GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Indians general manager Mark Shapiro would not comment Saturday on reports that he told American League Cy Young winner Cliff Lee he wouldn’t negotiate a contract extension for the left-hander.
“Over the course of spring training, we meet with a number of player agents,” Shapiro said Saturday. “Consistent with that, we talked with Darek Braunecker, who represents Cliff. Other than that, there’s really nothing to say.”
The Plain Dealer reported Friday that Shapiro had told Lee the Indians wouldn’t negotiate an extension because of the country’s uncertain economic conditions.
Braunecker met with the Indians on Thursday and told the newspaper: “They cited the economy as the primary issue for not negotiating an extension. It’s their prerogative and we respect that.”
Lee will be paid $5.75 million this season, and the Indians hold a club option at $9 million for 2010.
Uncertainty surrounds Lackey
TEMPE, Ariz. — Angels ace John Lackey received a cortisone shot in his right elbow in an attempt to relieve the pain in his ailing arm, and it’s uncertain when he’ll pitch again.
Lackey experienced discomfort after last Sunday’s start against Kansas City because of tightness in his forearm near the elbow.
Nationals rotation complete
VIERA, Fla. — Shairon Martis and Jordan Zimmermann have won the last two spots in the Nationals’ starting rotation.
Martis will start the year on the big-league roster, but Zimmermann will start the year in the minors before his first start against Florida on April 19.
Footnotes.
The Indians optioned outfielder Trevor Crowe and utilityman Chris Gimenez to Triple-A Columbus.
• The Pirates optioned outfielder Steve Pearce and catcher Robinzon Diaz to Triple-A Indianapolis.
• Brad Penny, still in contention for the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation, gave up two runs in four innings in a win over the Twins.
• Jason Hammel made a case to win a spot in the Rays’ starting rotation, tossed five scoreless innings in a loss to the Reds.
• Max Scherzer, slowed by shoulder inflammation this spring, pitched five solid innings as the Diamondbacks beat the Indians.
The Associated Press
