Astros' Bagwell calls it a career at age 38

HOUSTON -- Jeff Bagwell retired Friday after 15 years with the Houston Astros, ending a career in which he hit 449 home runs but was forced from the field after the 2005 season because of a shoulder injury.

Along with Craig Biggio, Bagwell led the Astros to four division titles and the team's first NL pennant in 2005. The 38-year-old Bagwell retires as Houston's leader in homers, RBIs (1,529), walks (1,401) and extra-base hits (969). He finished with a .297 career average.

The four-time All Star and winner of the 1994 NL MVP award will remain with the Astros as part of a personal-services agreement struck with the team this week. Bagwell is expected to work with Astros hitters, assist in the front office and make appearances for the team.

"I had a tough time in those last four or five years in my shoulder. It took a lot out of me both on the field and off the field," he said. "This is a day that I knew was coming. I'm OK with it. I feel blessed to have known all of you."

Astros owner Drayton McLane praised Bagwell's contributions to the team on and off the field.

"Jeff has been the heartbeat of the Houston Astros," McLane said.

A native of Boston, Bagwell was traded by the Red Sox to Houston in August 1990 for pitcher Larry Andersen. Astros manager Art Howe switched Bagwell from third base to first base to accommodate Ken Caminiti, who became one of Bagwell's closest friends.

Bagwell was voted NL Rookie of the Year in 1991 after hitting .294 with 15 homers and 82 RBIs. He went on to win three Silver Slugger awards and one Gold Glove. In his MVP year, he hit .368 with 39 homers and 116 RBIs, playing 110 games in the strike-shortened season.

Wells, Toronto near deal

TORONTO --All-Star center fielder Vernon Wells and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed Friday night to a $126 million, seven-year contract extension through 2014, the sixth-largest deal in baseball history.

Wells is due $5.6 million next season in the final year of his old contract. The extension calls for a $25.5 million signing bonus, payable in three $8.5 million installments each March 1 in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He will receive a salary of just $500,000 in 2008 and $1.5 million in 2009, but his salary jumps to $12.5 million in 2010 and $23 million in 2011. Wells receives $21 million in each of the final three seasons.

Under the extension, Wells has the right to terminate his agreement after the 2011 season and become eligible for free agency.

Wells hit .303 with 32 homers and 106 RBIs last season and is due $5.6 million next season. He would have been eligible for free agency after next season.

Red Sox acquire Donnelly

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Angels traded former All-Star reliever Brendan Donnelly to the Boston Red Sox on Friday for rookie left-hander Phil Seibel.

Donnelly was 6-0 with a 3.94 ERA in 62 games last season. He had a 5-0 record and a 3.52 ERA in 29 games after the All-Star break, and held the opposition scoreless in 19 of his last 21 appearances. Seibel went 6-3 with a 1.24 ERA for three Boston farm clubs last season.

-- The Associated Press