Shopping Spree Continues At Bargain-Basement Prices 44 Players Agree To Contracts For Considerably Less Cash
It was the sale of the century for baseball teams on Friday.
Forty-four players agreed to contracts, with Oakland and Kansas City getting the bargains. Former Cy Young Award winner Bob Welch, who made $2.9 million with the Athletics last season, re-signed for $225,000 and no performance bonuses.
Catcher Pat Borders, who made $2.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1994, signed with the Kansas City Royals for $310,000. Cleveland signed left-hander Bud Black for $350,000, an eighth of the $3 million he made last season.
The Chicago Cubs re-signed first baseman Mark Grace at a discount, getting him for $4.05 million, a cut of $350,000.
Just before midnight, Detroit re-signed designated hitter Kirk Gibson for $1.3 million, and catcher B.J. Surhoff and Milwaukee agreed to a minor-league deal worth $7,000 a month. Todd Benzinger and San Francisco agreed to a minor-league deal and a side agreement that would pay him $250,000 in the majors.
Outfielder Luis Gonzalez re-signed with Houston for $1.4 million, a cut of $230,000.
Texas pitcher Kenny Rogers was one of few to get a big raise, agreeing to $3.7 million for one year, an increase of $1.4 million.
But the Rangers decided not to offer a contract to reliever John Burkett, acquired from San Francisco for two minor leaguers.
Just 62 players remained eligible for salary arbitration, 38 less than Thursday morning.
Free agent third baseman Terry Pendleton and Florida agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year deal with an option.
Oakland signed infielder Mike Bordick to a $1.35 million, one-year contract and pitcher Dave Leiper to a $160,000, one-year contract. Second baseman Mark Lemke re-signed with Atlanta for $1.25 million.Free agent right-hander Kirk McCaskill decided to go back to the Chicago White Sox, agreeing to a $1.5 million, two-year deal that pays him $750,000 per season.Pitcher Joe Boever and Detroit agreed to a $1.15 million, two-year deal ($500,000 in 1995, $650,000 in 1996). The Tigers signed Juan Samuel to a minor-league contract that would pay him $325,000 if he makes the team.
Pittsburgh signed free agent pitcher Jim Gott for $900,000 and agreed to a $720,000, one-year deal with pitcher Denny Neagle.
Free agent Bill Kreuger went back to San Diego for $230,000.
Bonds checks in
At Scottsdale, Ariz., Barry Bonds tossed two bags with first-class luggage tags into his locker. He went around the clubhouse, hugging catcher Kirt Manwaring and greeting the rest of the Giants.
Then he prepared for two of his least-favorite activities - being interviewed and doing spring training drills.
The interviews lasted 20 minutes. He spent much of that time complaining about reporters’ mistakes and shrugging off questions about his personal life, such as ongoing proceedings in his divorce case.
“All they want me to do is stir up trouble. That’s all they’re waiting for,” he said to teammate Matt Williams, referring to the media members surrounding his locker. “I’ll do that when I get my paycheck.”
It was a long winter for Bonds, who underwent surgery to remove a bone spur in his right elbow at the end of last season, and has spent plenty of time in divorce court. But he stayed in shape by playing tennis and working out at his home.
MLB foster home
At Homestead, Fla., 29 players, a few dozen fans and just one major-league scout were in attendance as the players’ union opened a camp for veteran free agents.
Chris Sabo, Dave Stewart, Todd Stottlemyre, Mickey Tettleton, Dave Magadan, Mike Devereaux and Howard Johnson were among those taking part.
“We’re calling ourselves the Homestead Homies. We’re all misfits,” former New York Yankees utilityman Randy Velarde said.
Revised schedules released
The A.L. and N.L. released their schedules, revised after the start of the season was delayed by the strike. Opening day is April 25 when Los Angeles plays at Florida, followed by 13 games the next day. Also, there will be six games the day after the All-Star break.