BASEBALL
Nationals come to terms with DeRosa
The Washington Nationals announced the signing of utilityman Mark DeRosa to a one-year contract Wednesday morning, adding depth to their bench for the 2012 season.
DeRosa, 36, who has missed much of the previous two seasons with a wrist injury, can play infield and outfield and provide a right-handed bat.
DeRosa has played just 73 games since the end of the 2009 season, hitting .149 with San Francisco in 2010 and .279 this past season with the Giants. He struggled throughout with a left wrist issue that required surgery.
His addition also helps cushion the blow of the Nationals losing first baseman Chris Marrero to a torn hamstring while playing in the Dominican Winter League and allows manager Davey Johnson the leeway to potentially platoon left-hander Adam LaRoche at first base.
Athletics ship Bailey to Red Sox in 5-player swap
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland Athletics traded All-Star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Josh Reddick and prospects Miles Head and Raul Alcantara.
Bailey the 2009 AL Rookie of the Year who made the All-Star team that season and again in 2010 has been the subject of trade talk this offseason. The 27-year-old went 0-4 with a 3.24 ERA and 24 saves in 41 2/3 innings this year. He spent time on the disabled list for the second straight season, pitching for the first time in 2011 on May 29 after being sidelined with a strained right forearm.
HOCKEY
Crosby still plagued by concussion-like symptoms
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby is participating in light exercise but remains sidelined indefinitely with concussion-like symptoms. Crosby hasn’t played since Dec. 5 and hasn’t practiced in three weeks after beingg jostled in a 3-1 loss to the Boston Bruins.
Crosby was sidelined for nearly 11 months after sustaining head shots in consecutive games in January. He returned on Nov. 21 and collected 12 points in eight games before being re-injured.
Coach Dan Bylsma said defenseman Kris Letang, out since Nov. 26 with a concussion, is feeling better but his return date is unknown.
• Joel Armia had two goals and an assist to lead Finland to a 4-1 win over the United States in a Pool B preliminary-round game Wednesday at the world junior hockey championship in Edmonton, Alberta. Finland and the U.S. are 1-1 in Pool B with Canada (1-0)
From wire dispatches and staff reports
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