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Freel feeling free and frisky

Cincinnati center fielder Ryan Freel can focus on playing after getting a new deal. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press The Spokesman-Review
Cincinnati center fielder Ryan Freel can focus on playing after getting a new deal. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Outfielder Ryan Freel crossed his forearms – the ones that still have scar-tissue traces from a warning-track dive in spring training – while he thought about the future.

Now that the Cincinnati outfielder has a $7 million, two-year contract extension, there’s no need for him to hold back to avoid injury.

“With my contract, I might be a little scarier,” Freel said Monday. “Now I really don’t care what happens.”

Manager Jerry Narron broke into a bemused grin at the thought of more mayhem in Freel’s future. Everyone knows Freel has gotten this far because of the all-out and sometimes reckless way he dives for balls, slams into walls and runs the bases.

Freel will get a $3 million base salary in 2008 with a chance to make an additional $500,000 in bonuses based upon plate appearances. He gets a $4 million base salary in 2009, when he can also make more through plate appearances.

Johnson not in tune

Randy Johnson, returning from offseason back surgery, will pitch for Triple-A Tucson on Thursday night. If all goes well, Johnson could pitch for the Arizona Diamondbacks against San Diego on April 24.

Clearing the bases

Blue Jays closer B.J. Ryan will miss four to six weeks with an elbow sprain and All-Star third baseman Troy Glaus will be placed on the disabled list today. Also, left fielder Reed Johnson will undergo surgery today to repair a herniated disk in his lower back. … Los Angeles Angels slugger Vladimir Guerrero left Monday’s game against the Red Sox with a bruised right wrist after being hit by a pitch. X-rays taken at Fenway Park were negative. … Injured Baltimore Orioles outfielder Jay Payton (hamstring) and catcher Ramon Hernandez (strained oblique) could be back in the lineup by Friday. … Twins third baseman Nick Punto will miss only one or two more games after an MRI exam revealed no structural damage to his left ankle. … The Diamondbacks activated outfielder Carlos Quentin from the 15-day disabled list. … The Colorado Rockies placed pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim on the 15-day disabled list (thumb). … The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels will make up Sunday’s rainout as part of a doubleheader Aug. 17. … The New York Mets rescheduled the game rained out Sunday against the Washington Nationals as part of a day-night doubleheader on July 28.