Philadelphia Phillies reliever J.C. Romero throws off mound amid recovery

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- In 2008, they comprised the back end of the best bullpen in baseball on the season's best team.

Last year, J.C. Romero and Brad Lidge had the worst seasons of their respective careers, dealing with injuries and other off-field distractions.

Romero

After a winter filled with surgeries and soul-searching, the two were back on neighboring mounds Sunday in the Phillies' bullpen for the first time in a long while.

Romero threw off the hill for the first time since elbow surgery in October to repair a torn flexor tendon, while Lidge experimented with his noted slider for the first time since elbow and knee surgeries in the offseason.

Romero threw 23 pitches, all fastballs, and Lidge threw 35.

They are still behind the rest of the pitchers in camp as far as their workout schedules are concerned, and both could miss the opening week or two of the season. However, both remain optimistic that they can fly north with the defending National League champions for Opening Day.

"I want to be ready when the season starts," Romero said. "I have to be realistic because I know I'm a little behind as far as the schedule goes, but I'm a very positive person ... and my goal is to break camp with the team. I am very optimistic about it right now."

Romero will throw again Wednesday and is expected to up his pitch total to around 30. Lidge will throw again Tuesday, falling into an every-other-day routine.

"Each time, I'm throwing a little better than before," Lidge said. "It's going up a click or two each time. With that said, though, I started out at a very low point. Hopefully, one of these times it'll be a bigger jump. Now that I'm throwing [more regularly] it'll be a lot easier to build the arm strength more. Instead of being careful, I can be more aggressive."

Pitching coach Rich Dubee called their performances "fine" and said both pitchers "looked good," but wouldn't elaborate further.

The duo are an integral part of the Phillies' bullpen and were two key ingredients during the team's march to the World Series title in 2008.

They both endured rocky 2009 seasons, filled with injuries and suspensions. The Phillies hope the two can return to form in an effort to help the Phillies become the first National League team in more than 60 years to reach the World Series in three consecutive seasons.

After a perfect 2008 in which he converted each of his 48 save opportunities, Lidge was anything but perfect last season. He was 0-8 with a 7.21 ERA, allowed 11 home runs and led the majors with 11 blown saves.

Romero missed the first 50 games of the 2009 season after a supplement he bought over the counter at a New Jersey GNC store was deemed to have a banned substance, androstendione, that Romero maintains he ingested unknowingly. He followed that with an injury-riddled season in which he tossed only 16.2 innings as he dealt with a torn flexor tendon that required surgery.

"I learned a lot [last year], not only about myself but about life period," Romero said. "2009 was a very tough year for me. It was a real learning experience. But I found out that as you get older, less is more. I figured out I have to do less.

"I went into this offseason with the mentality of having to do the things I had to do to get on the mound quicker, and now here I am trying to get back as soon as I can."

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New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes talks with FBI about accused doctor

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Mets shortstop Jose Reyes said Sunday he met with federal investigators last week regarding a Canadian doctor accused of selling an unapproved drug.

Reyes

Dr. Anthony Galea is facing four charges in his country related to the unapproved drug known as Actovegin, which is extracted from calf's blood and used for healing. His assistant also has been charged in the U.S. for having HGH and another drug while crossing the border in September.

Galea is known for using a blood-spinning technique -- platelet-rich plasma therapy -- that is designed to speed recovery from injuries. Besides Reyes, he has also treated Tiger Woods and several other professional athletes.

"They just asked me basically how I met the guy and stuff like that and what he put in my body," Reyes said. "I explained to them what he [was] doing. ... I don't worry about anything because I didn't do anything wrong."

SI.com reported Saturday night that federal officials have told several athletes to expect grand jury subpoenas in the case. The Web site cited three anonymous sources familiar with the investigation.

The New York Times reported in December, citing anonymous sources, that the FBI opened an investigation into Galea based in part on medical records found on his computer relating to several professional athletes.

Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said the team was aware of the situation, and manager Jerry Manuel said he isn't worried about it becoming a distraction.

Reyes said he met with investigators for about 45 minutes at the Mets' spring facility after they contacted him Thursday morning. One of his agents, Chris Leible, also was present.

The Daily News of New York was the first to report Reyes had met with investigators.

Reyes, who missed much of last season with right leg problems, said he spent five days in Toronto in September and was treated by Galea three times. The shortstop was asked by investigators if he used HGH.

"They asked me if he injected me with that. I say 'No,' " Reyes said. "What we do there, basically, he took my blood out, put it in some machines, spin it out and put it back in my leg. So I explained to them that."

Reyes said he felt better for a while after the treatment but his leg still didn't respond when he tried to push it. He had surgery in October to clean up some scar tissue remaining from a torn hamstring tendon behind his right knee.

Galea was arrested Oct. 15 after a search warrant was executed at the Institute of Sports Medicine Health and Wellness Centre near Toronto. He is charged with selling Actovegin, conspiracy to import an unapproved drug, conspiracy to export a drug and smuggling goods into Canada.

Galea's lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan, has said his client has denied any wrongdoing. Greenspan also has said Galea has used HGH himself and prescribed it to non-athlete patients over the age of 40 to improve their quality of life, but said he has never given it to athletes.

The Times also reported in December that Galea visited Woods' home in Florida at least four times in February and March to provide the platelet therapy. Woods was recovering from June 2008 knee surgery.

During his public apology for cheating on his wife, Woods said any allegations that he used performance-enhancing drugs were "completely and utterly false." Greenspan has said the golfer is in no way linked to the charges against Galea.

The investigation into Galea began when his assistant, who often drove the doctor around, was stopped attempting to enter the United States from Canada.

Vials and ampules containing human growth hormone and Actovegin were found in a car driven by Mary Anne Catalano, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and U.S. federal court documents.

Catalano, a Canadian, told American authorities at the border in Buffalo, N.Y., that she knew the drugs were illegal and that she was transporting them for her employer. According to an affidavit, Catalano also told authorities that her boss instructed her to say she was coming to a medical conference if she were questioned about the purpose of her trip and also to say that none of the equipment was for treating patients.

Dr. Gary Wadler said in December that the International Olympic Committee became concerned about Actovegin in 2000 after it appeared during that year's Tour de France. The drug was placed on the banned list, then removed a year later because more evidence was needed as to whether it was performance-enhancing or damaging to athletes' health, said Wadler, who leads the committee that determines the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned-substances list.

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Atlanta Braves' Chipper Jones vows rebound or retire in 2010

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- An offseason of reflection hasn't softened Chipper Jones' stance.

Jones

The Atlanta Braves' third baseman still says he will walk away from the game if he can't bounce back from a disappointing 2008 season. Jones, who will turn 38 in April, said this week he won't hang around just to collect a paycheck if he's no longer playing up to the standards which have made him one of the best switch-hitters in history.

Some scoffed when Jones spoke last year of possible retirement after this season.

Count Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox among those who don't believe Jones will walk away from two years and $28 million on his contract, which runs through 2012. He signed a three-year, $42 million extension last spring that includes an option for 2013.

"I never took them to heart at all," said Cox this week of Jones' comments. "He'll play three more years and play them good."

Jones' frustration and talk of retirement came after seeing his batting average drop 100 points last year. He led the National League with his .364 average in 2008 but fell to .264 last season with 31 fewer hits in almost 50 more at-bats.

He said last year he won't keep playing if he doesn't return to form this season. He's sticking with that stance this spring.

"It was a true statement," Jones said. "If I don't play this game at the level I want to play it at, then I will walk away from it."

Most baffling to Jones was he couldn't blame his decline -- including slight dips in homers and RBIs -- on injuries. He played in 143 games -- his high mark since 2003 -- and had 488 at-bats. He finished with career-low totals of 18 homers and 71 RBIs, down from 22 and 75 in 2008.

Jones' hits, runs, homers and RBIs have declined two straight years. His 22 errors last season were his highest total since 25 in 2000.

"I'm not going to enjoy myself having years like I had last year," he said. "There weren't any injuries that were hindering me from producing last year.

"I'm not going to stick around and be a role player. I'm not going to play the game just to earn a check. I want to produce. I want to be good. That's all there is to it."

Jones started strong last season, hitting .322 in April and .312 in May. His average peaked at .335 on June 9. He hit only .230 the rest of the way and drove in only 30 runs after the All-Star break.

The 6-foot-4 Jones gained about 10 pounds, to 230, in hopes of improved stamina.

"I hit the weights hard," he said. "I built some upper body strength.

"I was run down at the end of the year last year. I wanted to add a little extra weight, a little extra strength to make it through the summer."

Jones also had too little support in the middle of the Braves' power-depleted lineup last season, particularly when catcher Brian McCann rested. For the first time, McCann was the team's primary cleanup hitter. McCann overcame vision problems to post solid numbers, but the Braves lacked other power threats.

Jones ranked fifth in the NL with 101 walks.

