CLEARWATER, Fla. — Center fielder Denard Span and the Twins have agreed to a $16.5 million, five-year contract, a deal that includes a $9 million team option for 2015.
“We go through a pretty good checklist of criteria before we enter discussions with a player about a long-term contract and he has been very good for us for two years,” Twins general manager Bill Smith said before Saturday’s game against the Phillies. “We thought the time was right. It’s a big deal for him, it provides him with a lot of security. It provides us some certainty with our leadoff hitter and center fielder.”
The 26-year-old Span became the Twins’ everyday center fielder when they traded Carlos Gomez to Milwaukee in the offseason.
Span, who wasn’t eligible for arbitration for another two years, was Minnesota’s first-round draft pick in 2002. He spent several years in the minor leagues before cementing a spot on the big- league roster last year.
Span hit .311 with eight homers, 10 triples and 68 RBIs in 145 games in 2009, while playing excellent defense in all three outfield spots.
Berkman might miss opener
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston’s Lance Berkman is expected to miss two to four weeks after having knee surgery to remove loose cartilage from his left knee.
Astros manager Brad Mills said that the surgery showed there was no damage to the meniscus or ligaments. The timetable for Berkman’s recovery puts him in jeopardy of missing opening day.
Disabled list likely for Webb
TUCSON — Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch says it’s becoming “very evident” Brandon Webb likely will begin the season on the disabled list.
The right-hander had shoulder surgery in August and could throw in the bullpen this week. Webb last threw in the bullpen March 4, saying he felt “stagnant.”
Footnotes.
Yankees co-chairman Hal Steinbrenner said that “the plan” is for owner George Steinbrenner to attend opening day in New York on April 13. The 79-year-old “Boss” has been in poor health for some time.
• Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka had his first scheduled throwing session of spring training canceled because of a stiff neck.
• White Sox outfielder Jared Mitchell is going to have surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left ankle. The club won’t have a timetable for his recovery until after the surgery.
• The Cubs’ Derrek Lee will miss a few more spring training games with a left foot injury that the first baseman says isn’t serious.
The Associated Press
