Wichtiges » The best thing is to stay out of these

Houston, TX - The Houston Astros avoided arbitration with infielder Marwin Gonzalez Friday by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract. Gonzalez, 25, was coming off a career season after setting personal highs with 103 games, 285 at-bats, a .277 batting average and six home runs. The switch-hitter has batted .248 with 49 RBI and 172 hits, including 12 home runs, in three seasons with the Astros. Houston has now agreed to terms on contracts with all of its arbitration- eligible players. Pat Valaika Jersey . -- Brendan Leipsic had two goals and an assist and Nicolas Petan extended his point streak to 11 games as the Portland Winterhawks slipped past the Red Deer Rebels 5-4 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action. Nolan Arenado Jersey . But history aside, theyre still happy to participate in the Par 3 contest, traditionally held on the day prior to the first round of the Masters. http://www.rockiesgearproshop.com/Customized/. In the last race before the Sochi Olympics, Bjoergen followed up her win in the 10-kilometre classical race on Saturday by beating World Cup sprint leader Denise Herrmann of Germany by 0.43 seconds for her fifth victory of the season. Chad Bettis Jersey . The 57-year-old Tietjens has coached New Zealand to nine IRB World Sevens titles and to four Commonwealth Games gold medals as its only coach in the professional era. New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said the re-signing was made with a focus on 2016 when sevens will be in the Olympics. Colorado Rockies Jerseys . -- Hal Steinbrenner says Alex Rodriguez is "a great player" and "obviously an asset," but the New York Yankees managing general partner wouldnt discuss the third basemans possible return to the team following a season-long suspension.KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After a spotless stretch for 18 days earlier this month, the Oakland Athletics bullpen is struggling a bit. Starter Jeff Samardzija left with a one-run lead in the seventh inning, but Ryan Cook failed to hold it in a 7-3 loss to the Kansas City Royals on Thursday. Cook allowed two inherited runners to score and three of his own without retiring a batter. Cooks streak of 21 consecutive scoreless innings came to an abrupt halt. "I have all the faith in the world in those guys," Samardzija said. "The best thing is to stay out of these situations altogether and go out and get them 1-2-3." The As relievers set a club record with a 29 2-3 scoreless innings streak from July 23-Aug. 9. But in the past six games, the bullpen has allowed 10 runs in 12 1-3 innings. "Our bullpen is the best in baseball I really believe that," said Stephen Vogt, who had three hits and scored a run. "They have given us so many great innings. To have one hiccup, Im not worrying about it. We have all the confidence in our bullpen." Nori Aoki and Billy Butler each drove in two runs in a five-run seventh as the Royals have won 18 of 22 to move 12 games above .500 for the first time since July 20, 2003. The Royals took the season series, winning five of seven against the Athletics, who have the best record in the majors. The As could face the Royals, who lead the AL Central, in the playoffs. "I dont think there is a playoff team that anybody wants to face," Vogt said. "There are about eight teams that nobody wants to face in October and some of them are new teams. These guys (Royals) are one of them." Aokis two-run triple put the Royals ahead 5-3. Butlers single scored Aoki and Alcides Escobar. Jarrod Dyson fouled off four consecutive pitches before hittiing an RBI single to right for the first run of the inning.dddddddddddd Samardzija (3-2) took the loss, giving up four runs, three earned, and eight hits in 6 2-3 innings. Aaron Crow (6-1), the third of six Kansas City pitchers, picked up the victory, retiring the only batter he faced. Starter James Shields gave up three runs and seven hits in six innings and has a 1.94 ERA in his past eight starts. Greg Holland earned the final two outs for his 36th save in 38 opportunities. The As scored two runs in the sixth when Dyson lost Josh Reddicks high fly in the sun for a triple, which scored Vogt. Alberto Callaspo drove in two Oakland runs with a single and a sacrifice fly. ON DECK Athletics: RHP Jason Hammel will start the opener of a weekend series at Atlanta. The As last played at Atlanta in 2008, losing two of three. Royals: LHP Danny Duffy will start Friday at Minnesota, where the Royals have lost four of six this season. The Royals play their next nine on the road, all against clubs in last place in their division — Minnesota, Colorado and Texas. TRAINERS ROOM Athletics: SS Jed Lowrie was placed on the disabled list after the game with a broken right index finger. Lowrie, who injured it Aug. 4, returned to San Francisco to have his finger checked. Royals: 1B Eric Hosmers MRI of his broken finger showed progress, but he will not be allowed to swing a bat for at least another week. ROOKIE SENSATION Royals IF Christian Colon had his second three-hit game, including a double, stole his first base in the majors and scored a run. He is hitting .444 in five career starts. PARRINO RECALLED The As recalled IF Andy Parrino from Triple-A Sacramento, where he was hitting .286 with 28 extra-base hits and 52 RBIs in 90 games. He will take Lowries roster spot. ' ' '