The Braves signed Troy Glaus to play first base. Glaus is projected as the new cleanup hitter, moving McCann back to the No. 5 spot. The lineup could receive another boost if top prospect Jason Heyward, whose long batting practice homers were the highlight of the first week of spring training, starts in right field.

"It's a really good lineup. If we stay healthy it's going to be an excellent lineup," Jones said.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of it. Troy is going to be really good hitting in the middle. The lineup, one through eight, it looks pretty good."

Jones, a six-time All-Star and the NL's Most Valuable Player in 1999, already has strong Hall of Fame credentials.

His .307 career batting average ranks second all time among switch-hitters, trailing only Frankie Frisch (.316). He has 426 career homers, third among switch-hitters behind Mickey Mantle (536) and Eddie Murray (504).

No other switch-hitter has a career average of .300 or better and at least 300 homers.

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Jeff Samardzija hopes to nab spot in Chicago Cubs' rotation

MESA, Ariz. -- When most sports fans talk about Jeff Samardzija, they mention the agile receiver who used to catch Brady Quinn's touchdown passes at Notre Dame. Then, as an afterthought: "Oh, and isn't he trying to pitch for the Chicago Cubs?"

As much as he loves a good football conversation, Samardzija wants this to be the year people are talking baseball when he is the subject.

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He spent a month in the Mexican League last fall working on the breaking pitch he needs to be an effective big leaguer, and the tall right-hander snapped off several sharp "slurves" Saturday during batting practice.

"He used to look like a football player who was trying to pitch," pitching coach Larry Rothschild said. "Now he looks like a pitcher who just so happened to play football in college. He's come a long way."

The Cubs have two openings in their rotation, and they'd like to get a return on the $10 million investment they made when they signed Samardzija three years ago.

He teased the team with his potential when he was called up during the 2008 pennant race, working 13 scoreless appearances that August before hitters began sitting on his fastball. Samardzija was smacked around in September, failed to make the club last spring and had a 7.53 ERA during three short big league stints in 2009.

"The stubborn side of me ... expected it to happen overnight," Samardzija said. "The realistic side of me kind of knew it was going to take a little bit. I needed to be able to command another pitch. The curve has come along well."

Rothschild said Samardzija's new pitch is more of a slider-curve combination.

"It's a tight, hard breaking ball -- a real quality pitch," the coach said. "Jeff should be able to repeat his delivery and have success, because he has the agility and balance that goes with being a great athlete."

Samardzija caught 155 passes for 2,266 yards and 27 touchdowns in his last two seasons at Notre Dame. Rated a top-20 baseball prospect, he wasn't drafted until the fifth round because many teams thought he would play in the NFL.

The football factor gave him bargaining power with the Cubs. His five-year contract -- which includes a no-trade clause and two option years that could bring him another $6.5 million -- was unprecedented for such a low draft choice.

Like most Notre Dame followers, Samardzija isn't thrilled about what happened to the Fighting Irish since he, Quinn and other standouts departed. Records of 3-9, 7-6 and 6-6 followed, coach Charlie Weis was fired and the program again is in rebuilding mode.

"I was a Weis fan but ... college football is becoming more of a professional sport every year. You've got to win or else," Samardzija said.

"I heard [new coach Brian Kelly] is a charismatic guy and a great recruiter, which is the most important aspect of college football," he said. "It's not so much X's and O's. If you've got a guy that can run down the field and catch it over the other guy, that's really all you need."

These days, Samardzija is hoping to make a different kind of grab in a completely different game.

"There are only a handful of starting rotation spots open in the majors," he said. "When you get the opportunity to snag one, you'd better not miss."

NOTES RHP Angel Guzman, shut down for a few days after experiencing shoulder soreness, is expected to resume throwing Sunday.

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Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez relieved after World Series win

TAMPA, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez felt a huge relief after helping the New York Yankees win the World Series.

The All-Star third baseman said a "humongous gorilla came off my back."

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"Now I just have an opportunity to come out and play baseball and have fun," Rodriguez said. "Really continue to focus on what I did in '09. Divorced myself of personal achievements and really buy into the whole team concept of winning ballgames. What can I do today to help the team win? It was the greatest year of my baseball career."

Rodriguez met with reporters on Thursday in the same tent where last year he addressed his past use of performance-enhancing drugs. Rodriguez said this year's media session made for a much different day.

"Looking back I thought it was a very important day," Rodriguez said. "I hit rock bottom. I've done a lot of growing up and realized a lot of things. I wanted to focus on baseball and eliminating a lot of distractions. For the most part I think I've done that. Now it's my responsibility to continue that."

Sidelined until May 8 after undergoing right hip surgery in early March, Rodriguez had 30 homers and 100 RBIs in 124 games.

"When you come back from surgery like he did, you're not sure exactly how he comes back," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "There was some doubts in my mind what was going to happen. To be able to have 30 home runs and drive in 100 runs, to me it's astonishing."

Many fans singled out the Rodriguez for the Yankees' failure to win a championship during his first five seasons in New York.

Rodriguez

"I think sometimes when you add a player of Alex's caliber, if you don't win a World Series sometimes they pin it on the one guy," Girardi said. "But it takes 25 guys to win a World Series, and a lot of times it takes more than that. For Alex, I think that's probably a relief in a sense that he doesn't have to answer those questions and his memory of his last World Series has to be incredible."

Rodriguez said finally breaking through was "magical."

"I've never experienced -- besides the birth of my two daughters -- the feeling of winning a world championship in New York in the new stadium," he said. "It's something I'll never forget. The road was a tough one. For me, it was so rewarding to accomplish that goal with this great team."

And Rodriguez is looking for more of the same in 2010.

"You just want to keep winning," Rodriguez said. "It becomes an addiction."

Notes

Rodriguez thinks a new deal to keep SS Derek Jeter, who is entering the final season of a $189 million, 10-year contract, will be worked out. "Derek Jeter was born to be a Yankee and he was born to wear pinstripes," Rodriguez said. "He's our captain. I envision he'll finish his career here. I can't envision him wearing any other uniform." ... Spring training instructors Reggie Jackson and Tino Martinez arrived. ... LHP Andy Pettitte threw 36 pitches during his second bullpen session.

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Mark McGwire saddened by brother's betrayal in writing book about steroid use

JUPITER, Fla. -- Mark McGwire said he's saddened his estranged brother wrote a book that chronicles their use of performance-enhancing drugs and reiterated his claim that he only took them to heal from injuries.

McGwire said Thursday he's so upset with his brother, Jay McGwire, that he doesn't believe reconciliation is possible.

"I don't plan on ever seeing him again," said McGwire, the new hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.

McGwire

The youngest of the five McGwire brothers and Mark's junior by more than six years, Jay McGwire lived with Mark and was a frequent clubhouse visitor during McGwire's time in Oakland. His book, "Mark and Me: Mark McGwire and the Truth Behind Baseball's Worst-Kept Secret," is scheduled for publication Monday by TriumphBooks.

Mark McGwire used the word "sad" seven times to describe the book in his 8-minute question and answer session with the media on Thursday.

"You try to be a good person, you try to take care of somebody, be a good brother," said McGwire, trailing off. "It's sort of sad. It's a sad day for my family. I don't know how a family member could do something like that."

Last month, McGwire admitted taking steroids and human growth hormone during the 1990s, but said he only did so to recover from injuries -- not to improve his performance.

Jay McGwire says recovering from injuries was the primary reason for his brother's decision to use drugs but that Mark McGwire also knew the steroids were helping him gain size and strength.

"He had to do something to try to sell a book," Mark said. "I know the reason why I did it. I know it from the heart and I told you guys that already back in January."

Jay McGwire says in the book that he persuaded his brother to start using steroids regularly in 1994 and set him up with a supplier. He says Mark regularly used an array of drugs through 1996 that included Deca-Durabolin, human growth hormone, Dianabol, Winstrol and Primobolan. McGwire later used androstenedione, a steroid precursor that wasn't banned by baseball until 2004, when it became a controlled substance.

"I've already come out and said what I've done and apologized," Mark said. "As far as I'm concerned there's really nothing new. It's kind of sad as a brother what he's done, but I've moved on from it."

Jay McGwire, a former bodybuilder who turns 40 on May 5, said he was introduced to steroids by friends in 1989, beginning with pills of Anavar. He says his brother only gave in to using steroids after an injury-filled 1993 season.

McGwire hit 70 homers for the Cardinals in 1998, shattering Roger Maris' record of 61 set in 1961.

At Phillies' camp on Thursday, Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt commended McGwire for his apology, but he isn't sure if the public fully accepts it.

"He needed to clear the air, sort of pave the way for a smoother year for himself. It's not going to be smooth by any means," said Schmidt, who is serving as a guest instructor with Philadelphia. "He's going to have to talk about it wherever he goes, but I'm happy for him. It was a great start for his new career as hitting coach.

"He stated that his usage of steroids didn't help his power output. He may believe that and it may be true, but I don't think that's what the public wanted to hear. They probably wanted to hear an admission that his numbers were increased and his position in history was probably elevated to some degree by the use of steroids. Again, I think that's what the public wanted to hear."

The brothers haven't spoken since 2002. They fell out after Jay McGwire's stepson, Eric, tickled Mark and caused Mark to spill coffee on himself. Mark then swatted Eric on the backside. Jay's wife, Francine, then refused to attend Mark's wedding.

St. Louis manager Tony La Russa received an advanced scouting report on the book and didn't expect the release to disrupt the Cardinals' camp.

"Somebody I knew read an advanced copy," La Russa said prior to morning workouts. "He said that [Jay] said some stuff -- it wasn't really first-page-to-last-page damning stuff about Mark."

Neither Mark McGwire nor La Russa plan to read the book.

"What's the point?" La Russa said. "It's stuff that's already been gone over a bunch of times. I don't know what it's going to change."

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Carlos Marmol starts spring confidently as Chicago Cubs closer

MESA, Ariz. -- Carlos Marmol 's dilemma a year ago was this: Should he pitch in the World Baseball Classic and miss valuable spring training work while he was trying to win the closer's job with the Chicago Cubs?

Marmol

Marmol pitched in the WBC for the Dominican Republic and Kevin Gregg got the closer's job at spring training. After Gregg faltered, Marmol finally landed the role he wanted in mid-August and finished 11-for-11 in save opportunities. Overall he was 15-for-19 in 79 appearances.

Now that Gregg has left for Toronto, the job is all Marmol's.

"I don't have to fight for being the closer. Just be ready in the ninth inning, the eighth inning. Whatever," Marmol said.

Marmol has what baseball scouts refer to as electric stuff. In 74 innings last years, the hard-throwing right-hander allowed only 43 hits, including two homers, with a 3.41 ERA and 93 strikeouts. He allowed opposing batters only a .170 average.

But there were hiccups, too, many of them before he became the closer. Marmol, who has a motion in which he sometimes lands to the side of the mound, had bouts of wildness. He walked 65 batters, hit 12 and threw six wild pitches.

"With Carlos, it's all a matter of being able to repeat his delivery. And just early in spring, he's been real good at it," Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild said.

"He's had the winter off. He's rested more. He knows he's the closer. Between getting that extra rest and him having to pitch only the ninth inning, I think we'll see him be able to repeat his delivery better and stay stronger, which is important to him because he's a max-effort guy."

Rothschild said Marmol has also learned how to deal with tough situations. And knowing what segment of the game he'll be in should make him even better.

"I think handling the emotions on the mound -- still having the adrenaline but channeling it -- his delivery will be better," Rothschild added.

"You saw it when he was closing last year: He had some of his quickest innings all year. He went through almost three years of warming up, being ready for the seventh or eighth ... being ready to face the better hitters when they come up in those innings. And that's a different situation. Over the course of three years that can wear you down a little bit. I think he's refreshed."

Marmol, who started 13 games as a rookie for the Cubs in 2006 and then got to go to the All-Star Game in 2008 as a reliever, earned a one-year contract for $2.125 million earlier this month and avoided an arbitration hearing. The salary represented the midpoint between the figures the sides exchanged.

Asked how it felt to be a millionaire reliever, the 27-year-old Marmol broke into a big laugh, saying he was happy to be able to support his family

"The Cubs have treated me good and I said to my agent: 'Let's do it and we don't have to go to arbitration,'" said Marmol, whose 161 relief appearances over the last two seasons are second most in the majors to the Mets' Pedro Feliciano (174).

Manager Lou Piniella agreed that with no worries about where he'll be in the bullpen, Marmol should be even more effective and in control.

"He's got confidence. ... He likes being out there. He doesn't shy away from it," Piniella said. "Talking to Goose Gossage, one of the best closers of all times, you are going to have bad games at times, but you got to be able to bounce back from them and I think Carlos has that type of makeup."

Notes LHP Ted Lilly, coming off shoulder surgery and bothered by a sore knee this spring, missed his second straight day of workouts Wednesday because of a fever.

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Seattle Mariners' Cliff Lee has first bullpen session of spring training

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Cliff Lee took a step in the right direction Wednesday.

The Seattle Mariners lefty completed his first bullpen session of spring training without any problems with his left foot, which needed surgery almost three weeks ago to remove a bone spur.

"It wasn't as sharp as I would like, but it's the first time I've been off the mound in a little while, so I guess that's to be expected," Lee said after a conditioning run and 10 minutes of pitching. "I feel good. The foot's fine. The body feels good, so now I need to get in shape and get off the mound more and catch up with everyone else."

Lee

Lee reported to Mariners camp a week ago with a bandage wrapped around his foot, even though he said he was ready to pitch. The Mariners took precautions, limiting Lee -- a former AL Cy Young Award winner whom they traded for with Philadelphia in the offseason -- to agility drills and fielding practice.

The 31-year-old Lee said he threw all of his pitches and wasn't thinking about his foot. He was focused on locating fastballs, having only thrown off a mound once in the offseason before he needed surgery.

"I was pretty certain when I first got here, I could jump right in with everyone, but it was kind of a better-safe-than-sorry approach at that point," Lee said.

He'll toss another session in a couple of days, with the hope that he'll be ready for the rotation in spring training games. The other Seattle pitchers have been pitching from a mound since last week.

"Once I get going, I'll catch up. It's still way early," Lee said. "There's a lot of teams that haven't even really started going full tilt yet, so looking at it that way, I guess I'm not that far behind."

Meanwhile at Mariners camp Wednesday, infielder Jose Lopez returned to his normal position -- second base -- after taking ground balls at third in the team's first full-squad workout Tuesday.

The Mariners said they were only taking a look at Lopez at third, with Chone Figgins working at second base.

Both Lopez and Figgins, a free agent signed from the Los Angeles Angels, worked at second base Wednesday.

Lopez, a 2006 AL All-Star, said he last played third base for the Mariners in 2007, for a few games.

"It's no big deal. I'll try it," Lopez said. "We'll see how I feel at third base. It was only a question about what could happen this season. Right now in spring training, I had a good conversation with [manager Don Wakamatsu]. He didn't tell me he'll put me at third, didn't say second. Only that we'd try it out, but that it's more important how I feel."

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Retiring Bobby Cox gives his last spring training speech to the Braves

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Chipper Jones has heard Bobby Cox's spring training speech so often, Jones thinks he could fill in for the Atlanta Braves' manager.

"I could probably recite it verbatim without him even coming out here," said Jones, who is starting his 17th big league camp.

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But Jones and his teammates had to pay attention on Tuesday.

Cox changed the script for his final spring training speech. He is retiring after the season, and this year he wanted to talk about more than rules.

He wanted to say more than, "Go get 'em, boys!"

Players, clubhouse attendants and front office personnel all listened as Cox battled nerves and emotions as he said thanks.

"This one was different," said bullpen coach Eddie Perez, a former Braves catcher. "It was tough, a different feeling. ... I was sitting right next to him. I was looking at him and looking at everybody, and everybody was paying attention."

Were there tears?

"It was close," Perez said. "He said he was very nervous about the meeting for the first time."

“

I told the players this is it for me and it's the last time I'll be talking to them here in spring training, but I'll still be the same old grumpy guy that gets mad once in a while.

”-- Braves manager Bobby Cox

The 68-year-old Cox is entering his 21st consecutive season at the Braves' helm -- the longest tenure among active managers -- and 25th overall. He also was Toronto's manager for four years and was Atlanta's general manager before returning to the dugout in 1990.

"I told the players this is it for me and it's the last time I'll be talking to them here in spring training, but I'll still be the same old grumpy guy that gets mad once in a while," Cox said. "My goals haven't changed simply because we've got a good team every year, and the goal should be to get to the World Series and win one. We're up for that."

Cox quickly shifted the discussion to his excitement about the team, including rookie right fielder Jason Heyward's attention-grabbing batting practice. "Every ball was just scalded," Cox said of Heyward.

That's a typical Cox maneuver, Jones said.

"You know Bobby. He's going to deflect all the attention away from him and onto us players," Jones said. "It's up to us as players. This being his last year, it adds a little motivation to get your work done and start a championship season."

Cox ranks fourth among managers with 2,413 wins. His teams have won 15 division titles -- including 14 straight with Atlanta -- five pennants and the 1995 World Series.

Jones said he could tell Cox was nervous.

"That's not like Bobby, but you only have one last year, one last speech," Jones said. "There are going to be a lot of other lasts along the way. If it comes down to September and God forbid we're out of the race or something, you'll see it really hit him. Obviously if we're in the playoffs, the focus is going to be on going to the playoffs."

Either way, at some point Cox will face his finale.

"It's going to be tough, the last day," Perez said.

