Rays/MLB

Arizona won't keep Gonzalez

By TIMES WIRES
Published September 15, 2006

PHOENIX - The Diamondbacks on Thursday told leftfielder Luis Gonzalez they will not bring him back next season.

"Gonzo's done about everything you can in this market as a player and as a person," general manager Josh Byrnes said. "But we feel very good about the cast that will continue to wear the uniform."

Eric Byrnes will move from centerfield to left in 2007 with rookies Chris Young and Carlos Quentin in center and right, respectively.

The club had not been expected to exercise its $10-million option on Gonzalez, 39, for 2007. But the graduate of Jefferson High in Tampa had said he would be open to a new deal.

Gonzalez, hitting .277 with 15 home runs and 71 RBIs this year, is expected to speak before tonight's game.

Twins get good news

CLEVELAND - Francisco Liriano does not have structural or ligament damage to his left arm, according to an MRI scan done on Minnesota's rookie pitcher.

The Twins called the results "favorable" and said Liriano, 22, out for the season after going 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA, hopes to be ready for the 2007 season.

"Now we have to find out why he's having pain," manager Ron Gardenhire said.

ORIOLES: Pitcher Kris Benson intends to talk to the team during the offseason before deciding on returning. Because he has five years of experience and was traded in the middle of a multiyear deal (from the Mets in January), he can request a trade during the offseason.

RANGERS: GM Jon Daniels said, "there are no plans" to fire manager Buck Showalter. In his fourth season, Showalter is 313-319 and never has finished better than third in the AL West.

[Last modified September 15, 2006, 01:20:17]