LOS ANGELES (AP) ― The Los Angeles Dodgers bolstered their bullpen on Tuesday, announcing deals with J.P. Howell, Chris Perez and Jamey Wright. They also brought back third baseman Juan Uribe.Howell returns to Los Angeles for a two-year contract that includes a third-year vesting option. He held opponents to a .193 batting average last season and had a 2.03 ERA, both career bests.Howell, who went 4-1 in 67 appearances in his first year with the team, was especially tough on left-handed hitters,

BaseballDec. 25, 2013

Moscow (AFP) ― Russia on Tuesday dismissed the impact of a decision by U.S. and some European leaders to skip the opening of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi over Moscow’s record on human rights.U.S. President Barack Obama last week named two openly gay sports stars but no acting official to his Games delegation, in a message of opposition to a ban on “homosexual propaganda” that Russia imposed this year.French President Francois Hollande and British Prime Minister David Cameron are among

Olympic GamesDec. 25, 2013

TOKYO (AP) ― Pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is set to move to the majors next season after his Japanese team Rakuten Eagles announced Wednesday it was prepared to let him leave, reversing its earlier rejection. Rakuten Eagles president Yozo Tachibana told a news conference that the team has decided to release him through the posting system, paving the way for his departure. Tachibana said Tanaka’s outstanding performance over the past seven years, including this season, meant he deserved to be allowed

BaseballDec. 25, 2013

LONDON (AP) ― Arsene Wenger failed for the 10th time to get the better of Jose Mourinho as Arsenal was held to a 0-0 draw by Chelsea on Monday, missing a chance to return to the top of the Premier League.The London derby, played with rain swirling around the Emirates Stadium, failed to produce the drama expected, with few attempts on goal.“They defended well, were well organized, and we didn’t find our zippy movements to play between the lines as we can,” said Wenger, whose side lost 6-3 at Manc

SoccerDec. 24, 2013

ORLANDO, Florida (AP) ― The New York Knicks have been looking for any kind of continuity they can find as injuries and losses have continued to pile up this season.The injury bug isn’t done biting them just yet, but they remained healthy just long enough Monday night to get a much-needed victory.Carmelo Anthony had 19 points before leaving the game with a sprained left ankle in the third quarter, but the Knicks were able to stave off a fierce charge and hang on for 103-98 victory over the Orland

More SportsDec. 24, 2013

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ― In one emphatic finish, NaVorro Bowman, Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers sealed their postseason berth in a celebratory regular-season finale at Candlestick Park.Bowman returned an interception 89 yards for a touchdown with 1:10 remaining, and the 49ers clinched a playoff berth with a wild 34-24 victory against the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night that likely was the final game at San Francisco’s longtime home.Tramaine Brock broke up a pass intended for Harry Doug

More SportsDec. 24, 2013

HOUSTON (AP) ― Peyton Manning had to prepare for a 2-point conversion and couldn’t celebrate when he set the NFL record for touchdown passes in a season in 2004.On Sunday, when Denver’s quarterback regained the record against the Houston Texans, he was able to soak in the historic moment.“It was very special,” he said. “Very rarely during an NFL game do you get to have a moment like that.”Manning regained his record with 51 when he threw for 400 yards and four touchdowns, including three in the

SoccerDec. 23, 2013

Choo Shin-soo of South Korea has agreed to the biggest-ever contract for an Asian player in the U.S. professional baseball free agent market.A report on the Major League Baseball website said Sunday that outfielder Choo agreed to a seven-year, $130 million contract with the Texas Rangers.The deal will be finalized if Choo passes a physical test, which is expected to be done by Christmas. Any formal introduction in Texas would likely wait until after the holiday.Once signed, it will be the highes

BaseballDec. 22, 2013

  The Seventh Edition of The Royal Trophy ended like last year’s Asia versus Europe golf championship in Brunei -- with a nail-biter Singles match on the final day -- at Dragon Lake Golf Club on Sunday.But in one huge respect the conclusion of this year’s event could not have been more different: Europe prevailed over Asia and recaptured the Royal Trophy. This year was different in one more crucial way. European Team Captain Jose Maria Olazabal finally won as captain, ending his two-time losing

GolfDec. 22, 2013

LONDON (AP) ― With 10 goals in December alone, Luis Suarez has propelled Liverpool up the English Premier League and enhanced the team’s title credentials with each game.The Uruguayan striker had two goals Saturday in a 3-1 victory over Cardiff, and also set up Raheem Sterling’s goal.Liverpool moved to the top of the standings, for now, having finished seventh last season.Manchester City was a point behind after winning 4-2 at Fulham, with substitutes Jesus Navas and James Milner scoring key goa

SoccerDec. 22, 2013

MARRAKECH, Morocco (AP) ― Bayern Munich capped the greatest year in club history by beating Raja Casablanca 2-0 Saturday for its first Club World Cup.The European champion added a record fifth title to its trophy cabinet at the tournament of continental champions to go with the Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup, and European Super Cup triumphs.“I think we knew how to approach each game and that was key,” said coach Pep Guardiola, who won the event for the third time, including twice befor

SoccerDec. 22, 2013