Giants make Nakken first female major league coach
SAN FRANCISCO >> Alyssa Nakken became the first female coach on a major league staff in baseball history Thursday when she was named an assistant under new Giants manager Gabe Kapler.
Major League Baseball confirmed Nakken is the first woman coach in the majors. Nakken is a former softball standout at first base for Sacramento State who joined the club in 2014 as an intern in baseball operations. She and Mark Hallberg, who was also named as an assistant Thursday, will work to promote high performance along with a close-knit team atmosphere.
Kapler said during the winter meetings that he would hire some coaches for nontraditional roles.
The team said Nakken has been responsible for “developing, producing and directing a number of the organization’s health and wellness initiatives and events.”
San Francisco also signed left-hander Drew Smyly to a one-year contract. Smyly went a combined 4-7 with a 6.24 ERA over 25 appearances with 21 starts and 114 innings between Texas and the Phillies last season.
Springer, Astros settle on contract
HOUSTON >> George Springer, the World Series MVP of the tainted 2017 Houston Astros, and the team settled on a $21 million, oneyear contract Thursday.
Springer had asked for $22.5 million in salary arbitration last week and the Astros offered $17.5 million. He made $12.15 million last year.
The 30-year-old outfielder set career highs last season, hitting 39 home runs with 96 RBIs while batting .292. He was an All-Star for the third straight season.
Red Sox: Cora departure won’t force a Mookie Betts trade
BOSTON >> The Boston Red Sox say the turmoil in the manager’s office isn’t a reason to give up on this season and trade outfielder Mookie Betts.
“The goal remains to be competitive always,” Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said this week after Alex Cora was ousted.
The 2018 AL MVP, Betts has been the subject of trade rumors this winter because he is in the last year of team control before he is eligible to become a free agent.