MLB Quickhits, February 16, 2007
Braves close to deal, Mauer signs, Lester ready
Feb 16, 2007 Philip James Liaboe
MLB QUICKHITS
February 16, 2007
Liberty Media one step closer to owning the Braves, A.L. Batting Champ signs first big contract, Zambrano makes ultimatum then takes it back, Bonds signs to play in 07, Lester ready to compete for spot in Red Sox starting rotation, and Halladay taking different approach this year.
Time Warner sells Braves
Liberty Media and Time Warner finally came to an agreement after 14 months of negotiating to sell the Atlanta Braves. The deal will have to be approved by 75% of Major League Baseball owners before the deal can become official, which could take many more months. Liberty Media has stated that if they come to own the Braves, not much will change in terms of General Manager, Manager, and other front office positions.
Batting Champ signs 4-year deal
A.L. Batting Champ Joe Mauer agreed to a four year $33 million with the Minnesota Twins earlier this week. The 23 year old Minnesota native avoided arbitration with the deal that the Twins hope will keep him with the team when their new stadium opens in 2010. Despite a knee injury in his rookie season in 2004, Mauer has developed into one of the Major Leagues elite hitters and defensive catchers.
Zambrano makes ultimatum to Cubs
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano, who is in the final year of his contract, made an ultimatum earlier this week saying he would leave the team as a free agent if they didn’t offer him a multi-year deal before the season begins. After an off-season that saw record contracts offered to high-profile pitchers like Barry Zitto, and an off-season in which the Cubs went on a massive spending spree, Zambrano wanted a contract similar to Zitto’s. Later in the week, Zambrano backed off his comments saying he’d be willing to negotiate a contract in the fall.
Bonds signs to play in 07
With Spring Training about to start, Bonds signed a one-year, $15.8 million contract and plans to participate in the Giants first full-squad practice next week. The contract was delayed several times in signing because of complicated language including conditions if he is indicted and a personal appearance provision. Bonds will begin the season just 22 homeruns shy of breaking Hank Aaron’s record.
Lester looking good so far
After being diagnosed with cancer, nobody knew what to expect. However, Jon Lester has reported to Spring Training and looks healthy. Lester had an impressive 5-0 run during his rookie season last year. However, he was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which threatened to end a promising career before it began. However, after enduring chemotherapy, Lester began his comeback. He will compete for a spot in the Red Sox starting rotation which includes Curt Schilling, Josh Becket, Tim Wakefield, and possibly John Papelbon. However, the Red Sox stated they will not rush Lester back.
Halladay taking cautious approach to this year
Former Cy-Young Award winner (2003) Roy Halladay has not pitched a full season since he won the award. Nagging injuries have been his bane every year since, causing the Blue Jays ace to take a different approach to preparing for this year. Halladay said in an interview with the associate press that he played more long toss, worked out harder, and threw less bullpens in the off-season hoping his arm and body would be stronger and better prepared to handle the long season.
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