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Chicago White Sox's Scott Linebrink hopes to end late slumps

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Scott Linebrink doesn't want to be stereotyped as only a first-half guy, but the White Sox reliever can't argue with the numbers over the past three years.

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Since 2007, he has a combined 2.29 ERA in the first half of the season, only to see his post All-Star ERA climb to 7.04 over that same time.

While he admitted on Tuesday that it does look like a trend, Linebrink gave explanations for each of the past three years -- including the right shoulder injury that derailed him midway through the 2008 season.

"Two years ago, of course it was the injury," he said of his first season with the Sox. "The year before that, there was a trade [from San Diego to Milwaukee] in there, so there was a bit of a transition period in there. Last year, it was not getting strike one and kind of losing touch of my whole approach. I think there are things in there that we can look at and learn from and improve on, but I don't think there is one specific thing we can look at and say, 'This is why it's been tough for me in August and September the last couple of years.'"

That's why there is a very specific plan in place for him this spring, with Linebrink and pitching coach Don Cooper getting on the same page.

"The goal is to make him good all year long," Cooper said.

That starts in camp.

"Instead of looking at the season all together, the big picture, you really have to break it up," Linebrink said. "We've got a goal here in spring training to build each day and stay healthy, and I just have to try and do that each day.

"I'm not entering this season thinking about the second half because then the first half is going to pass me by. I think it's just being focused on the here and now, getting out there and getting some innings under my belt."

The good news for Linebrink right now is he starts camp healthy. It also helps that the club signed J.J. Putz this offseason, giving them options in the eighth inning, instead of feast or famine with Linebrink.

Manager Ozzie Guillen is hoping for Linebrink to be the effective arm they signed as a free agent prior to the 2008 season, but isn't counting on it.

As it sets up right now, Bobby Jenks will be the closer, while Putz and Matt Thornton will be the eighth-inning set-up men. Tony Pena, along with Linebrink, will handle the middle innings.

It's up to Linebrink, however, to change some minds on how important he can be. That's fine with Linebrink, who said he had no problem with the team adding Putz to the mix.

"Oh, no," Linebrink responded when asked about Putz. "We lost [Octavio] Dotel, we needed another arm down there. Having another experienced arm, a guy that can pitch at the end of the game, a former closer, you can't have enough arms in the bullpen.

"I don't know how it's all going to fit in and play out, but it will probably be like it always is -- [Guillen's] going to go with who is hot. For me, that's my focus: get hot and be able to get in there when the game is on the line."

Chicago White Sox’s Jake Peavy turns down Opening Day nodPrimera Liga round-up

Chicago White Sox's Jake Peavy turns down Opening Day nod

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- When the White Sox acquired Jake Peavy from San Diego last season, they were well aware of his talent on the mound. Now, they're finding out about his unselfishness in the clubhouse.

ESPNChicago.com White Sox blog

The latest news and notes on the White Sox. Blog

On the first day of spring training, Ozzie Guillen announced that Mark Buehrle would be his Opening Day starter. The reason Chicago's manager could do that so easily was because Peavy turned down the assignment.

"I had talked to Jake at SoxFest about him being the Opening Day guy," pitching coach Don Cooper said Monday. "He called me up two or three days after SoxFest and said, 'Dude, I don't want to start. I don't want it. This is Buehrle's team.'"

Peavy and the White Sox know Buehrle needs one Opening Day start to set the franchise record of eight.

"Certainly we all knew that Buehrle had a chance to have the record, but my thought was we would be running out our best guy on Day 1 and we would then be able to give Buehrle a few days extra," Cooper said. "But the point is Jake's unselfishness was a very, very refreshing thing to see."

For a guy who has made only three starts in a White Sox uniform, Peavy is opening a lot of eyes within the organization. Even Buehrle questioned the club's decision to go with him over the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner.

"I wouldn't have cared," Buehrle said. "I still think they're making a mistake pitching me Opening Day. I've said all along that Peavy is dominating. He's going to go out and dominate teams and that's what people want to see, fans want to see -- someone go out and dominate.

"I've said all along that he should be starting Opening Day. I think when the playoffs get here, we'll see, but if we make it I think he would be the No. 1 guy. I'll just go out there and try and get the win, get us going the right way."

What will it mean for Buehrle to have the White Sox record by himself, surpassing the seven Opening Day starts made by Billy Pierce? Well, it joins the World Series title, no-hitter and perfect game on the resume of one of the most accomplished starting pitchers in team history.

"It's a great honor, but it's one of those that after you retire, breaking the record for all-time Opening Day starts will mean more," Buehrle said.

The focus for the White Sox now is making sure Buehrle is ready for Opening Day, April 5 against Cleveland.

After spending the offseason on a new shoulder-strengthening program, Buehrle has been throwing a bit more free and easy. The plan is still to allow him to miss at least one start this spring, and the team will monitor his side days between starts. But the left-hander made it clear they won't know how well the offseason program went until the second half of the regular season.

"I know I'm in a better spot now than I have been coming in the last couple of years, just strength-wise," Buehrle said. "When I'm playing long toss I can actually get it there on a line and not have to throw it in the air too much. That's why I think I'm in a better spot now than the last couple years. But the second half will definitely tell how strong I am."

Copa del Rey round-upCloser Huston Street, Colorado Rockies finalize three-year, $22.5M deal

Milton Bradley reports to Seattle Mariners camp, wants to have fun

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The dugout tantrum. The confrontations with umpires. The run-ins with fans and media members. That was not the Milton Bradley on display Monday at the Seattle Mariners' spring training complex.

Bradley was greeted warmly by new teammates, including a player he has long looked up to, Ken Griffey, Jr. Speaking softly after arriving for his physical, Bradley proclaimed that this year, his 10th in the majors with his eighth different club, he's out to have fun.

“

In the past I've always just wanted to win. I didn't care whether I liked it or not as long as I was winning, because that's all it's about for me. But at this point in my career I want to enjoy it. I want to have fun.

”-- Mariners outfielder Milton Bradley

"Primarily, which I've never said in the past, is I want to have fun," Bradley said. "In the past I've always just wanted to win. I didn't care whether I liked it or not as long as I was winning, because that's all it's about for me. But at this point in my career I want to enjoy it. I want to have fun. I've been fortunate enough to play on a lot of teams and met a lot of guys, so I've built some lasting relationships. That's stuff that I take to heart."

The last time Bradley had fun playing baseball was before last season, which he spent with the Chicago Cubs. Chicago traded Bradley to Seattle last December, the Cubs seeking to get rid of their problem on the roster and the Mariners looking to unload a high-priced veteran pitcher, Carlos Silva, who hadn't produced many wins.

Bradley's time in Chicago was effectively over when the Cubs suspended him for the final two weeks of the season after Bradley criticized the atmosphere surrounding a team that hasn't won a World Series since 1908.

Before that, Bradley was suspended for one game for arguing a called third strike and was sent home early from a game when he attacked a water cooler after popping out.

The Mariners apparently felt Bradley's bat (he hit .321 with Texas in 2008) was worth the risk. Bradley will likely play left field and split designated hitter duties with Griffey.

"It's all the same things," Bradley said of his conversations with every new team he joins before he arrives. "'Are you looking forward to this, or it's a fresh start,' all that cliche stuff. But I don't believe in all that. I'm just, 'You go about your business.' I believe if people allow you to be you and don't steer you in any certain direction or don't steer people's thoughts in a certain direction, then things will work out the way they're supposed to."

He'll play in the same outfield as Mariners' star Ichiro Suzuki, who arrived for his pre-camp physical Monday.

The team is scheduled to conduct its first full-team workout of the spring Tuesday, weather permitting. Rain has limited the used of the fields at the Peoria complex the past couple of days.

To help things work out with Bradley, the Mariners have situated his locker at spring training between those of two team leaders from last season: Mike Sweeney and Griffey.

Bradley is familiar with a number of Mariners teammates and got a call from Griffey right after the trade.

"Anything I needed, he was there, and I wouldn't expect anything less," Bradley said. "For me, it's Griffey and it's [Barry] Bonds and they're my idols."

Griffey said Bradley has established himself as a solid hitter who plays hard. He joked that all Bradley has to do to get to know Griffey is take him out to lunch.

"He will have fun. He has no other choice but to have fun," Griffey said. "It's a mutual respect ... He can flat play and I don't see anything other than he's a professional who wants to do things the right way."

Cliff Lee of Seattle Mariners set to throw first bullpen session Feb. 24New deal delights Jeffren

Carlos Delgado eyes return after latest surgery to hip

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Free-agent slugger Carlos Delgado says his latest hip surgery went well and he is looking forward to getting back onto the field.

Delgado

Delgado told the newspaper El Nuevo Dia for Monday's edition the most important thing now is "to be completely sure that I'm healthy to continue with my goal of returning to play."

Dr. Marc Philippon, who also repaired Alex Rodriguez's hip last year, operated on Delgado in Vail, Colo., on Wednesday. It was Delgado's second hip surgery in nine months.

Delgado played 26 games for the New York Mets last season before suffering his injury. He played winter ball in Puerto Rico and was working out while trying to latch on with a team, but his hip was still bothering him.

Cazorla hit with injury blowSeattle Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee has minor foot surgery

Johnny Damon agrees with Detroit Tigers on one-year deal

LAKELAND, Fla. -- To Johnny Damon, the Detroit Tigers were the right team.

"This is where I wanted to be," he said Monday after completing his $8 million, one-year contract. "The Tigers were my first choice. I love it here and think I am a good fit."

“

This is where I wanted to be. The Tigers were my first choice. I love it here and think I am a good fit.

”-- Johnny Damon

Let go by the World Series champion New York Yankees, Damon also drew interest from the Atlanta Braves and Chicago White Sox. When it came time to choose, he darted to Detroit.

"The Tigers are a scary team and the fact that this team has gotten even younger makes it a lot more fun," he said.

The 36-year-old outfielder brings another left-handed bat to the Tigers' lineup besides switch-hitter Carlos Guillen.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski has said Damon wasn't in the team's plans as late as January. But Damon came into the picture after the Tigers dealt leadoff hitter Curtis Granderson to the Yankees, then saw Placido Polanco leave as a free agent.

"We needed to make some adjustments," Dombrowski said. "We aren't doing it only for this year, but we also needed to move forward. The moves we made earlier in the year allowed us to make some adjustments, not only for now but also for the future. We also brought in some young talent."

Damon hit .282 with 24 homers for the Yankees last season and is expected to lead off for the Tigers.

"I'm happy for him that he's found out where he's going to go," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Sunday. "I think for players that's an anxious time. Trying to figure out where you're going to be. Usually it doesn't go on this long. I wish Johnny luck. Johnny was good for us here. We all miss Johnny. This is the hard part of the game when those relationships change a little bit. I'll root for Johnny except when he's playing against us."

The Tigers lost in a one-game playoff to Minnesota for the AL Central last year after collapsing down the stretch. Dombrowski said Damon's attitude means as much as his talent.

"He makes us better," Dombrowski said. "He's a proven winner."

Ruben agrees Latics termsTigers GM Dave Dombrowski confirms contract offer to Damon

Angels reliever Shields says rehab on track

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Angels reliever Scot Shields said his recovery from season-ending knee surgery last June is on track and Los Angeles' bullpen has never been better.

"This one is up there with the best of them since I've been here," said Shields, the Angels' longest-tenured player.

Scot Shields#62 RP
Los Angeles Angels

2009 STATS

GM20W1L3BB15K12ERA6.62

With John Lackey now in Boston and Chone Figgins gone to Seattle, Shields is the only player remaining from the championship team.

He played in eight games with the Angels in 2001 and then was 5-3 with a 2.20 ERA in 29 games when Los Angeles won the World Series in 2002.

Shields has been a bullpen mainstay as the right-handed setup man, spanning the tenures of closers Troy Percival, Frankie Rodriguez and Brian Fuentes.

His career 3.03 ERA and average of 8.2 strikeouts per nine innings (against 3.4 walks) made him a top setup man. Averaging 66 games per season made him one of the most reliable.

But Shields appeared in a career-low 20 games last season before opting for left knee surgery in mid-June. He admitted to pitching in pain while accumulating a career-worst 6.62 ERA over 17 2/3 innings.

This spring, he's receiving the kid-gloves' treatment.

"They're slowing me down compared to everybody else," he said, "but that was the game plan from the day I had surgery -- don't be ready for the first day of spring training, be ready for the season.

"Everything is going good. It was the plan all along."

Despite the slow start, Shields has said he'll be ready for Opening Day on April 5, when the Angels host the Minnesota Twins.

And he's excited to join this season's bullpen.

"We have quantity and quality and you don't really see that often in bullpens," he said. "We've got a lot of guys that can do a lot of different things and do it very well. That's very encouraging."

The Angels let Justin Speier and Darren Oliver go from last year's bullpen. They've replenished with the additions of former Detroit closer Fernando Rodney and Brian Stokes from the New York Mets.

"Every year, we lose one or two guys, but this organization has done a great job of getting guys in return that can do a very good job," Shields said. "Losing Darren Oliver hurt, but you gain Fernando Rodney, Stokes. And [Jason] Bulger and [Kevin] Jepsen, another year under their belts, that's going to help out a lot, too."

Angels manager Mike Scioscia says the bullpen will remain one of the best in baseball, especially with Shields back.

"If those three guys [Shields, Fuentes and Rodney] are fresh and healthy, we're going to be able to shorten the game as well as anybody in baseball," Scioscia said.

New York Mets get OF Gary Matthews Jr. and cash from Los Angeles Angels for right-hander Brian StokesCazorla hit with injury blow

Jair Jurrjens of Atlanta Braves says shoulder is 'really tight'

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- A clean MRI this week gave Jair Jurrjens relief that there's no structural problem with his right shoulder.

Even so, Jurrjens was not ready to throw on Friday when the Atlanta Braves pitchers and catchers reported to spring training. He said tightness in the shoulder could keep him from throwing "for a week or two."

Jurrjens

Jurrjens said Friday he expects to be ready for the start of the season, but he said he'll be behind other Braves pitchers as he works out the stiffness.

"I'm hoping in a week or two I can start playing catch a little bit," Jurrjens said. "I was throwing from the mound already back home. I don't think it will take so long to get back up. We'll see. We're going to take it slow and hopefully I can get back on the field quick."

Braves orthopedist Dr. Xavier Duralde prescribed a week of rest and treatment for Jurrjens following Wednesday's MRI, which revealed only inflammation.

"I'm happy nothing showed up," Jurrjens said. "The doctor said that's the most beautiful MRI he ever saw in his life. Everything is intact and nothing is wrong in there. I'm happy with that."

The first official workout for pitchers and catchers is Saturday. Jurrjens will spend the day "stretching and stretching" to try to regain flexibility in the shoulder.

"I'm really tight in my shoulder and I think that's where the inflammation is," he said.

Jurrjens says he made an awkward underhand throw while working out last week, causing the problem.

"Playing around and doing something stupid, I felt something," he said. "I've learned when I work out to make sure I stretch it and don't play around. It's something you learn and I'll make sure I never do it again."

Jurrjens could enter the season as Atlanta's No. 1 starter following the offseason trade that sent Javier Vazquez to the Yankees.

Jurrjens was 14-10 and ranked third in the National League with a 2.60 ERA last season.

"We take for granted that he is what he is," said Braves manager Bobby Cox of Jurrjens, who turned 24 on Jan. 29. "He was phenomenal. I think we've just grown to expect that. That's why we take it for granted.

"He's a sharp kid. He can take good stuff to the mound and, I don't want to use the word 'dominate' every time, but he came close to it last year. He's one of those special guys, he can sit on 92 the whole ball game until the seventh, then all of a sudden there's a 96 up there on the strikeout."

The Braves' projected rotation also includes Tim Hudson, Derek Lowe, Tommy Hanson and Kenshin Kawakami.

Cox said he hasn't picked a No. 1 starter.

MRI on Jair Jurrjens of Atlanta Braves shows shoulder inflammation, no structural damageGuardado rejects transfer talk

Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski confirms contract offer to Damon

Detroit Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says he has made a contract offer to free agent Johnny Damon.

Dombrowski confirmed the offer in a telephone interview with The Associated Press after telling reporters in Lakeland, Fla., that the Tigers were interested in signing the outfielder.

Johnny Damon#18 LF
New York Yankees

2009 STATS

GM143HR24RBI82R107OBP.365AVG.282

The 36-year-old Damon hit .286 with 24 homers for the New York Yankees last season. He likely would bat leadoff for the Tigers, filling the void left when Detroit dealt Curtis Granderson to the Yankees.

Damon also would give Detroit a left-handed bat it needs and a veteran in the outfield, where his savvy is an asset and his arm a liability.

The Atlanta Braves also appear interested in adding Damon.

Damon helped the Yankees win the World Series for the first time since 2000, hitting .282 with 23 homers and 82 RBIs, but he was coming off a $52 million, four-year contract.

While he initially wanted a long-term deal at the same average salary, New York valued the 36-year-old at far less. The Yankees kept reducing their offer, claiming payroll constraints.

They now have no place for Damon after acquiring Granderson, signing free agent outfielders Randy Winn and Marcus Thames and signing designated hitter Nick Johnson to become their No. 2 hitter.

The Chicago White Sox withdrew their offer to Damon, general manager Ken Williams said Friday, a decision first reported by ESPNChicago.com.

Atletico snap up SalvioDetroit Tigers, Justin Verlander finalize five-year, $80 million contract

Johan Santana of New York Mets feels confident after elbow surgery

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Asked to pick the best pitcher in the NL East, New York Mets ace Johan Santana had a quick answer.

"Santana," he said Thursday.

Santana

Santana reported to spring training expressing confidence in both his team and his surgically repaired left elbow.

"We are confident about the things we can do," Santana said. "We are healthy and we are definitely happy to be back on the field and do the things we know. It's going to be a good atmosphere around here, and everyone wants to move on and get everything going."

Santana began throwing off a mound last month for the first time since August when he was shut down to have surgery to remove bone chips. He spent much of the offseason working out at Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers and said he has made progress since first stepping back on a mound in Port St. Lucie during the Mets' three-day minicamp at the end of January.

"I'm able to let it go," Santana said. "I am able to throw my fastball with no problems and throw my breaking balls and my changeup without feeling that sharp pain in the back of my elbow now. I am able to throw all my pitches pain free, so that's a big plus for me."

Santana was reminded during a news conference that the last time he underwent elbow surgery, he went on to win a Cy Young Award the next season, his first of two with the Minnesota Twins.

Despite his elbow problems, he went 13-9 with a 3.13 ERA in 25 starts last year.

"My plan is definitely to win the World Series," Santana said. "That's what we want to do. If I win the Cy Young, great. I feel good. I am going to compete, and I am going to try to do my best every time I am out there. If I stay healthy, I think I'm going to have a chance."

Santana doesn't mind the naysayers doubting the Mets this season. Even after an injury-plagued season resulted in a 70-92 year, he believes his team has the talent to succeed. He also said he hasn't changed his mind about wanting to be in New York.

New deal delights JeffrenNew York Mets’ Johan Santana to throw Tuesday to test elbow

Cliff Lee of Seattle Mariners set to throw first bullpen session Feb. 24

Lee

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Seattle Mariners have set Feb. 24 as the target date for pitcher Cliff Lee's first bullpen session of spring training.

Lee is coming off of foot surgery, and his workouts have been limited.

"Cliff Lee will play catch, but other than that we're going to try to keep him off his feet for a couple of days," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said Thursday as the team warmed up for its first full workout of spring training.

Wakamatsu also said catcher Rob Johnson will be limited to batting practice and a throwing program while he comes back from offseason hip operations, and pitcher Erik Bedard will be limited to playing catch.

Villarreal go for GarridoCliff Lee arrives at Seattle Mariners camp with bandaged foot

Cliff Lee arrives at Seattle Mariners camp with bandaged foot

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Cliff Lee has a new spring training address in Arizona, the Seattle Mariners' complex, but it likely will be another week or more before he can pitch.

Acquired from Philadelphia in the biggest trade of the offseason, Lee has a bandage around his left foot following Feb. 5 surgery to remove a bone spur. He arrived Wednesday for a physical and said he's getting around fine.

"It won't affect me," Lee said.

Lee

The 31-year-old left-hander is expected to combine with Felix Hernandez to give Seattle among the best rotation fronts in the major leagues.

"It's minor in terms of Cliff. I think he's feeling really good about himself," Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said. "When they went in and did it, they thought it was kind of a surface-type injury."

Seattle and the doctors preferred that Lee have the operation earlier rather than later.

"That's common sense," Zduriencik said. "Three weeks now is a whole lot different than three weeks in the middle of July."

Left-hander Erik Bedard, who became a free agent before deciding to stay in Seattle, is recovering from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. He might be sidelined until June.

"I'm very excited where Erik's at," Zduriencik said. "The date for when he's going to come back is yet to be determined. None of us know that yet. But I think if you talk to Erik, he's excited about where he's at physically. I'm really looking forward to when he's healthy and on that mound pitching."

Zduriencik also mentioned the importance of a healthy Sean White, placed on the 60-day disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis last September. White had a 2.80 ERA out of the bullpen last season.

Catcher Rob Johnson had offseason operations on his left and right hips and left wrist.

"He's probably a little ahead of schedule," Zduriencik said.

Seattle likely will limit Johnson during the early part of spring training.

"A lot of new fresh faces, a lot of enthusiasm," Johnson said. "Totally taking this organization in a different direction, and it's for the better. Just a lot of excitement, man, getting going. We're pumped."

Seattle Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee has minor foot surgeryEdmilson arrives at Zaragoza

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants finalize two-year, $23M deal

SAN FRANCISCO -- Tim Lincecum and the San Francisco Giants have finalized their $23 million, two-year contract that avoided salary arbitration.

Lincecum

The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner reached a preliminary agreement last Friday, and the sides have completed the deal, team spokesman Jim Moorehead said Wednesday.

Lincecum gets a $2 million signing bonus, payable half on March 15 with the rest due on March 15, 2011. He receives salaries of $8 million this year, $13 million in 2011 and the chance to earn performance and award bonuses. He made $650,000 last year.

In addition to his salary, Lincecum would earn $200,000 for pitching 225 innings, a figure he reached in each of his two full seasons. He would get $500,000 for each Cy Young Award, $250,000 for finishing second, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. He also would get $100,000 each time he's an All-Star, $100,000 for NL MVP, $75,000 for World Series MVP and $50,000 for league championship series MVP.

Already a two-time All-Star, Lincecum is 40-17 with a 2.90 ERA with 676 strikeouts in three big league seasons. He won 18 games in his first Cy Young season of 2008, then 15 to win again last season after leading the league with 261 strikeouts and tying for top marks in the NL with four complete games and two shutouts.

Two other top pitchers recently received five-year contracts, with Detroit's Justin Verlander getting $80 million and Seattle's Felix Hernandez $78 million.

Tim Lincecum files for record $13M in arbitrationPremier duo eye young keeper

MRI on Jair Jurrjens of Atlanta Braves shows shoulder inflammation, no structural damage

Jurrjens

ATLANTA -- An MRI on Atlanta Braves pitcher Jair Jurrjens' right shoulder has revealed inflammation but no structural problems.

The Braves say team orthopedist Dr. Xavier Duralde has prescribed a week of rest and treatment for Jurrjens following Wednesday's MRI. Jurrjens is expected to start throwing next week.

Braves pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Friday.

Duralde says the MRI showed anterior shoulder inflammation. He says the structure of the shoulder and labrum looked normal.

Jurrjens says he made an awkward throw while working out last week, causing lingering discomfort. He was 14-10 and ranked third in the NL with a 2.60 ERA last season.

Ben Sheets agrees with Oakland Athletics for one season, $10 millionSergio sidelined for Depor

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Brad Bergesen hurts shoulder filming commercial; team changes policy

BALTIMORE -- Baltimore Orioles right-hander Brad Bergesen will be slowed at the start of spring training after hurting his shoulder while filming a promotional spot in December, an injury that caused the team to institute a new policy regarding commercial shoots.

Bergesen

Bergesen strained his right shoulder while performing in a commercial promoting Baltimore's 2010 season. He will see limited action for a week to 10 days after the Orioles pitchers and catchers begin workouts Thursday in Sarasota, Fla.

Bergesen had his rookie season cut short last year after being hit in the shin by a line drive on July 30. The right-hander had not thrown off a mound from August until the commercial shoot, and he hurt himself by throwing at game-speed.

"He just did too much, too soon," said Andy MacPhail, the club president of baseball operations, said Tuesday from Sarasota. "He's behind the rest of the pitchers at this point, but it's nothing we think is going to delay his regular season."

MacPhail said the club will monitor the filming of commercials in the future.

"We will make sure we have one of our medical personnel or baseball operations personnel present from now moving forward," he said.

Bergesen was 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA in 19 starts last season. He is expected to be part of a rotation that includes Kevin Millwood, Jeremy Guthrie, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman.

Ibrahimovic - Goals will comeErik Bedard, Seattle Mariners agree to 1-year deal with option

Adam Kennedy finalizes one-year deal with Washington Nationals

WASHINGTON -- Free-agent second baseman Adam Kennedy and the Washington Nationals finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract Friday.

Kennedy

The deal, agreed to a week earlier subject to a physical, calls for a $1.25 million salary this year and includes a $2 million club option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout. Kennedy took his physical Friday.

The 34-year-old hit .289 with 11 homers and 63 RBIs for the Oakland Athletics last season, his 11th in the majors.

He provides a defensive upgrade at second base for the Nationals.

"A couple of the guys that we do have on the staff are groundball pitchers, and we are going to be counted on to help them," Kennedy said in a telephone interview. "So, hopefully, I can help with that."

Kennedy's acquisition probably means Cristian Guzman will stay at shortstop. There had been some discussion of moving him to second base.

Kennedy has a career .277 batting average, with 68 homers and 486 RBIs while playing for the Cardinals, Angels and Athletics. He was voted MVP of the 2002 American League championship series with the Angels.

While the Nationals lost more than 100 games each of the past two seasons, Kennedy took note of general manager Mike Rizzo's roster moves.

