Dodgers Fail To Meet Piazza’s Deadline For Contract Extension

All-star catcher Mike Piazza arrived at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., but the day didn’t bring what he had hoped for.

As expected, the Los Angeles Dodgers failed to meet Piazza’s self-imposed Sunday deadline to agree on a multiyear contract extension.

Piazza said previously he wouldn’t negotiate after the deadline.

“We maintained all along that this was not a threat by any means, but I’d have to say I’m a little disappointed about this,” said Piazza.

“Now, I just have to go out and play baseball. As far as my state of mind goes, I’m fine and I’ve got a job to do.”

Piazza is in the final year of a two-year, $15 million contract that pays him $8 million this season.

Rodriguez makes a stand

All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez, who angered Texas Rangers officials by playing winter ball despite verbal assurances that he wouldn’t, says he intends to continue playing in Puerto Rico every off-season.

Rodriguez reported to the Rangers’ camp Sunday to begin preparing for the first season of his new five-year, $42 million contract. Pitchers and catchers were to report Friday but Rodriguez had team permission to report Sunday.

“I’m going to keep going and playing in Puerto Rico every year, and I encourage other major league stars to do so as well,” Rodriguez said. “It’s a formula I trust, and I can’t argue with its success.”

N.L. MVP Walker already in camp

National League MVP Larry Walker arrived at the Colorado Rockies spring training site in Tucson, Ariz., with second baseman Mike Lansing on the same day that pitchers and catchers began their workouts - but five days before position players like Walker and Lansing are scheduled to start drills.

“I get here early every year,” Walker said. “I’ve done it my whole career. I want to get the feel, get in the mood, see the guys, get used to the climate. I get a little head start.”

Walker has an added incentive this year.

“You see the Broncos doing a parade downtown before over a half million people (after winning the Super Bowl), and you get the itch,” he said. “I want a piece of that.”

Padres sign Dibble

The San Diego Padres signed reliever Rob Dibble to a minor league contract. Dibble, 34, has been out of baseball since 1995.