Pettitte deal finalized
After three seasons with his hometown Houston Astros, Andy Pettitte is returning to the Big Apple.
Pettitte turned down a $12 million offer to stay with the Astros to accept a $16 million, one-year contract with the New York Yankees, a deal finalized Thursday.
The 34-year-old left-hander pitched for the Yankees from 1995-03 and went 13-8 for them in postseason play. He was 14-13 with a 4.20 ERA last season.
Barajas joins Phillies
Rod Barajas gave up half his guaranteed money and a better shot a starting job in Toronto for a chance to play for a postseason contender in Philadelphia.
Barajas finalized a $2.5 million, one-year contract with the Phillies after backing out of a deal with Toronto and switching agents.
•Also, the Phillies traded outfielder-first baseman Jeff Conine to the Cincinnati Reds for minor league infielder Brad Key and outfielder Javon Moran.
Brewers pursue Suppan
National League championship series Most Valuable Player Jeff Suppan has been offered a four-year contract by the Milwaukee Brewers.
Brewers officials met with Suppan and his agent, Scott Leventhal, Tuesday in the Los Angeles area and made a formal offer Wednesday.
Indians move spring site
The Cleveland Indians are moving back to Arizona for spring training.
The Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority approved a funding plan with city officials Tuesday outlining the details of financing for a spring training facility for the Indians in the west Phoenix suburb of Goodyear.
Their current spring home is in Winter Haven, Fla.
Clearing the bases
Sammy Sosa began training at Santo Domingo, Domincan Republic, in hopes of returning to the major leagues. … Former big league manager Tony Muser was hired as skipper of San Diego’s rookie-level team in Peoria, Ariz. … Cecil Travis, a shortstop for the Washington Senators whose career was interrupted by service in World War II, died Saturday at his home in Riverdale, Ga., just south of Atlanta. … First baseman Erubiel Durazo and left-hander Derek Thompson agreed to minor league contracts with the Oakland Athletics and will be invited to spring training. … Johnny Narron is returning as manager of the Helena Brewers next year.