Getting your player ready...
INDIANAPOLIS—Minnesota starter Carl Pavano, Atlanta reliever Rafael Soriano and Colorado setup man Rafael Betancourt accepted salary arbitration offers before Monday’s midnight deadline, keeping them with their teams for next season.
Free agents John Lackey, Matt Holliday and Jason Bay were among the players who declined. They can continue to negotiate with their former clubs with no time restrictions for signing.
Pavano, 34 next month, provided the Twins with a late boost. Acquired from Cleveland in early August for a minor leaguer, he went 5-4 over 12 starts down the stretch and helped Minnesota win the AL Central.
