CatBoxBackFan
Hall of Famer
Dellucci
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 8, 2004 12:00 AM
The team appears to be the front-runner to obtain free-agent David Dellucci in a four-team sweepstakes also involving Florida, Colorado and Texas, for whom the former Diamondbacks outfielder played last season.
General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. had conversations Tuesday with Dellucci's agent, Gregg Clifton, and both sides expressed optimism.
"We've got a little bit of a ways to go yet, but I'm hopeful," Clifton said. "I plan on reaching out to David now to update him as to where things are at this point and he's going to analyze all of it very thoroughly."
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The Diamondbacks have offered Dellucci a two-year deal believed to be worth $1.8 million and $2.5 million. The Marlins and Rangers also have offered two-year proposals, but Dellucci is expected to make a decision today and Arizona is believed to be his No. 1 choice.
Dellucci, who hit .242 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs, was a fan favorite with the Diamondbacks (1998-2003) and is being courted to help replace Danny Bautista in right field and offer depth at all three outfield positions. Arizona also has interest in free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz of Colorado.
Clayton update
The Diamondbacks will meet today with free-agent shortstop Royce Clayton and his representative, Rick Licht, in hopes of drawing nearer to a contract agreement.
Clayton, who lives in Scottsdale, wasn't offered arbitration by Colorado and has said he believes the Diamondbacks can compete for the National League West title with a few additions.
Those additions will likely be discussed at today's meeting with Garagiola and other club executives. Arizona has offers out to pitcher Russ Ortiz of the Braves and third baseman Troy Glaus of the Angels.
Short hops
According to Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams, the Sox no longer consider themselves in the hunt to land pitcher Randy Johnson in a trade.
• Craig Counsell's dad, former major leaguer John Counsell, said that his son would negotiate with the Diamondbacks if his current team, Milwaukee, didn't offer him arbitration. Milwaukee did not offer Counsell arbitration.
• The Diamondbacks approached veteran Greg Colbrunn about a minor league contract, but were told by his new agent that Colbrunn could be signing with another club.
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 8, 2004 12:00 AM
The team appears to be the front-runner to obtain free-agent David Dellucci in a four-team sweepstakes also involving Florida, Colorado and Texas, for whom the former Diamondbacks outfielder played last season.
General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. had conversations Tuesday with Dellucci's agent, Gregg Clifton, and both sides expressed optimism.
"We've got a little bit of a ways to go yet, but I'm hopeful," Clifton said. "I plan on reaching out to David now to update him as to where things are at this point and he's going to analyze all of it very thoroughly."
advertisement
The Diamondbacks have offered Dellucci a two-year deal believed to be worth $1.8 million and $2.5 million. The Marlins and Rangers also have offered two-year proposals, but Dellucci is expected to make a decision today and Arizona is believed to be his No. 1 choice.
Dellucci, who hit .242 with 17 home runs and 61 RBIs, was a fan favorite with the Diamondbacks (1998-2003) and is being courted to help replace Danny Bautista in right field and offer depth at all three outfield positions. Arizona also has interest in free-agent outfielder Jeromy Burnitz of Colorado.
Clayton update
The Diamondbacks will meet today with free-agent shortstop Royce Clayton and his representative, Rick Licht, in hopes of drawing nearer to a contract agreement.
Clayton, who lives in Scottsdale, wasn't offered arbitration by Colorado and has said he believes the Diamondbacks can compete for the National League West title with a few additions.
Those additions will likely be discussed at today's meeting with Garagiola and other club executives. Arizona has offers out to pitcher Russ Ortiz of the Braves and third baseman Troy Glaus of the Angels.
Short hops
According to Chicago White Sox GM Ken Williams, the Sox no longer consider themselves in the hunt to land pitcher Randy Johnson in a trade.
• Craig Counsell's dad, former major leaguer John Counsell, said that his son would negotiate with the Diamondbacks if his current team, Milwaukee, didn't offer him arbitration. Milwaukee did not offer Counsell arbitration.
• The Diamondbacks approached veteran Greg Colbrunn about a minor league contract, but were told by his new agent that Colbrunn could be signing with another club.
