Contract extension for Ibanez not done yet

The Seattle Mariners and outfielder Raul Ibanez on Friday said they have not agreed on a two-year contract extension for $11 million, contrary to reports in some media. But an agreement appears to be near.

“We have not signed him and there’s no announcement pending,” team spokesman Tim Hevly told the Associated Press.

After the team’s workout, Ibanez, 33, also said there’s been no agreement reached by his agent, Ron Shapiro, in negotiations with the M’s, but he hinted one could be worked out soon.

“I would say that things are going well and I’m optimistic,” he said.

Ibanez is scheduled to go back into left field for the Mariners this season after being used primarily as their designated hitter last season. He started 101 games at designated hitter and 55 games in left field for Seattle in 2005.

Ibanez is in the final year of a $13 million, three-year contract.

Uncertain Bagwell at camp

Jeff Bagwell arrived at Houston’s spring training camp, his future still uncertain because the Astros filed an insurance claim stating that he’s too hurt to play.

“This is what I do, this is who I am,” he said. “I can’t just go away. That’s not in my nature.

“I’m going to need a couple of weeks to see where I’m at and then make a decision from there.”

Bagwell had surgery in June on his right shoulder, and the Astros want to recoup about $15.6 million of the $17 million he is guaranteed this season.

The 37-year-old first baseman fielded grounders, made light throws and spent most of the team’s first full-squad workout in the batting cage at Kissimmee, Fla.

Clearing the bases

Lefty Chris Capuano, coming off a career-best 18-12 season, signed a one-year deal with Milwaukee. … Arizona outfielder Luis Gonzalez turned down an offer to replace injured Toronto outfielder Vernon Wells on the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic.