Yanks’ Judge to get multiyear contract offer, Cashman says
TAMPA, FLA. » New York Yankees star slugger Aaron Judge will soon get a proposal for a long-term contract extension, general manager Brian Cashman said Saturday.
“Between now and opening day we’ll make an offer and he’ll obviously receive an offer and all the conversions will have taken place and will either resolve into a multiyear deal or it won’t,” Cashman said.
“We’re committed. We’ll make an offer and hear what he has to say in response and then it will be pencils down before opening day,” he said.
The Yankees open on April 7 at home against the Boston Red Sox.
Judge said Saturday he was “pretty sure” he doesn’t want to negotiate a new contract during the regular season. The outfielder, who turns 30 next month, can become a free agent after the World Series.
“We haven’t decided yet, but for right now that’s what we’ve got,” Judge said. “I want to be here. Get a chance to play here for quite a few more years, that would be great. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m not too worried.”
The Yankees and Judge so far have failed to reach a deal for 2022, which could result in the two sides heading into arbitration during the season. He asked for a raise from $10,175,000 to $21 million, and the Yankees offered $17 million.
“Our position has always been, we wind up only in a hearing if we’re dragged there,” Cashman said. “We only go when forced to go. We’re not afraid of going. Our history shows that we stay out of that arena unless we’re compelled to get there. We’ll see how it all plays out.”
Judge hit .287 with 39 homers and 98 RBIs in 148 games last season.
Blue Jays pitching coach arested on DUI charges
TAMPA, FLA. » Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker apologized after being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence
a day earlier.
Walker was arrested early Friday morning in Pinellas County, Florida, and released later that day on $500 cash bond.
“There was a traffic incident on Thursday night that I was involved in,” the 52-year-old Walker told reporters Saturday. “I’m very apologetic to the Blue Jays organization, Blue Jays fans and my family.
“I’m working with my attorney to get resolution to this right now. My apologies to my three daughters, as well. Right now, we’re working through that with my attorney for resolution and that is the only comment I’ll have right now.”
The Blue Jays said they were gathering information and wouldn’t comment further “out of respect for the legal process.”
Guardians’ Karinchak sidelined
GOODYEAR, ARIZONA » Guardians reliever James Karinchak could miss the start of the regular season with a shoulder strain suffered earlier this week in camp.
One of Cleveland’s top bullpen arms, Karinchak underwent an MRI on Thursday that revealed a mild strain in his right teres major muscle. The team said Karinchak has already shown improvement, but won’t throw for up to 10 days
before being re-evaluated.
The Guardians open the season on April 7 in Kansas City.
The hard-throwing Karinchak, who also has a devastating curveball, went 7-4 with a 4.07 ERA and 11 saves last season. Manager Terry Francona has used Karinchak in a set-up role and as a closer.
Also, Guardians backup catcher Luke Maile could be out for a month with a strained hamstring. Maile got hurt while running the bases in an exhibition game this week.
Debut of Cards’ Molina delayed one day
JUPITER, FLA. » The Grapefruit League debut of St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina has been pushed back another day in order to give him more time to hone his swing, manager Oliver Marmol said on Saturday.
Molina had been scheduled to play in Sunday’s game against the New York Mets in Port St. Lucie.
“After yesterday and waking up, he just wants to get his legs under him and get some at-bats today,” Marmol said.
The 10-time All-Star Molina is now scheduled to make his debut on Monday against Houston.
“He feels playing at home on Monday probably makes more sense,” Marmol said.