Mets, Yankees introduce new acquisitions
Carlos Beltran opened a unique doubleheader Tuesday by finalizing his $119 million, seven-year contract with the New York Mets, while the Yankees prepared across town to complete their acquisition of Randy Johnson.
“I feel proud to be part of a new family: the New York Mets. The new Mets,” Beltran said at a news conference at Shea Stadium. “I call it the ‘new Mets’ because this organization is going to a new direction, the right direction, the direction of winning.”
Before their deal with Beltran, the Mets gave three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez a $53 million, four-year contract and kept Kris Benson for $22.5 million over three years.
The Yankees introduced Johnson, who they acquired from Arizona. The Yankees gave the Big Unit a $32 million, two-year extension through 2007.
Lowe finalizes deal with Dodgers
Derek Lowe, the second-winningest pitcher over the past three seasons, finalized a $36 million, four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Lowe was 14-12 with a 5.42 ERA in 33 starts with the Boston Red Sox last season, then went 3-0 with a 1.86 ERA during three postseason starts and one relief appearance.
Green joins Diamondbacks
Arizona introduced two-time All-Star outfielder Shawn Green, hours after finalizing two trades that made it possible for them to acquire him.
The Diamondbacks got the left-handed slugger and $10 million from the Dodgers by giving up four minor leaguers – catcher Dioner Navarro and pitchers William Juarez, Danny Muegge and Beltran Perez.
Gonzalez returns to Indians
Juan Gonzalez hasn’t been the same since he led Cleveland to the playoffs in 2001. The Indians are giving him another chance.
Gonzalez agreed to a minor league contract with Cleveland that could pay him up to $2.55 million – if the oft-injured slugger can remain healthy.
Clearing the bases
Utilityman Jolbert Cabrera will play in Japan next season with the Fukuoka Hawks. The 32-year-old Cabrera, released by Seattle last week, hit .270 with 47 RBIs in 113 games for the Mariners last season. He also played seven positions. … Baltimore signed right-hander James Baldwin to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Baldwin, a 10-year veteran, has a career record of 79-72 with a 5.07 ERA. … Reliever Terry Adams agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract with Philadelphia. … Free-agent left-hander Scott Schoeneweis agreed to a two-year, $5.2 million contract with Toronto. … Houston and infielder Mike Lamb agreed to a $1.3 million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. … The Diamondbacks agreed with left-hander Shawn Estes on a $2.5 million, one-year contract and were close to trading third baseman Shea Hillenbrand to Toronto for right-hander Adam Peterson.