Reds part ways with Larkin
Barry Larkin’s stellar 19-year career with his hometown team ended Tuesday with a one-sided phone call.
The Cincinnati Reds informed their captain they aren’t interested in keeping him around for another season. Instead, the Reds will replace the 40-year-old shortstop with two unproven youngsters.
Larkin was at his home in Orlando, Fla., when general manager Dan O’Brien and manager Dave Miley – a former teammate – called with the decision.
“It wasn’t pleasant,” Larkin told the Associated Press in a phone interview. “But it is what it is. It’s definitely disappointing. I have decisions to make.”
Larkin’s 19 seasons with one team was the longest current streak in the majors. He had hoped for a 20th and was willing to discuss returning in a utility role, but the Reds ruled it out.
Larkin isn’t sure whether his career is over. He hasn’t decided whether to try to play one more season with another team, ending his career in a different uniform.
“I have to see what opportunities present themselves, if there’s anything that makes sense,” he said.
Indians decline Vizquel’s option
The Cleveland Indians declined to pick up Omar Vizquel’s $5 million contract option for next season, making him eligible to become a free agent when the World Series ends.
“This step is a mere formality and does not impact the process in re-signing Omar Vizquel,” Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said. “It does not lessen our hope or desire in bringing Omar back.”
The 37-year-old shortstop has said he wants to return for a 12th season in Cleveland, but the Indians are targeting a starting pitcher.
The Indians will pay Vizquel’s $1 million buyout and could sign him to a new deal or enter salary arbitration with him by Dec. 7.
Guardado’s rehab going well
Eddie Guardado’s surprising rehabilitation from a torn rotator cuff took another positive turn.
Guardado threw 46 pitches without pain in the bullpen at the Mariners’ training complex in Peoria, Ariz., and is scheduled to pitch one inning Thursday in an instructional league intrasquad game.
If he comes out of that pain-free, the Mariners will consider his rehabilitation a success, something few expected this soon after doctors initially recommended surgery on his left shoulder.
“If everything goes well with Eddie, we may have seen enough,” pitching coach Bryan Price said.
Starting pitcher Joel Pineiro, out since August because of a strained right elbow, also threw without problem. He is scheduled for two more sessions in the Peoria bullpen, Thursday and Saturday, before he shuts down for the winter.
Rivera’s long day
Mariano Rivera wept, sang and prayed at the funeral for two family members who died at his house, and he later raced to catch a private jet to return to New York for Game 1 of the Yankees-Red Sox playoff game.
A private jet carrying Rivera left Panama City at about 2:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m. PDT) to deliver him to Yankee Stadium in the second inning.
Furcal turns himself in
Atlanta Braves shortstop Rafael Furcal turned himself in to the Cobb County Jail in Marietta, Ga., to serve 21days for a probation violation.
Clearing the bases
Left-hander Mike Matthews and right-hander Aaron Myette chose free agency rather than stay with Cincinnati. … Pittsburgh unconditionally released right-handed pitcher Nelson Figueroa. … Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back and is expected to be ready for spring training. … Barry Bonds underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is expected to be at full strength when San Francisco opens spring training in February.