Baseball-Major League Baseball roundup

Jan 30 (The Sports Xchange) - After 14 seasons in the major leagues, All-Star infielder Michael Young is retiring, Fox Sports reported. The 37-year-old Young wants to spend more time with his family despite receiving three "good" offers from teams during the offseason, the report said. Young finished his long career with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers last season, combining for eight home runs, 46 RBIs and a .279 batting average in 147 games with the two teams. A seven-time All-Star, Young spent his first 13 years in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers. His career totals include a .300 batting average, 185 home runs and 2,375 hits. Young's 2,230 hits with the Rangers are the most in franchise history. He led the major leagues in hits in 2005 and 2001 and had the American League's top batting average in 2005 at .331. - - - Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz has backed off his desire for a new multiyear contract and now wants a one-year extension, according to WEEI.com. Ortiz, 38, recently suggested he was prepared to play elsewhere once his current deal expires at the end of the upcoming season. He had 30 home runs, drove in 103 runs and went over the 2,000-hit mark last year. "We're good. We're good," Ortiz told WEEI.com. "We talked, they're talking and I just asked for one year. I didn't ask for anything crazy. It wasn't like I asked for a five-year deal. It's a one-year extension I asked for." - - - Legendary Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker said Thursday that he will cut back his travel schedule for first time during 2014 season. Uecker, who just turned 79, told Newsradio WTMJ 620 and MLB.com that he will still do all home games. He will be entering his 44th season calling games for his hometown team. "This is my 59th year (in professional baseball) coming up, so that's enough on an everyday basis," he said. - - - The St. Louis Cardinals and infielder Daniel Descalso agreed to a 2014 contract for $1.29 million, avoiding arbitration. Descalso was the final arbitration-eligible player for the Cardinals, who earlier had reached agreements on one-year contracts with outfielders Jon Jay ($3.25 million) and recently acquired Peter Bourjos ($1.2 million). The left-handed hitter has a career batting average of .243. - - - The Kansas City Royals re-signed left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen, FOXSports.com reported Thursday. The contract is for $4.25 million, according to CBSSports.com. Chen has spent the last five seasons with the Royals, going 45-39 with a 4.32 ERA. He has won 10-plus games in three of the last four seasons. Chen, 37, is coming off a solid 2013 season after shifting to a relief role. He was 9-4 over 121 innings with a 3.27 ERA, making 15 starts and 19 relief appearances. - - - The Baltimore Orioles added two international teenage players to the organization on Thursday, purchasing the contract of first baseman Carlos Diaz from the Mexico City Red Devils and free agent third baseman Jomar Reyes. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Diaz is a 17-year-old right-handed hitter from Mexico and the 6-4, 225-pound Reyes, 16, is from the Dominican Republic. The Orioles said both players will start in the Gulf Coast League. (Editing by Gene Cherry)