arthurracoon
The Cardinal Smiles
Grace heads to booth; Batista let go
D-Backs elect not to pick up Batista's $5 million option
Mark Gonzales
Arizona Republic
Oct. 2, 2003
Mark Grace will likely move from the diamond to the broadcast booth, his agent said Thursday.
Grace, 39, who retired last Sunday after 16 seasons with the Chicago Cubs and the Diamondbacks, had also considered managing at Class A Missoula.
Barry Axelrod, Grace's agent, said that the managing job had "an allure to it" but that his client will likely head to the booth as a full-time broadcaster.
"He wants to be involved," Axelrod said. "I don't think it will be a guest appearance of any sort." However, Axelrod said that "nothing is finalized."
Meanwhile, pitcher Miguel Batista won't be returning to the Diamondbacks, at least for now, and the status of the coaching staff probably won't be finalized until next week.
That's as clear as the Diamondbacks' agenda became Thursday as they complete the first week of their mission.
Batista, who tied for the team lead with 10 victories and posted a 3.26 road ERA in addition to being the staff's most versatile pitcher during his three seasons, will receive a $300,000 buyout instead of the team picking up his $5 million option for 2004.
That doesn't rule out Batista returning next season. The Diamondbacks hold sole negotiating rights to him until 15 days after the completion of the World Series.
"By no means does this suggest we have nothing to talk about," team General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said after leaving telephone messages at agent Martin Arburua's office and on his cellphone.
The Diamondbacks, who have earmarked more than $65 million to 10 players for 2004, would like to explore the possibility of signing Batista at a rate lower than the option.
Batista, 32, however, has the right to explore free agency and is certain to attract interest because of his versatility and the fact he has never spent time on the disabled list because of arm problems since 1995.
Batista has expressed an interest in staying with the Diamondbacks and has been a valued member because of his charity work as well as his pitching.
Batista had a 3.54 ERA in 36 games and was 10-7 with a 3.47 ERA in his 29 starts. But his status is uncertain because starting pitchers Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Elmer Dessens already are under contract and rookie sensation Brandon Webb won't be eligible for salary arbitration for at least two more years.
Grace told team President Rich Dozer that he needed a few more days to finalize his decision and didn't want to "string along" the organization, Dozer said.
Dozer stressed the team didn't want to put any deadline on Grace, who played golf Thursday and didn't return telephone messages.
The status of part-time announcers Jim Traber and Steve Lyons won't be finalized until well after Grace makes his decision.
In medical news, first baseman Lyle Overbay will have surgery today to correct a deviated septum that has affected his breathing.
As expected, the Diamondbacks received a letter expressing closer Matt Mantei's intent to pick up his $7 million option for 2004. Mantei earned 29 saves this season, including 14 straight from June 30 to Aug. 29 in which he hurled a team-leading 20 2/3-inning scoreless streak.
D-Backs elect not to pick up Batista's $5 million option
Mark Gonzales
Arizona Republic
Oct. 2, 2003
Mark Grace will likely move from the diamond to the broadcast booth, his agent said Thursday.
Grace, 39, who retired last Sunday after 16 seasons with the Chicago Cubs and the Diamondbacks, had also considered managing at Class A Missoula.
Barry Axelrod, Grace's agent, said that the managing job had "an allure to it" but that his client will likely head to the booth as a full-time broadcaster.
"He wants to be involved," Axelrod said. "I don't think it will be a guest appearance of any sort." However, Axelrod said that "nothing is finalized."
Meanwhile, pitcher Miguel Batista won't be returning to the Diamondbacks, at least for now, and the status of the coaching staff probably won't be finalized until next week.
That's as clear as the Diamondbacks' agenda became Thursday as they complete the first week of their mission.
Batista, who tied for the team lead with 10 victories and posted a 3.26 road ERA in addition to being the staff's most versatile pitcher during his three seasons, will receive a $300,000 buyout instead of the team picking up his $5 million option for 2004.
That doesn't rule out Batista returning next season. The Diamondbacks hold sole negotiating rights to him until 15 days after the completion of the World Series.
"By no means does this suggest we have nothing to talk about," team General Manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said after leaving telephone messages at agent Martin Arburua's office and on his cellphone.
The Diamondbacks, who have earmarked more than $65 million to 10 players for 2004, would like to explore the possibility of signing Batista at a rate lower than the option.
Batista, 32, however, has the right to explore free agency and is certain to attract interest because of his versatility and the fact he has never spent time on the disabled list because of arm problems since 1995.
Batista has expressed an interest in staying with the Diamondbacks and has been a valued member because of his charity work as well as his pitching.
Batista had a 3.54 ERA in 36 games and was 10-7 with a 3.47 ERA in his 29 starts. But his status is uncertain because starting pitchers Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling and Elmer Dessens already are under contract and rookie sensation Brandon Webb won't be eligible for salary arbitration for at least two more years.
Grace told team President Rich Dozer that he needed a few more days to finalize his decision and didn't want to "string along" the organization, Dozer said.
Dozer stressed the team didn't want to put any deadline on Grace, who played golf Thursday and didn't return telephone messages.
The status of part-time announcers Jim Traber and Steve Lyons won't be finalized until well after Grace makes his decision.
In medical news, first baseman Lyle Overbay will have surgery today to correct a deviated septum that has affected his breathing.
As expected, the Diamondbacks received a letter expressing closer Matt Mantei's intent to pick up his $7 million option for 2004. Mantei earned 29 saves this season, including 14 straight from June 30 to Aug. 29 in which he hurled a team-leading 20 2/3-inning scoreless streak.
You want too much and your not the best closer in the bigs. Id rather see Valverde Pumping 100 MPH by MLB hitters than you. So good luck wherever you go.
