Rays expected to sign Neagle

By MARC TOPKIN
Published February 5, 2005

ST. PETERSBURG - The Devil Rays plan to take another low-cost gamble on a veteran starting pitcher with a successful past and an uncertain future.

Denny Neagle, who hasn't pitched since July 2003 because of injuries, is expected to be signed to a minor-league contract, with an announcement coming in the next few days. The 36-year-old left-hander was available because the Rockies released him and terminated his contract after he was issued a citation for solicitation in December, allegedly offering a woman $40 for oral sex. Neagle last week pleaded innocent to the charge, and is due back in a Colorado court April 7.

Neagle was owed at least $19-million by the Rockies under the terms of the five-year, $51-million contract he signed in December 2000. He had a $10-million salary for this season, and a $12.5-million option, or a $9-million buyout, in 2006. The union filed a grievance after the Rockies terminated his contract, and an arbitration hearing is scheduled in April.

In terminating the contract, the Rockies cited the standard contract provision stating a team can end the agreement should a player "fail, refuse or neglect to conform his personal conduct to the standards of good citizenship and good sportsmanship." Neagle had previous legal problems, pleading guilty to a 2003 charge of driving while impaired after his vehicle struck another.

No matter what the arbitrator decides, the Rays would pay Neagle only the major-league minimum $316,000 if he makes their team. Given the lack of depth in their rotation, his biggest hurdle would appear to be health. He has a 124-92 career record with a 4.24 ERA over 11 seasons with the Twins, Pirates, Braves, Reds, Yankees and Rockies, but was only 19-23 with a 5.57 ERA with the Rockies.

He has been sidelined since July 2003, having Tommy John elbow surgery and a minor shoulder surgery, but apparently threw well enough in a Friday session for Devil Rays officials to tender an offer.

CARAVAN: The annual winter caravan visits the Science Center and Tyrone Square Mall today. Athletic trainer Ken Crenshaw is scheduled to make an 11 a.m. presentation at the center (7701 22nd Ave. N), then be joined at 1 p.m. by pitchers Bobby Seay, Scott Kazmir, Jeff Niemann and Seth McClung. The players also will sign autographs at the mall from 3-4:30 p.m. The caravan continues next week with highlights including a Monday visit to MacDill Air Force Base, a Tuesday night autograph session at Gulf View Square mall in Port Richey, a Wednesday stop at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County, a Thursday visit to the Tampa Children's Hospital at St. Joseph's, a Friday trip to All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and a Feb. 12 autograph session at WestShore Plaza in Tampa.

MIAMI STADIUM DEAL: The Florida Marlins reached an agreement in principle with the city and Miami-Dade County on a plan for a $420-million ballpark adjacent to the Orange Bowl, but the deal still needs a $60-million sales tax rebate from the Florida Legislature.

Information from Times wires was used in the report.

[Last modified February 5, 2005, 00:57:15]