Adrian Gonzalez gets big contract from Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox agreed to terms with first baseman Adrian Gonzalez on a new contract that will pay him $154 million over seven years from 2012 through 2018.
The team announced the deal at a news conference Friday afternoon.
The Red Sox acquired Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres in exchange for three Boston prospects on Dec. 6.
The parameters of the deal were discussed at the time, but by waiting until after the season started the Red Sox saved luxury tax money.
“If you’re going to make this kind of commitment, I think you have to be very comfortable with not only the player but also the person,” general manager Theo Epstein said. “If you’re going to bet on one player, we’re very comfortable betting on Adrian Gonzalez.”
A three-time All-Star, Gonzalez is in his eighth season with a career batting average of .282 and 169 homers.
Gonzalez is making $6.3 million this season, the final year on the contract he had with the Padres. He could have become a free agent after this season.
Gonzalez gets a $6 million signing bonus, salaries of $21 million a season from 2012-16 and $21.5 million in each of the final two years.
Firm wants Clemens barred from evidence
DLA Piper, the law firm that investigated drugs in major league baseball, said former All-Star pitcher Roger Clemens shouldn’t be allowed to see notes or evidence used to produce a report that accused him of using steroids and human growth hormone.
Clemens is trying to get U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton to force the firm to turn over its notes and research for his use at trial on charges he lied about being a user.
Former Sen. George Mitchell and the firm where he worked produced a report for major league baseball in December 2007 that accused the Clemens and other players of using drugs.
“The Mitchell Report was intended to be made public and was made public,” the law firm said in a statement.
“DLA Piper’s attorney work product, by contrast, was intended to be confidential and was kept confidential.”
Clearing the bases
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Zack Greinke threw a 30-pitch simulated game, another step in his return from a cracked rib. He hopes to make his first rehab start at Class A Brevard County on Tuesday. … Minnesota Twins star catcher Joe Mauer has a viral infection, which the team believes increased the catcher’s body soreness recently. Mauer was placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday because of leg weakness stemming from offseason arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. … Texas Rangers pitcher Colby Lewis is the first player to go on baseball’s paternity leave list. A player can be on the new list for 24 to 72 hours. Lewis’ wife, Jenny, gave birth to daughter Elizabeth Grace on Wednesday in Bakersfield, Calif. … Former major league baseball star Dwight Gooden has been sentenced to five years’ probation after pleading guilty in Hackensack, N.J., New Jersey to child endangerment. At sentencing, state Superior Court Judge Donald Venezia also ordered Gooden to undergo outpatient drug treatment.