M’s open camp without Soriano
Excused reliever Rafael Soriano was the only one of 31 Seattle Mariners pitchers who did not report to spring training on time for Thursday’s initial practice at Peoria, Ariz.
Soriano remained in his native Dominican Republic to work out a visa problem that the team became aware of Monday. The Mariners expected their 26-year-old right-hander to report today, joining 21 other roster pitchers and nine non-roster invitees.
Jeff Clement, a non-roster catcher and third overall selection in last June’s draft, banged soaring home runs during batting practice. One landed beyond two fences and well into a parking lot, where it bounded over parked cars.
“That was impressive,” Hargrove said, adding 2004 fourth-round pick Rob Johnson, another non-roster catcher, also caught his eye.
Differing views on WBC
In Sarasota, Fla., Ken Griffey Jr. was looking forward to playing for the United States in the inaugural World Baseball Classic. The center fielder will be in camp with Cincinnati for two weeks, then head to Arizona for the event.
“That’s going to be weird. But I’ll still be on the phone and looking at the paper in the morning,” he said, promising to keep up on Cincinnati.
New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, no fan of the tournament, began spring training in classic Boss style, saying he was disappointed some of his stars will be leaving camp for the WBC. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Johnny Damon are on the U.S. roster, and Bernie Williams is on Puerto Rico’s preliminary roster. When owners approved the classic in August 2004 at the urging of commissioner Bud Selig, the Yankees abstained.
Around the bases
Second baseman Brian Roberts and Baltimore avoided arbitration by agreeing to terms on a one-year contract worth just more than $3 million. … Shortstop Jhonny Peralta agreed to a one-year contract with Cleveland. … Toronto’s Bengie Molina backed off his criticism of the Los Angeles Angels and said he wishes the best for his former team. … Former star Albert Belle was arrested and charged with stalking his ex-girlfriend, Scottsdale, Ariz., police said.