Orioles offer Hardy guaranteed 3 years, $40 million

J.J. Hardy can earn $54.8 million over four years in his new contract with the Baltimore Orioles.

The shortstop, who could have become a free agent, is guaranteed $40 million over three seasons in Thursday’s deal: $11.5 million next year, $12.5 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2017.

Three more years for Cashman

The Yankees have re-signed Brian Cashman to a three-year contract following one of their most disappointing seasons since he became general manager.

The Yankees have missed the postseason the last two seasons, the first time they’ve done that since 1992-93.

Brewers fire hitting, infield coaches

The Milwaukee Brewers have fired hitting coach Johnny Narron and first base-infield coach Garth Iorg after the team’s late-season collapse.

Narron was hitting coach for three seasons. Iorg served four seasons as first base coach.

Morse to join to Giants roster

The San Francisco Giants is adding Michael Morse to the roster for the N.L. Championship Series, while the St. Louis Cardinals strengthened their bench by including catcher A.J. Pierzynski.

Giants manager Bruce Bochy said that Morse looked good playing in the instructional league.

Norris vs. Ventura in Game 2

After the Orioles lost 8-6 in 10 innings, Showalter announced his choice: Bud Norris (15-8) would be his starter, even though earlier in the day he did not disclose his decision.

Royals manager Ned Yost, on the other hand, said all along that right-hander Yordano Ventura (14-10) would start in Game 2. Ventura would be the first rookie in Royals history to start twice in the postseason.