Kansas City, Mo. ? Rick Ankiel will try to boost his resurrected career in Kansas City’s crowded outfield.

The former pitcher agreed to a $3.25 million, one-year contract with the Royals on Friday, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal, which is subject to a physical, had not yet been announced.

Ankiel started his career as a phenom pitcher with the Cardinals, going 11-7 with a 3.50 earned-run average in 2000, but was plagued by control problems in the playoffs that year, throwing five wild pitches in his first start.

BASEBALL

Mets obtain Matthews

New York — Unable to find regular playing time for Gary Matthews Jr., the Los Angeles Angels traded the outfielder to the New York Mets on Friday and agreed to pay $21.5 million as part of the deal. Los Angeles received right-handed reliever Brian Stokes, a native Californian, in exchange for Matthews, who had slumped for three straight seasons since signing a $50 million, five-year contract.

Ex-manager Bragan dies

Fort Worth, Texas — Bobby Bragan, the longtime baseball man who managed Braves Hall of Famers Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews and Warren Spahn, has died. He was 92. He died Thursday night at his Fort Worth home, his Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation said.

TENNIS

Serena rolls in Australia

Melbourne, Australia — Serena Williams moved a step closer to successfully defending her Australian Open title today with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Carla Suarez Navarro. Top-ranked Roger Federer had a 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 win over No. 31 Albert Montanes to register his 50th win at Melbourne Park, where he has won three of his record 15 Grand Slam singles titles.

GOLF

Watson leads in Hawaii

Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii — Tom Watson shot a bogey-free 9-under 63 on Friday to take a two-stroke lead over senior newcomer Fred Couples and Tom Lehman in the Champions Tour’s season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship.