Alomar close to deal with D-Backs
BOB BAUM / Associated Press
Posted: 34 minutes ago
PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Diamondbacks are close to signing 12-time All-Star second baseman Roberto Alomar, a team source said Monday night.
The source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a deal could come as soon as Tuesday.
Alomar, 35, has been working out in the Phoenix area for several weeks. Signing Alomar would cement an infield that includes Shea Hillenbrand at third, newly acquired Richie Sexson at first and Alex Cintron at shortstop.
The addition of Alomar would free Matt Kata - a rookie last season - to move into the utility role previously occupied by Craig Counsell, because Kata can play second, shortstop or third.
Alomar, entering his 17th big-league season, became a free agent when the Chicago White Sox declined to offer him arbitration.
Alomar had a disappointing stint with the New York Mets before being traded to Chicago on July 1.
Alomar earned $8 million in the final year of his contract last season, but reportedly was willing to take less from the financially strapped Diamondbacks, despite more lucrative offers elsewhere.
After two sub-par seasons, he would come to Arizona motivated to return to the form that he showed through most of a career that could land him in the Hall of Fame.
Alomar came to New York in an eight-player trade with Cleveland after batting .336 with 20 home runs and 100 RBIs for the Indians in 2001.
A 10-time Gold Glove winner, he hit just .266 in 2002, matching a career-low he set in his rookie season in 1988. Alomar was batting just .262 when the trade to Chicago was made, and batted .253 for the White Sox.
Alomar began his major league career in San Diego, then played for Toronto, Baltimore, Cleveland, the Mets and the White Sox.
He would be the second significant acquisition by the Diamondbacks, who earlier sent Counsell, Junior Spivey and four other players to Milwaukee for Sexson on Dec. 1.
