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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Veterans day for Athletics

Garciaparra, Cabrera finalize contracts

Garciaparra (Jeff Chiu / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press

PHOENIX – Nomar Garciaparra is ready to give the Oakland Athletics a number of options in the infield. The A’s welcomed him with a special number.

Garciaparra will wear No. 1, last donned on the A’s by Billy Martin when he managed them in 1982.

“Third, first, short, to me it’s, ‘What do you want me to do to win?’ ” Garciaparra said Friday.

Garciaparra and Orlando Cabrera finalized one-year contracts with the A’s, a pair of deals the team hoped will fortify its infield. Oakland could conceivably play an infield where Eric Chavez would be the youngest, and he’s an 11-year veteran.

“There’s a good combination of young guys with talent, great arms and veteran guys,” Garciaparra said. “With Jason Giambi coming back, that’s huge. He’s been through the system here. I’m going to enjoy watching Matt Holliday hit every day with me instead of against me.”

Cabrera got a $4 million deal, and Garciaparra was guaranteed $1 million with the chance to make $250,000 each in performance and roster bonuses.

Garciaparra was limited to 55 games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season because of injuries, slowed by bad calf muscles. The 35-year-old batted .264 with eight homers and 28 RBIs, and strongly considered retirement in the off-season.

“I was pretty close,” Garciaparra said. “The biggest thing is that I felt like I needed to know if I was capable of going out and playing. When it came down to it, the situation presented itself here.”

A six-time All-Star, Garciaparra spent a majority of his three years with the Dodgers at first base. He also played shortstop and third base, and the A’s are likely to find playing time for him at more than one position.

Garciaparra started his career with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 30 or more home runs twice and driving in 100 or more runs four times in nine seasons. He was the A.L. rookie of the year in 1997 and was second in the A.L. MVP voting in 1998, but is no longer the feared hitter who ranked among the game’s best for a decade.

He has played in the N.L. since the Chicago Cubs acquired him from Boston in July 2004.

Cabrera, a two-time Gold Glove winner, hit .281 with eight homers and 57 RBIs in 161 games with the Chicago White Sox last season. He’s also played for Montreal, Boston and the Los Angeles Angels over a 12-year career.

“There’s a lot of room for improvement in my career,” Cabrera said. “If I stay healthy I know I can help my team win games. The numbers will come. I feel like I could play four or five more years.”

Oakland’s willingness to spend for Cabrera and Garciaparra after trading for Holliday and signing Giambi during the winter indicates A’s GM Billy Beane believes the team is ready to challenge the Los Angeles Angels for the A.L. West title.

“I think we have a great chance to go to the postseason,” Cabrera said. “We have the challenge of taking over the West.”

A’s assistant GM David Forst indicated there was no talk of “going for it” but that the club was always looking for talent.

“This is an important addition to the club,” Forst said. “We feel like we’ve greatly improved our team.”

Garciaparra would earn $100,000 for 150 plate appearances and $75,000 each for 200 and 300. He also would earn $100,000 each for 60 and 90 days on the active roster and $50,000 for 120 days.