Full jury seated for Hernandez trial

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — A jury has been seated for the murder trial of former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez.

Bristol County Superior Court Judge Susan Garsh on Monday seated a jury of 13 women and five men after more than two weeks of selection.

Six of the 18 jurors will be randomly selected as alternates just before deliberations start.

Hernandez is charged with killing Odin Lloyd of Boston in June 2013. Lloyd was dating the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The judge says because of the blizzard approaching the region, opening statements are scheduled for Thursday, though they could be postponed further because of the weather.

On Monday afternoon, Garsh continued to screen additional potential jurors in case one of the 18 seated is unable to serve.

Flaherty and Orioles avoid arbitration

BALTIMORE (AP) — Infielder Ryan Flaherty and the Baltimore Orioles have avoided salary arbitration, agreeing to a one-year contract for $1,075,000.

Flaherty ”“ A Portland, Maine native and Deering High School graduate ”“ would get a $25,000 bonus if he reaches 400 plate appearances this season.

The 28-year-old hit .221 with seven homers and 32 RBIs in 312 plate appearances last year, when he made $512,500. He appeared in all four infield positions, left field and right field.

Flaherty had asked for $1.5 million in arbitration and had been offered $900,000.

Five Orioles remain in arbitration: closer Zach Britton, right-handers Miguel Gonzalez and Bud Norris, outfielder Alejandro de Aza and first baseman Steve Pearce.

Alburquerque, Tigers agree at $1,725,000

DETROIT (AP) — Relief pitcher Al Alburquerque and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to a one-year contract for $1,725,000.

Alburquerque would earn a $12,500 bonus under Sunday’s deal if he appears in 75 games as a pitcher this year.

The 28-year-old right-hander was 3-1 with a 2.51 ERA in 72 games last year for the AL Central champions. He made $837,500 last season and had asked for $2.05 million this year. The Tigers had offered $1,375,000.

Alburquerque was Detroit’s last player in arbitration.

Blue Jackets’ Bobrovsky out 4-6 weeks

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 21 and said the former Vezina Trophy winner will be out the next four to six weeks with a groin injury.

Bobrovsky was selected to play in his first NHL All-Star game prior to the injury. He has a 16-15-2 record with a 2.85 goals-against average, .913 save percentage and one shutout in 33 games.