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January 9, 2002
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Juan Gonzalez is returning to the Rangers, agreeing Tuesday night to a $24-million, two-year contract.
Gonzalez, who turned down two-year offers from the Mets and Orioles, rejoins the team with which he won two AL MVP awards and became the career leader in home runs and RBIs.
He'll join a lineup that features Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Ivan Rodriguez and recently acquired Carl Everett.
"We've got four potential first-ballot Hall of Famers on this club, so he doesn't have to come in here and carry the load, be the guy; but being in the middle of the order, he'll be a key component to our offense," general manager John Hart said.
NEW YORK -- Bud Selig and a company controlled by Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad arranged for a $3-million loan to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1995, a deal being called a possible violation of baseball rules.
Former commissioners Bowie Kuhn, Peter Ueberroth and Fay Vincent said Tuesday the loan was unprecedented and might have broken the rules. Former players association head Marvin Miller said it was a clear violation, although Selig's lawyer and several owners said there was nothing improper.
"It's such a treacherous thing," Vincent said. "It would raise in my mind all sorts of concerns."
Selig was chief executive officer of the Brewers at the time, as well as baseball's acting commissioner.
Selig is behind the plan to eliminate two teams before next season, likely the Twins and Montreal Expos. Pohlad could receive more in a contraction buyout than he would if he sold the franchise.
LABOR TALKS: Selig plans to address a negotiating committee of players today, a day after the union and owners resumed collective bargaining talks.
ISHII BID ACCEPTED: The Yakult Swallows accepted a bid to sell the rights to left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii to a major-league team, thought to be the Dodgers. The offer was between $11-million and $12-million.
ASTROS: Houston hopes to reach a multiyear agreement with closer Billy Wagner today.
PHILLIES: Right-handed reliever Ricky Bottalico was re-signed to a one-year, $1.5-million contract.
REDS: First baseman Sean Casey signed a one-year contract. ... Infielder Pete Rose Jr. signed a minor-league contract and was invited to spring training.
TIGERS: John Westhoff, a Dave Dombrowski assistant on the Marlins, was named vice president and legal counsel.
TWINS: Paul Molitor declined an offer to return as a coach because of the uncertainty caused by the contraction plan.
YANKEES: Reserve infielder Luis Sojo agreed to a minor-league contract and was invited to spring training.