Brian Wilson and the San Francisco Giants agreed to a $4,437,500, one-year deal on Saturday, avoiding an arbitration hearing. The Giants confirmed to The Associated Press that the sides settled at the midpoint of what each proposed in arbitration. Wilson has spent the past two of his four major league seasons as San Francisco's full-time closer, recording 79 saves during that span and going to…
Archive for January, 2010
Pirates owner rejected Lemieux offer (AP)
Pirates owner Bob Nutting declined to listen to separate proposals to buy the team last year, including a surprise bid from Pittsburgh Penguins co-owner Mario Lemieux, officials with knowledge of the talks told The Associated Press. The officials spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.
Negro Leagues Museum could be in trouble (AP)
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a unique window into a vital chapter of American history that the late Buck O'Neil helped open 20 years ago, could be in trouble. Attendance and revenues are down, and a decision by new management to distance itself from O'Neil has splintered many of its most loyal supporters.
Angels LHP Saunders agrees to $3.7M deal (AP)
Left-hander Joe Saunders and the Los Angeles Angels agreed Friday to a $3.7 million, one-year contract, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing next month. The 28-year-old was 16-7 with a 4.60 ERA last year and has a 33-14 record in the last two seasons. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, he had asked for a raise from $475,000 to $3.85 million and had been offered $3.65 million.
Mariners, OF Byrnes agree to 1-year deal (AP)
Eric Byrnes does not care what his role becomes. Just hearing Seattle general manager Jack Zduriencik say he believes Byrnes can still contribute after two injury-plagued season was good enough. Seattle added a needed, veteran right-handed bat to its roster signing Byrnes to a one-year deal on Friday two weeks after he was let loose by the Arizona Diamondbacks.
A’s, RHP Wuertz agree on 2 years, $5.25M (AP)
Right-hander Michael Wuertz has agreed to a $5.25 million, two-year contract with the Oakland Athletics that avoided salary arbitration. Wuertz was the last of the three Oakland players who filed for arbitration to settle. The contract includes a club option for 2012. He was one of the top setup men in the league in his first season in Oakland last year, going 6-1 with four saves and a 2.63 ERA in a…
Twins’ Morales, Punto have wrist surgery (AP)
Minnesota Twins backup catcher Jose Morales will be out until mid-March following surgery on his injured right wrist. Starting second baseman Nick Punto won't need as much time for his recovery. General manager Bill Smith confirmed Friday that Morales had surgery on Thursday. He says Morales will be ready for the regular season.
Nationals, RHP Batista agree to contract (AP)
Right-hander Miguel Batista and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Batista went 7-4 with one save and a 4.04 ERA in 56 relief appearances for Seattle last season. He is 95-108 with 39 saves and a 4.54 ERA in 530 games, including 237 starts, across 15 seasons with eight clubs.
Mariners still expect to add hitter (AP)
Will Jack Zduriencik ever rest? Even though the general manager has already remade his Mariners this winter by boldly acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee, giving $78 million to co-ace Felix Hernandez, signing All-Star third baseman Chone Figgins, nabbing new first baseman Casey Kotchman and bringing back iconic Ken Griffey Jr., Zduriencik's not done yet.
Nationals, RHP Walker agree to deal (AP)
Right-hander Tyler Walker agreed to a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals that pays him $650,000 if he's in the majors and $120,000 if he's in the minors, the latest in a series of moves to reshape the team's bullpen. To make room on the 40-man roster for Walker, the Nationals designated right-hander Marco Estrada for assignment on Thursday.
