Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

Reuters

Feb 3 (The Sports Xchange) - Mike Moustakas and the Kansas City Royals avoided arbitration when the third baseman agreed Tuesday to a $2.64 million contract for the upcoming season. Moustakas was eligible for arbitration for the first time and had sought $3.1 million, according to The Kansas City Star. The Royals had countered with $1.85 million. The Royals also avoided arbitration with Lorenzo Cain, reaching agreement with the outfielder on a one-year, $2.725 million contract. - - Former Cy Young winner Barry Zito is throwing for a select group of teams Tuesday as he hopes to make a comeback. The 36-year-old Zito sat out all of 2014. He last pitched in 2013 while with the San Francisco Giants. He compiled a 5.74 ERA in 30 outings. For his career, Zito sports a 4.02 ERA and a record of 165-143. - - The Colorado Rockies signed former Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians closer John Axford to a minor-league contract. The right-hander will get an invitation to spring training with a chance to win a job as a setup man for closer LaTroy Hawkins. In six seasons, Axford is 24-23 with a 3.40 ERA and 116 saves. - - - Cuban phenom Yoan Moncada has drawn the interest of nearly a dozen major league teams, most recently the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers invited the 19-year-old switch-hitter to their complex at Lakeland, Fla., last week. Moncada also visited the Tampa Bay Rays. According to ESPN, scouting reports peg Moncada as a "Robinson Cano-type" hitter who would be the No. 1 pick in the amateur draft if he was available. The New York Yankees are considered the favorites to sign Moncada, with the bidding to be in the millions. - - Topps is honoring retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter with the No. 1 card in its 2015 collection. The card and entire series will be available Wednesday. The image on Jeter's card features his legendary jump after rounding first base with a walk-off hit in his last game at Yankee Stadium. Jeter also will be featured on a set of retro-style cards that honor Sy Berger, acknowledged as the architect of the modern baseball card. Berger died in December at age 91. (Editing by Andrew Both)