first AL pennant since 1997 by beating Boston in the ALDS and Toronto in the ALCS.

They did so with an injured started rotation, but it didn’t stop them from reaching Game 7 of the World Series against the Cubs before losing in 10 innings, 8-7. The Indians have not won a World Series since 1948.

The Indians’ effort in 2016 has been recognized nationally. Manager Terry Francona was named AL Manager of the Year for the second time in four years. Center fielder Tyler Naquin finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting, while workhorse Corey Kluber finished third in the AL Cy Young voting.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor won a Gold Glove and a Platinum Glove for his defensive play.

Antonetti, 41, just finished his 18th season with the Indians. This is his sixth season running the team’s baseball operations -- one as president and five as general manager. The Indians have had winning seasons their last four years.

Cespedes, Mets finalize $110M, 4-year contract

NEW YORK

Yoenis Cespedes and the New York Mets have finalized a $110 million, four-year contract.

A two-time All-Star, Cespedes gets $22.5 million in 2017, $29 million in each of the following two seasons and $29.5 million in 2020.

The 31-year-old outfielder receives a full no-trade provision as part of the agreement, the largest for a free agent thus far this offseason. The deal’s $27.5 million average annual value ties former Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez for the second-highest among position players, trailing only Miguel Cabrera’s $29.2 million with Detroit.

In addition, the Mets traded pitcher Logan Verrett to the Baltimore Orioles for cash.

Outfielder Joyce agrees to $11M, 2-year deal

OAKLAND, Calif.

The Oakland Athletics have found their potential new right fielder, agreeing to terms with Matt Joyce on an $11 million, two-year contract Wednesday.

The 32-year-old has played 140 games in each of three of the last four seasons, batting .242 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIS this year for Pittsburgh. A regular pinch hitter, he started 30 games in right field.

He will earn $5 million in 2017 and $6 million the following season. Oakland dealt right fielder Josh Reddick to the Dodgers at the trade deadline and then sent Coco Crisp back to his former Cleveland club.

Carter leads PGA Tour Champions’ Q--School

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.

Jim Carter birdied the final three holes for a 6-under 66 and the second-round lead Wednesday in the PGA Tour Champions’ qualifying tournament.

The 55-year-old Carter had an 8-under 136 total on Disney’s Magnolia Course. He’s playing Q-School for the fourth year in a row after finishing 47th on the money list.

First-round leader Scott Parel (72), Skip Kendall (70) and Jose Coceres (71) were tied for second. The top five finishers will be fully exempt and Nos. 6-30 and ties will be get associate membership and will have access to event qualifying while bypassing pre-qualifying.

Two in front at LPGA Tour Q-school

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.

University of South Carolina senior Katelyn Dambaugh and Thailand’s Pannarat Thanapolboonyaras each shot 5-under 67 on Wednesday to share the first-round lead in the LPGA Qualifying Tournament. The top 20 in the 90-hole event will earn full cards and the next 25 and ties will get conditional status. Dambaugh holed out for eagle on the par-4 seventh and had five birdies and two bogeys on LPGA International’s Jones Course.

Wire reports