"He's got some pretty nice players," Kennedy said. "I like the direction he seems be having the team going."

Washington also has added catcher Ivan Rodriguez, starting pitcher Jason Marquis, closer Matt Capps and relievers Brian Bruney, Tyler Walker and Eddie Guardado.

Pitchers and catchers report for Nationals spring training at Viera, Fla., on Feb. 19.

"I just think we're all looking forward to getting down to Florida and getting familiar with each other," Kennedy said, "and getting ready to make a run at it."

Carlos Ruiz signs three-year, $8.85 million deal with Philadelphia PhilliesStrachan eyes Nak deal

'Big Hurt' Frank Thomas announces retirement after 19-year career

CHICAGO -- Frank Thomas has announced his retirement following a 19-season career in which he hit 521 homers and won two American League MVP awards with the Chicago White Sox.

The Big Hurt made the announcement Friday. Considering he didn't play last season, the news was hardly shocking.

With his power and ability to hit for a high average, Thomas figures to land in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.

A five-time All-Star who batted .301, Thomas is tied for 18th with Ted Williams and Willie McCovey on baseball's home run list while driving in 1,704 runs. And in an era clouded by performance-enhancing drugs, he was outspoken against their use.

AL Back-to-Back MVPS

The White Sox's Frank Thomas is one of six players in American League history to win two straight MVP awards.

Player Seasons 

Frank Thomas 1993-94 

Roger Maris 1960-61 

Mickey Mantle 1956-57 

Yogi Berra 1954-55 

Hal Newhouser 1944-45 

Jimmie Foxx 1932-33 

Thomas, 41, split his final three seasons between Oakland and Toronto, but he'll be remembered most for a 16-year run with the White Sox.

He quickly emerged as one of the best players after debuting in 1990, winning MVP awards in 1993 and 1994 and a batting title in 1997 while setting club records for home runs (448) and RBIs (1,465) before a bitter split following the 2005 World Series-winning season.

Thomas was upset when the club bought out his option for $3.5 million that December, and things got particularly nasty during the 2006 spring training. He sounded off in an interview with The Daily Southtown of suburban Tinley Park, Ill., and general manager Ken Williams responded by calling him "an idiot."

Thomas was angry with the organization for portraying him as a damaged player, although injuries to his left ankle limited him to 34 games and made him a spectator as the White Sox grabbed their first World Series title since 1917.

Thomas criticized owner Jerry Reinsdorf for not calling him before the team decided to let him go.

He wound up going to Oakland and hit 39 homers with 114 RBIs in 2006 before signing an $18.12 million, two-year contract with Toronto. The Blue Jays released him early in the 2008 season, a day after he became angry after being taken out of the lineup. Thomas wound up back in Oakland, appearing in 55 games with the Athletics before a right thigh injury ended his season.

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Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Corey Hart awarded raise in arbitration

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Outfielder Corey Hart beat the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee's first salary arbitration hearing in 12 years.

Hart was awarded a raise from $3.25 million to $4.8 million by a panel of arbitrators on Friday instead of the Brewers' offer of $4.15 million.

Corey Hart#1 RF
Milwaukee Brewers

2009 STATS

GM115HR12RBI48R64OBP.335AVG.260

In the first case in the major leagues to go to a hearing this year, arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, John Sands and Sylvia Skratek issued their decision one day after hearing arguments. Ten additional players are scheduled for hearings through next week.

Hart hit .260 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs last season.

The previous Milwaukee player to go to a hearing had been Jose Mercedes, awarded $1.05 million in 1998 by Roger Abrams, Jerome Ross and Gil Vernon rather than the team's offer of $615,000. Mercedes had gone 7-10 with a 3.79 ERA in 23 starts and six relief appearances the previous season.

Players won two of three hearings last year, their first winning record since going 7-3 in 1996. Last year tied the record for fewest hearings in a year, set in 2005.

Owners hold a 280-208 margin in cases that have gone to hearings since arbitration began in 1974.

Still scheduled for hearings are: Los Angeles Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, Washington right-hander Brian Bruney, Nationals left-hander Sean Burnett, Baltimore right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, Arizona right-hander Edwin Jackson, Angels catcher Jeff Mathis, Houston left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, Florida outfielder Cody Ross, Chicago Cubs shortstop Ryan Theriot and Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton.

Tim Lincecum, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, reached a preliminary agreement on a $23 million, two-year contract ahead of the scheduled start of his hearing Friday.

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Seattle Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee has minor foot surgery

SEATTLE -- Cliff Lee's first spring training with the Seattle Mariners is off to a slow start already.

Lee is recovering from minor foot surgery and will be limited when pitchers and catchers report to Seattle's camp in Arizona this month.

Lee

"We decided Lee should have the surgery as soon as possible, rather than try to pitch with the discomfort during the year," general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a release Monday. "To get it out of the way and have it behind us is important."

Seattle's biggest acquisition during its splashy winter had surgery Friday in his native Arkansas to remove a bone spur that broke loose and was floating in his left foot.

Lee's foot is not in a cast, and he is continuing his upper-body exercise program. The Mariners said the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner will "gradually return to all normal baseball activities" over the next two to three weeks.

Zduriencik acquired Lee from Philadelphia in a complicated four-team deal that gave Seattle one of baseball's best pair of aces, along with 2009 AL Cy Young Award runner-up Felix Hernandez.

Lee went 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA for the Phillies after he was acquired from Cleveland on July 29. He was even better in the playoffs, going 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five starts and earning both of Philadelphia's wins in the World Series against the Yankees.

The 31-year-old left-hander has one year and $9 million remaining on his contract.

Seattle's first workout for pitchers and catchers is Feb. 18 in Peoria, Ariz.

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Owner Jim Pohlad reiterates Minnesota Twins' desire to retain catcher Joe Mauer

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Twins have been spending their way out of that small-budget image, mirroring the imminent increase in revenue from their new ballpark with a big spike in player salary commitments.

Lead owner Jim Pohlad said it's a sustainable development. So even if the Twins sign Joe Mauer to a mammoth contract extension, they're not afraid it would cost too much to keep a contending-caliber core of players around the American League MVP.

Pohlad

"I think Target Field puts us in better position to make sure that we have a competitive team from year to year," Pohlad said Monday. "Names will come and names will go, but overall the objective is always to have the best team on the field."

The Pohlad family has consistently followed a model of keeping the annual player payroll pegged to 50 percent of team revenue, though in rebuilding years it's fallen well below that. At the Metrodome, there wasn't as much money coming in. This year, though, the payroll will rise by roughly $30 million to a team record above $95 million.

"All new ballparks have their peaks, and I'm sure the initial years will be very good to the Twins," Pohlad said. "Then it'll be up to us to sustain it after that, but the ballpark itself I think can sustain it for a long time."

In a question-and-answer session with reporters in a conference room overlooking a snow-covered Target Field, Pohlad dismissed the notion that the team has been trying to disprove a tightfisted reputation.

"We're not trying to show people," he said. "We're trying to do what we said we're going to do."

Pohlad declined to discuss specifics about negotiations with Mauer on a new deal, citing a pledge to the catcher and his agent to keep the details private. He said he's "absolutely not active at all" in the process, but reiterated the team's desire to keep the homegrown star around for good.

Pohlad said the Twins aren't interested in the possibility of deferred compensation as a way to make a rich long-term contract like Mauer's work.

"They make you feel real good at the time, and then later on you wish you hadn't done that," Pohlad said.

He also indicated an openness to signing Mauer for nine or 10 years, if that's what it would take. First baseman Justin Morneau's six-year contract signed two years ago is the current Twins record.

"I don't think six is a magic number," Pohlad said, adding: "Total value is what drives it. We do not have a term policy."

Since last August, the Twins have added multimillion-dollar players in Orlando Hudson, Jim Thome, J.J. Hardy, Carl Pavano and Jon Rauch. Fans, though, should not expect a spree like that every year.

"We're not going to spend the money just to spend the money," Pohlad said, adding: "We're going to try to put the best team on the field in the most prudent financial way, and I think we accomplished that this year."

Asked about general manager Bill Smith's praise last year for the ownership's approval of the late-season acquisitions, Pohlad quipped: "I think it was time for his review."

Pohlad also reiterated the family's philosophy of trusting the front office to take care of the roster and not meddling or micromanaging in the day-to-day operations of the organization. The family has a small empire of business interests, and the Twins take up between 20 percent and 30 percent of Pohlad's time.

They're fired up about this year's team, though, as they always are.

"We may be characterized as a relatively disengaged ownership group, but we do care about winning and losing," Pohlad said. "There may be one or two down years, but even during those years we're going to care and we're going to want to do better. I've said this a million times and my brothers are the same. We're fans."

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Erik Bedard, Seattle Mariners agree to 1-year deal with option

SEATTLE -- Despite shoulder surgeries and disappointment in Seattle during each of the last two seasons, free-agent left-hander Erik Bedard is going back to the Mariners.

