CHICAGO — David DeJesus could become the starting right fielder for the Chicago Cubs after agreeing to a $10 million, two-year contract Wednesday.
“Ultimately, we feel that he is an above-average defender in right field. He’s played there quite a bit, actually moving over from center field a few years ago,” new general manager Jed Hoyer said. “I think he has the ability to do a lot of things. He makes contact. He gets on base.”
A .284 hitter during nine years with Kansas City and Oakland, DeJesus batted just .240 in his lone season with the Athletics.
He gives the Cubs versatility in the outfield and a reliable glove. Chicago could still be in the market for another left-handed hitter.
• Infielder Ramon Santiago has agreed to a two- year contract to remain with the Detroit Tigers.
The 32-year-old Santiago hit .260 in 101 games last season, playing mostly second base. He hit .295 after the all-star break, helping Detroit pull away to win the AL Central.
• Scott Elarton, a 17-game winner with Houston in 2000 who hasn’t pitched in the majors in three years, was among eight nonroster players the Philadelphia Phillies have invited to spring training.
• Texas Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland underwent surgery in Cleveland to have a small, pea- shaped bone removed from his right wrist.
• The Tampa Bay Rays have promoted Stan Boroski to bullpen coach, replacing Bobby Ramos.
Nets GM King denies Howard trade rumor
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New Jersey Nets general manager Billy King vehemently denied rumors that he was in trade discussions with the Orlando Magic regarding all-star center Dwight Howard.
“I’ll go on the record that I haven’t talked to Orlando about a trade since February, right before the trade deadline,” King said at a news conference at the team’s practice facility.
There were published reports stating that the Nets were in talks with the Magic about trading two first-round draft picks and center Brook Lopez in return for Howard, who is in the final year of his contract and will be a free agent in June.
Footnotes.
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller returned to practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in a game Nov. 12.
• Will Claxton and Daniel Summerhays topped the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament leaderboard at 8-under 64 after the first round at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif.
The top 25 in the six-round event will earn 2012 PGA Tour cards.
• Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt has received a wild-card spot in the Australian Open next month.
• Temple forward Michael Eric will miss six weeks after injuring his right knee.
The Associated Press
