Posey, Feliz named Rookies of Year

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey and Texas Rangers closer Neftali Feliz wound up together on the winning side Monday when they were voted the Rookies of the Year.

Earlier this month, Posey singled off Feliz as the Giants beat Texas in the clinching Game 5 of the World Series.

"It's hard to believe it's been two weeks," Posey said. Posey hit several key home runs and helped the Giants win the crown for the first time since 1954. He easily outdistanced Atlanta outfielder Jason Heyward for the National League award. Feliz, the rocket-armed righthander who set a rookie record with 40 saves as Texas reached its first World Series, finished far ahead of Detroit centerfielder Austin Jackson for the AL honor.

Hurdle happy with Pirates' job

Clint Hurdle, hired as the Pirates' sixth manager since their last winning season in 1992, insists he's not intimidated by taking over a team that lost 105 games last season and has averaged 97 losses over the last six seasons.

"This wasn't about taking a job because it was a sure thing," Hurdle, 53, said. "This was about taking an opportunity that felt sure and fit right."

Sandberg to manage Triple-A

The Philadelphia Phillies have hired Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg to manage their Triple-A affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Sandberg spent the last four seasons as a manager in the Chicago Cubs' minor league system. He was 284-277-1 with two first-place finishes.

Brewers' Roenicke fills staff

The Milwaukee Brewers have filled out their staff under new manager Ron Roenicke with three new coaches and three returning from last year's group.

Former Reds manager Jerry Narron takes over as bench coach in place of Willie Randolph, former Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz replaces Rick Peterson in the same role and longtime Brewers minor league coach Garth Iorg is now the first base and infield coach.

Phillies re-sign Contreras

The Philadelphia Phillies have re-signed righthander Jose Contreras to a $5.5 million, two-year contract with a club option for 2013. The 38-year-old Contreras was a key member in the bullpen for the four-time NL East champion Phillies in his first season as a full-time reliever. He was 6-4 with four saves and a 3.34 ERA in 67 games in his first season with the Phillies.

Blum first free agent to switch

Infielder Geoff Blum became the first of the 166 free agents to switch teams, agreeing to a $2.7 million, two-year contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks. New general manager Kevin Towers said the move is "the first step" in improving the team's bench. The 37-year-old had two home runs and 22 RBIs in 93 games for the Houston Astros last season.

- AP