NEW YORK — Tim Lincecum and the Giants avoided a potentially divisive salary arbitration hearing, reaching a preliminary agreement Friday on a $23 million, two- year contract that gives the two-time NL Cy Young Award winner a huge raise.
The sides had been scheduled for a hearing Friday, and the right-hander with a high leg kick and stringy hair had asked for an arbitration- record $13 million. The Giants offered $8 million to the two-time all-star, eligible for arbitration for the first time after making $650,000.
Lincecum gets a $2 million signing bonus, $8 million this year, $13 million in 2011 and the chance to earn performance and award bonuses. The agreement is subject to a physical.
“It’s a win-win for both sides,” Giants vice president of baseball operations Bobby Evans said. “I was not expecting a settlement, at all. I don’t know what changed. It’s always ideal to have something both agree to as opposed to a third party figuring it out.
“We can focus on baseball from here forward.”
On Jan. 19, the same day proposed arbitration figures were exchanged, Lincecum agreed to pay $513 to resolve marijuana charges against him in Washington state.
He originally faced two misdemeanor charges of marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession stemming from a traffic stop Oct. 30. The charges were reduced to a civil infraction.
Thomas hangs ’em up.
Frank Thomas announced his retirement following a 19-season career in which he hit 521 homers and won two American League MVP awards with the White Sox. The five-time all-star, who didn’t play last year, batted .301 with a .419 on-base average and 1,704 RBIs.
“It took awhile to get to this point,” the 41-year-old Thomas said. “I know I hadn’t played since 2008, but I had to get baseball out of my system before I made this announcement. I’m happy with this announcement. I’m at peace with it. I had one heck of a career. I’m proud of it.”
Players 1, owners 0.
Outfielder Corey Hart beat Milwaukee in the first arbitration decision of the year after hitting .260 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs last season. He was awarded a raise from $3.25 million to $4.8 million by arbitrators Elizabeth Neumeier, John Sands and Sylvia Skratek rather than the Brewers’ offer of $4.15 million.
Eligible for arbitration for the first time, outfielder B.J. Upton argued for a raise from $435,000 to $3.3 million, and Tampa Bay defended its $3 million offer. A decision is expected today. Upton hit .251 with 11 homers, 55 RBIs and 42 steals last season.
Right-hander Jeremy Guthrie and Baltimore agreed to a $3 million, one-year contract that avoided a hearing.
Among free agents, second baseman Adam Kennedy and Washington finalized a $1.5 million, one-year contract and designated hitter Mike Sweeney (Seattle) and right-hander Kip Wells (Cincinnati) agreed to minor-league deals.
