TUCSON — Arizona slugger Mark Reynolds says his agent is in “pretty heavy talks” on a new contract with the Diamondbacks.
Reynolds, one of many prominent Arizona position players who have arrived early for spring training, said he couldn’t share any figures, but the deal would be for either the two or three arbitration-eligible seasons beginning in 2011.
“Obviously, I’ve never been through this before,” Reynolds said Sunday. “It’s a process, I can tell you that. But I know they’re getting into pretty heavy talks right now, and hopefully in the next couple of weeks” a deal will be reached.
He said the team wants a new contract for cost certainty, and he wants it for job security.
The 26-year-old third baseman hit 44 home runs (fourth- most in the NL) with 105 RBIs last year, his second full season in the majors.
On the down side, he set a major-league record for strikeouts (223) for the second year in a row.
Damon has physical exam
A person familiar with the negotiations says Johnny Damon has completed his physical with the Detroit Tigers, clearing the way for the team to finalize a one-year contract with the outfielder.
The person spoke Sunday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn’t been announced.
Another person familiar with the situation said Saturday night that the Tigers and Damon agreed on an $8 million, one-year deal, subject to a physical.
Mauer reports to camp •
FORT MYERS, Fla. — American League MVP Joe Mauer reported to spring training for the Minnesota Twins without a contract extension in place.
He hasn’t talked specifics about the negotiations all offseason and said that won’t change now that spring training is beginning.
Padilla’s wound OK •
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Dodgers pitcher Vicente Padilla can laugh now about a gunshot wound that almost ended his career.
Padilla said Sunday he was practicing with a small handgun on Nov. 3 in his native Nicaragua when the weapon jammed. He said a friend was trying to fix the problem when the gun accidentally fired.
The bullet went into Padilla’s upper right thigh and came out through the back of his leg.
Padilla took part in the Dodgers’ first workout of the spring and didn’t show any effects from the injury.
Footnotes •
Left-hander Mark Buehrle has been selected to be the White Sox’s starting pitcher on opening day. . . . Athletics pitcher Justin Duchscherer, who missed all of last season after having surgery on his right elbow and being treated for clinical depression, has a back problem that kept him from working out. . . . Blue Jays reliever Dirk Hayhurst (shoulder surgery) was placed on the 60-day disabled list.
The Associated Press
