'Big Cat' steps aside at age 43

By wire services
Published March 30, 2005

NEW YORK - Andres Galarraga retired Tuesday after a subpar spring training with the Mets, leaving him a homer shy of 400 for his career.

The 43-year-old first baseman signed a minor league deal in the offseason after making his second successful return from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma last season.

A five-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove in 19 seasons, Galarraga was hitting .235 in 17 games for the Mets this spring, with three home runs and seven RBIs.

"This is a sad day for me, but I honestly felt it was the right time to step away," Galarraga said in a statement. "I just wasn't playing up to the expectations that I have set for myself throughout my entire career, and I wanted to walk away on my own terms."

"Great, great career. Great man. Great person," manager Willie Randolph said.

In other Mets news, Pedro Martinez threw 83 pitches against minor leaguers four days after missing a scheduled start because of a lower-back strain. And New York claimed infielder Wilson Valdez off waivers from the White Sox, signed free-agent catcher Kelly Stinnett to a minor-league deal and got infielder Benji Gil from the Mariners for cash.

DIAMONDBACKS: Former third baseman Matt Williams announced he is becoming a partner in the team and will invest $3-million in the club over the next 10 years.

RED SOX: Curt Schilling rebounded from a shaky beginning and allowed one earned run over five innings against Pirates minor leaguers. The ace is expected to start the season on the disabled list after recovering from ankle surgery in November.

TRADES: The Red Sox reacquired reliever Mike Myers from St. Louis for two minor leaguers. Boston designated for assignment righty reliever Anastacio Martinez to make room for Myers, a left-hander whom Boston acquired from Seattle Aug. 6, but didn't re-sign. ... The Indians sent lefty Cliff Bartosh to the Cubs for minor-league righty Ronald Bay.

[Last modified March 30, 2005, 01:04:14]