This is the January 31, 2013 news archive. View today's AL West news and rumors.

AL West News and Rumors

Roundup: Pirates avoid arbitration with Walker, McDonald

CNNSI.com

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- The Pittsburgh Pirates agreed to terms on 2013 contracts with second baseman Neil Walker and right-handed pitcher James McDonald on Thursday, avoiding arbitration.

Greg Johns, MLB.com

The only way Mariners outfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who has missed more games than he's played over the past two seasons, can silence his doubters is to perform on the field.

T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com

Pitcher Cody Buckel, who this week was named the No. 87 overall prospect in baseball by MLB.com, is among four players from within the Rangers' farm system not on the 40-man roster who have been invited to Major League camp.

CNNSI.com

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Mets have signed right-hander LaTroy Hawkins to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Marty Noble, MLB.com

Earl Williams, the 1971 National League Rookie of the Year who played for the Braves, Orioles, Expos and Athletics, died this week at home in Somerset, N.J. The Newark Star-Ledger reported his death, noting that Williams had been diagnosed with acute le…