General manager Jack Zduriencik announced Saturday the team and the oft-injured 30-year-old agreed to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2011.

The contract is expected to have a base salary of a fraction of the $7.75 million Bedard made last season. It includes incentive clauses, the exact value of which were not immediately known.

Erik Bedard#45 SP
Seattle Mariners

2009 STATS

GM15W5L3BB34K90ERA2.82

He is rehabilitating with a physical therapist in his native Canada following surgery in August to repair a torn labrum in his pitching shoulder. Last week, Mariners trainer Rick Griffin said the normal recovery time for the procedure is 10 to 12 months. That would have Bedard making his season debut in June at the earliest.

"He has a ways to go," said Griffin, who has been overseeing Bedard's rehabilitation from afar because the team had been financially responsible for it while he was a free agent.

Zduriencik believes this latest, low-cost move that caps Seattle's splashy winter could pay off handsomely -- if Bedard can get and stay healthy.

"We think Erik is an important piece for us to add," Zduriencik said. "We're confident he'll be ready to pitch [in] major league games this season.

"We've carefully monitored his recovery from surgery and his rehabilitation process and are confident he'll be a contributor to our 2010 campaign."

After two disappointing seasons with Bedard, Seattle no longer needs him to be on top of the rotation. The Mariners traded for former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee this winter to pair with Felix Hernandez, whom the team recently minted with a $78 million contract.

The Mariners declined to offer Bedard salary arbitration this winter after paying him $14.75 million for two seasons during which he won 11 games in 30 starts. Shoulder troubles kept him from pitching past July 4 in his first season with the team.

He had surgery in September 2008 to remove a cyst in his left shoulder. He was on the active roster for just 20 days past June 17 last season before his next surgery.

When he has pitched for the Mariners, he has rarely lasted deep into games.

Seattle's trade for him before the 2008 season cost the Mariners five top prospects, including eventual All-Stars in closer George Sherrill and outfielder Adam Jones. The failed deal helped doom then-general manager Bill Bavasi, who was fired before the 2008 season ended.

Bedard was 28-16 while averaging nearly 200 strikeouts per season for Baltimore in 2006 and '07. He was 6-4 with a 3.67 ERA with Seattle in 2008 before the shoulder woes.

If he can pitch again by the summer, Bedard would likely enter the rotation behind Hernandez, Lee and returning left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith. The Mariners also have right-hander Ian Snell, who has a salary of about $4.4 million for 2010.

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Cleveland Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore apologizes for photo scandal

CLEVELAND -- Fully clothed, Grady Sizemore faced his public with nothing to hide.

Stung by having semi-nude photos of him posted on the Internet, Cleveland's popular center fielder said he never intended for the photos, which Sizemore maintains were stolen from an e-mail account, to be viewed publicly and that he regrets the embarrassment their exposure has caused.

Sizemore

"It's tough," he said. "This is a situation where it's a private matter and personal photos were stolen illegally. I've always tried to represent myself and the Cleveland organization as best as possible and to put everybody through this is a terrible feeling and I apologize to everybody."

In November, the photos -- one of Sizemore standing nearly naked in front of a bathroom mirror -- appeared online. Sizemore, who said he took the photos for his girlfriend, contacted Major League Baseball officials to stop them from spreading to Web sites.

On Wednesday night, Sizemore was a presenter at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. After appearing on stage, Sizemore addressed the scandal but failed to accept culpability in the photos going public.

"This is a private matter," he said. "I never intended for any of this to get out. I hate to have to put everybody through this, but in the end it just wasn't meant to come out. It was meant for me and my girlfriend and it just happened to work out the way it did.

"You always have to be careful, but this was something that was stolen out of an e-mail account. It wasn't like we intended for these pictures to go anywhere. We weren't flying them anywhere. We weren't showing them to friends. This was stolen out of an e-mail account."

While Indians fans may move on, there's a chance Sizemore may hear more about the photos in opposing ballparks.

"I'm not going to speculate as to what people are going to do," he said. "I've put it behind me and I'm looking forward to this year."

A two-time Gold Glove winner and three-time All-Star, Sizemore underwent offseason surgery on his elbow and abdomen. He has been cleared by doctors and won't have any limitations when training camp opens in a few weeks.

"I've been hitting and throwing and lifting and running and everything has felt good," he said.

Sizemore batted a career-low .248 with 18 homers and 64 RBIs before deciding to stop playing on Sept. 4.

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Detroit Tigers, Justin Verlander finalize five-year, $80 million contract

DETROIT -- Justin Verlander likely would have earned a nine-figure contract if was able to stay healthy and successful for two more seasons.

Instead, Verlander agreed to an $80 million, five-year deal to stay with the Detroit Tigers.

"It wasn't very tempting, to be honest," he insisted Thursday after the contract was finished. "It's fun to think about, but why risk anything else if you know this is where you want to play baseball? And, I certainly don't plan on my career being over in five years."

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In fact, Verlander is aiming at an honor that could potentially happen five years after he retires.

"I have one goal, and that's to make it to the Hall of Fame," he said. "If you get there, you've done some things right."

The Tigers will get a good return on their investment if he makes progress toward that lofty destination. In the meantime, they won't have to deal with the possibly trading the right-hander or risking losing him in free agency.

Verlander's deal that avoids a salary arbitration hearing includes a $500,000 signing bonus, $6.75 million this season, $12.75 million next year and $20 million in each of the following three seasons. He would have been eligible for free agency after the 2011 World Series.

Tigers president and general manager Dave Dombrowski said it was "a very happy moment for the organization" during a news conference at Comerica Park.

"He's one of the best pitchers in baseball and someone who can anchor our staff over the next five years," Dombrowski said.

Verlander is the only pitcher in baseball history to pitch a no-hitter, start a World Series game, be voted Rookie of the Year and a selected an All-Star in his first two full seasons.

The 2006 AL Rookie of the Year tied for the major league lead with 19 wins last season. He led the majors with 269 strikeouts, 240 innings and 35 starts, and had a career-best 3.45 ERA.

Detroit has appeased some fans upset by the franchise trading All-Stars Curtis Granderson and Edwin Jackson and choosing not to re-sign free agents Placido Polanco and Fernando Rodney.

"That was tough seeing Curtis, Edwin, Polanco and Rodney go," Verlander acknowledged. "But when I took a step back and looked at what we got in return, I actually got excited about it."

Detroit signed closer Jose Valverde with a $14 million, two-year deal last month in another decision that Dombrowski said proves he wasn't only interested in cutting costs this offseason.

"When you talk about this signing, you can see that we're backing up what we're saying," he said.

If Dombrowski makes another move, it would be to bolster the offense. He declined to say whether the club is interested in signing free agent outfielder Johnny Damon, who would add a much-needed, left-handed bat.

When figures were exchanged last month in arbitration, Verlander asked for $9.5 million for next season and the team offered $6.9 million. He made $3,675,000 last season.

The two-time All-Star got $2 million more than a comparable pitcher, Felix Hernandez, who likewise has played four full seasons in the majors. Hernandez also avoided arbitration with a $78 million, five-year deal with the Seattle Mariners this offseason. Verlander, 65-43 in his career with a 3.92 ERA, turns 27 this month. Hernandez, who is 58-41 with a 3.45 ERA, will be 24 in April.

Verlander was 17-9 with a 3.63 ERA in 2006 as a rookie and helped Detroit advance to the World Series for the first time since 1984. He became the first Tigers pitcher to throw a no-hitter since Jack Morris did it during the 1984 championship season.

"The guy throws 95 to 100," Milwaukee slugger Prince Fielder said after Verlander's no-hitter. "So you're not looking for a slider, and when he throws it that good for a strike it just kind of buckles you and you have to tip your cap."

Verlander was 18-6 in his second season and made the All-Star team. Only Dwight Gooden, who won 41 games for the New York Mets during the 1984-85 seasons, had more victories among pitchers in their first two full seasons since 1970.

After struggling two years ago with an 11-17 record, Verlander bounced back with a sensational season in 2009.

"Looking at five years up the road, I'm glad he's already had his struggles and learned how to deal with it," Dombrowski said.

Verlander agreed.

"I think it helps a lot, not only long term but after a bad start to know you have the guts to turn it around and to trust in yourself," he said.

Verlander had the highest single-season total of strikeouts in the AL since Pedro Martinez in 2000 and the most wins by a Tiger since Bill Gullickson in 1991. He became the first Detroit pitcher to lead baseball in innings pitched since Morris in 1983.

Former teammate Kenny Rogers said Verlander's wicked fastball, wildly breaking curve and knee-buckling changeup give him an assortment of pitches that reminded him only of Nolan Ryan.

Verlander insisted comparisons like that and the contract he has signed won't change him or his mindset.

"There's no more pressure on my shoulders because I make more money," he said.

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