Angels, Hamilton deal
Josh Hamilton is heading to the Los Angeles Angels, lured with a $125 million, five-year contract that steps up the migration of high-profile stars to Southern California.
The Angels persuaded the free-agent outfielder to leave the Texas Rangers with their third big-money offseason signing in as many years.
Hamilton heads to Anaheim after first baseman Albert Pujols came west for $240 million last December along with pitcher C.J. Wilson — Hamilton’s Texas teammate — for $77.5 million.
Hamilton’s $25 million average salary matches Philadelphia first baseman Ryan Howard for the second-highest in baseball, trailing only Alex Rodriguez’s $27.5 million average with the New York Yankees.
Dempster agrees to terms
The Boston Red Sox agreed to terms with right-hander Ryan Dempster on a two-year contract worth $26.5 million, two people familiar with the negotiations said Thursday.
Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington would not comment on Dempster at a news conference to announce the signing of outfielder Shane Victorino.
But a few hours later, the sides completed the framework of a deal, the two people familiar with the talks said. The agreement is pending a physical.
Bonds’ appeal scheduled
A federal appeals court will hear Barry Bonds’ appeal of his obstruction of justice conviction early next year.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals scheduled oral arguments for Feb. 13 before a three-judge panel in San Francisco.
The career home run leader was convicted in April 2011 of one felony obstruction count for giving an evasive, rambling reply during a 2003 grand jury appearance when asked whether he received drugs that required a syringe.
Twins, Correia contract
The Minnesota Twins filled another hole in a staff that was full of them last season, when their starters posted the second-worst ERA in the majors and 12 pitchers took at least five turns in the rotation.
After finalizing a $10 million, two-year contract with Kevin Correia, General Manager Terry Ryan acknowledged there’s no guarantee the right-hander will strengthen the group.
Ryan said he’s still looking for candidates after casting a wide net at last week’s winter meetings.
