Garciaparra Signs Five-Year Deal
Spring training
After putting up big numbers in his first season, Nomar Garciaparra already is putting up some more in his second.
The Boston Red Sox shortstop agreed Tuesday to a $23.25 million, five-year contract with two team options that could raise its value to $44.25 million. The deal is unprecedented for a player who has been in the major leagues for little more than a season.
Garciaparra hit .306 with 30 homers, 98 RBIs, 122 runs and 22 steals last season, and was the unanimous choice as A.L. Rookie of the Year. He set major league records for RBIs by a leadoff hitter and homers by a rookie shortstop.
He also led the majors with 68 multi-hit games, paced the league with 209 hits and 11 triples, and his 30-game hitting streak broke Guy Curtright’s A.L. rookie record, set in 1943.
“It’s good that things are set,” Garciaparra said. “I don’t have to worry about anything. I can just play baseball for the next five years.”
Mariners roster shaping up
With three weeks remaining until opening night, the Mariners have settled on a tentative 25-man roster.
Paul Spoljaric has been in the race for the rotation’s fifth spot, but manager Lou Piniella said he needs the left-hander in the bullpen more than in the rotation.
“The way we’re constituted, we’ll have a six-man bullpen - four right-handers, two left-handers,” Piniella said. “Without Spoljaric, the only lefty we’ve got is Tony Fossas.”
So the fifth starting job belongs to either Bill Swift or Felipe Lira.
The team figures to keep two reserve outfielders, Rich Amaral and Rob Ducey, and two reserve infielders, Pat Listach and Jeff Huson. Reserve catcher Rick Wilkins and the nine regulars fill out the roster.
Damon Mashore went 5 for 6 with three RBIs and Ben Molina hit a go-ahead double in the 10th inning Tuesday as the Anaheim Angels overcame a five-run deficit to beat the Seattle Mariners 9-8 in Peoria, Ariz.
Dykstra pops off
Lenny Dykstra took more jabs at his bosses, one day after the Philadelphia outfielder’s heated 20-minute meeting with acting general manager Ed Wade and manager Terry Francona.
“Like I said before, the easiest thing for the Phillies would be to release me,” Dykstra said. “That would take all the pressure off them. I told them that yesterday, and Eddie Wade told me, ‘Why don’t I just quit.’ I said, ‘I don’t quit at anything. I’m not quitting.”’
Dykstra, making a comeback at age 35 after missing the last 1 seasons recovering from back surgery, criticized his manager Monday after discovering that being healthy won’t be enough to beat out Doug Glanville for the starting job in center field.
Mets’ Wilson gets good news
New York Mets right-hander Paul Wilson received good news - he was cleared to resume pitching.
Wilson, who experienced a “popping” in his pitching shoulder on Sunday, underwent an MRI in New York and team physician Dr. David Altchek said there was no structural damage.