New York Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming said yesterday he prefers to stay in the Yankees next season unless he is forced to make another choice.

Mike Scioscia, who guided the Los Angeles Angels through a difficult season after the death in a road accident of pitcher Nick Adenhart, was named American League Manager of the Year Wednesday.

The La New Bears baseball team expelled two of its players yesterday for their alleged involvement in a game-fixing scam. The management said it will also seek compensation from the duo in a civil lawsuit.

Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey was named American League Rookie of the Year while Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the National League award announced on Monday.

Japanese catcher Kenji Johjima, who quit the Seattle Mariners hoping to play full-time, signed a four-year contract Friday with the Hanshin Tigers of Japan's Central League.

Former All-Star closer John Wetteland was resting at home Thursday night after a trip to a hospital, where the Seattle Mariners say he was treated for an elevated heart rate.

Shortstop Jimmy Rollins won his third consecutive National League Gold Glove and Philadelphia Phillies teammate Shane Victorino won for the second straight time in the outfield on Wednesday.

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki and Los Angeles Angels center fielder Torii Hunter received Gold Gloves for the ninth straight year in the American League on Tuesday.

Taiwan-born Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Kuo Hong-chih returned home Wednesday and urged local fans to support Taiwan's beleaguered professional baseball league as it fights continued allegations of game-fixing.

Hideki Matsui, voted most valuable player in the World Series, became a free agent Monday along with New York Yankees teammates Johnny Damon, Eric Hinske, Jose Molina and Xavier Nady.