American League championship series MVP Nelson Cruz has agreed to a two-year, $16 million US contract with the Texas Rangers.

Former American League MVP Justin Morneau is on the mend with the Minnesota Twins and says he hopes to play in the team's first exhibition game Saturday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have sent defenceman Keith Aulie back to the American Hockey League. The club called Aulie up last week after putting Carl Gunnarsson on injured reserve.

Four years after he was traded to Toronto, Jose Bautista will try for his third consecutive home run title this season. His rise to stardom is exactly the type of unexpected boost the Blue Jays need if they're going to compete in the American League East.

A person familiar with the planning tells The Associated Press that Ivan Rodriguez plans to announce his retirement Monday. A 14-time All-Star and the 1999 American League MVP, Rodriguez plans to make the announcement in Arlington, Texas.