CLEVELAND (AP) — The Indians' pitch to bring Nick Swisher "home" worked.
Two people familiar with the negotiations said Swisher has agreed to a $56 million, four-year contract with the Indians, who used the free agent outfielder's deep Ohio connections to persuade him to join the club. The people spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because Swisher must take a physical before the deal can be finalized. The Indians are expected to announce Swisher's signing after Christmas, one of the people said.
The 32-year-old spent the last four seasons with the New York Yankees, taking advantage of the short right-field porch at Yankee Stadium. A switch-hitter, Swisher hit .272 this season with 24 homers and 93 RBIs.
Swisher will fill an outfield hole for the Indians, who traded Shin-Soo Choo to Cincinnati.
NFL
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Andrew Luck has the rookie passing record.
The Colts' rookie quarterback finished with 205 yards passing in Indianapolis' win over Kansas City to break Cam Newton's year-old rookie record of 4,051 yards in a season.
The fabulous freshman also extended his own rookie record for fourth-quarter comebacks to seven by leading his team downfield in the closing minutes.
HOUSTON (AP) — Minnesota's Blair Walsh kicked a 56-yard field goal against the Houston Texans to set an NFL record with nine field goals of 50 yards or longer this season.
The record was held by two players who had eight in a season. Jason Hanson of Detroit did it in 2008 and Morten Andersen had eight in 1995 with Atlanta.
rookie kicker is 9 for 9 on field goals of 50 yards or longer this season.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Washington Redskins kicker Kai Forbath set the NFL record for consecutive field goals to begin a career with 17 straight.
Forbath kicked field goals of 45 and 42 yards in the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles. Garrett Hartley had kicked 16 straight for New Orleans.
NEW YORK (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys-Washington Redskins game that will decide the NFC East is moving to prime time.
The NFL says that Dallas' matchup with rival Washington on Dec. 30 would be on NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
Starting in Week 11, the league's flexible scheduling policy allows it to move a more appealing game to Sunday night. This is the second time this season a switch has been made.
CYCLING
LONDON (AP) — A British newspaper is suing Lance Armstrong for more than $1.5 million over the cyclist's successful libel action regarding doping allegations.
The Sunday Times paid Armstrong 300,000 pounds (now about $485,000) to settle a case after it printed allegations in 2004 that he took performance-enhancing drugs.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency concluded this year that Armstrong led a massive doping program on his teams. Armstrong was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from cycling for life.
The Sunday Times said in its latest edition that it has issued legal papers against Armstrong "demanding a return of the settlement payment plus interest, as well as its costs in defending the case."
NBA
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — After missing the Mavericks' first 27 regular-season games, Dirk Nowitzki entered with 6:28 left in the first quarter to a hearty mix of cheers and boos.
Nowitzki underwent surgery on his right knee Oct. 19 after battling soreness the previous season. The former MVP quickly picked up a rebound for Dallas in a 129-91 loss to San Antonio and finished with eight points — going 3 for 4 from the field — and six rebounds in 20 minutes.