Former 51s manager Backman to guide Atlantic League team

Former Las Vegas 51s manager Wally Backman is back in minor league baseball.

The New Britain Bees of the independent Atlantic League announced Thursday that Backman, who managed the 51s from 2013 to 2016, will be the second manager in team history. The Bees are located in New Britain, Connecticut.

Backman, 58, resigned from the 51s on Sept. 12, 2016, after leading the Pacific Coast League team to two first-place finishes in four seasons.

Backman then became the manager of the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican league but was fired 42 games into the 2017 season. He then served as bench coach of the Pericos de Puebla in the Mexican league.

■ Free agents: Kansas City first baseman Eric Hosmer, third baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Lorenzo Cain, Chicago Cubs pitchers Jake Arrieta and Wade Davis, Tampa Bay pitcher Alex Cobb, Colorado closer Greg Holland, St. Louis pitcher Lance Lynn and Cleveland first baseman Carlos Santana turned down $17.4 million qualifying offers from their teams. If they sign with new teams, their former clubs would get an extra draft pick as compensation.

■ Mariners: Seattle acquired an additional $500,000 for its international signing bonus pool from Chicago by trading right-hander Thyago Vieira to the White Sox. Vieira, 24, who has thrown 103 mph, had a 3.72 ERA in 29 games this year for Double-a Arkansas.