PHOENIX — The Athletics are close to signing free agent Orlando Cabrera to a $4 million, one-year contract, likely ending former AL rookie of the year Bobby Crosby’s disappointing tenure as the team’s starting shortstop.
The deal is contingent on the 34-year-old Cabrera’s passing a physical. Cabrera, a two- time Gold Glove winner, hit .281 with eight home runs and 57 RBIs in 161 games with the White Sox last season.
Crosby finished with an on- base percentage under .300 in each of the past three years.
Griffey set for spring debut
PEORIA, Ariz. — Now that Ken Griffey Jr.’s swollen knee has improved, he is ready to play in his first game for Seattle in a decade.
The slugger hit for about 10 minutes against two Single-A pitchers in a simulated game.
“That’s all I need,” a smiling Griffey told manager Don Wakamatsu after the session.
Wakamatsu confirmed Griffey will make his spring debut, as planned, at designated hitter Wednesday against Australia’s national team.
Leyland: Bonderman fine
LAKELAND, Fla. — Tigers manager Jim Leyland said right- hander Jeremy Bonderman, who was sent back to Detroit because of medical concerns about his pitching shoulder, was fine and will be on the mound before the team goes north in about five weeks.
Bonderman, who hasn’t pitched in a game all spring, went 3-4 with a 4.29 ERA last season, but was on the disabled list from June 7 through the rest of the season with a circulatory condition that resulted in numbness to his throwing hand.
Footnotes.
Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley (left quadriceps) ran and took batting practice without any setbacks. He is scheduled to be the designated hitter Wednesday against the Indians.
• Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton (Achilles tendon) is expected to return to the lineup Wednesday.
• Relievers Heath Bell and John Grabow were added to the U.S. roster for the World Baseball Classic.
• The perjury trial of Barry Bonds has been delayed at least through July and likely beyond, as an appeal filed by prosecutors over key evidence for the trial winds through the legal system.
• Tom Sturdivant, who pitched the Yankees to victory in Game 4 of the 1956 World Series on the day before Don Larsen’s famed perfect game, died Saturday in Oklahoma City. He was 78.
The Associated Press
