Pena hopes 'good news' on deal follows cruise

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer
Published November 4, 2007

Carlos Pena left Saturday for a two-week cruise through the Hawaiian islands. But while the Rays MVP is on vacation, he said agent Scott Boras will be tending to business on what could be a multiyear, multi-million contract with the team.

"They're going to be seeing each other pretty soon," Pena said Saturday. "I hope there will be some good news when I return."

Pena was one of the game's biggest bargains in 2007, hitting a team-record 46 homers while making $800,000. The Rays have him under their control, but he is eligible for arbitration and the huge raise that comes with it. The most interesting question is whether the sides work out a multiyear deal (which Pena would like and the Rays are open to), a one-year deal or take their chances in arbitration. An initial proposal has been made and talks could begin in earnest at this week's GM meetings in Orlando.

Boras told the Times in September that Pena was having "probably a $15-million season," though a raise to the $5-million or $6-million range is more likely.

"It's exciting," Pena said. "We'll look at all the options and so will the Rays. Hopefully we can work something out that both parties will be very happy with."

A-ROD DEMANDS: Alex Rodriguez and agent Scott Boras demanded an offer of at least $350-million from the Yankees before they would agree to meet with the team, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reported.

According to Olney, the Yankees had planned to offer an extension of close to five years and $150-million. Rodriguez would have made another $81-million through 2010 under his contract with New York before he opted out last week.

Olney also reported that the Dodgers, considered one of the favorites to sign the likely AL MVP, are highly unlikely to make a serious run for him.

KANSAS CITY, HERE I COME: Though Trey Hillman's departure from Japan was less than perfect, he's ready for the next challenge as manager of the Royals.

Hillman managed his last game in Japan on Thursday when his Nippon Ham Fighters were on the losing end of a perfect game in the finale of the Japan Series.

Hillman, 44, had never played, coached or managed in the majors. But he was a successful minor-league manager, and the Fighters played in the Japan Series for the second straight year after winning Japan's version of the World Series in 2006.

Hillman rejected the notion that his lack of major-league experience will be a problem.

"I've done it in the trenches," Hillman said. "The best managers adapt to the strength of the ballclub."

CUBS: The team and reserve outfielder Daryle Ward exercised a $1.2-million mutual option for next season, but the club declined options on outfielder Cliff Floyd and right-hander Steve Trachsel.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

[Last modified November 3, 2007, 21:18:36]