Kotchman, Mariners split difference with $3.5 million deal
LARRY LARUE; Staff writer
The Seattle Mariners agreed to terms with arbitration-eligible first baseman Casey Kotchman on Wednesday, and outrighted first baseman Tommy Everidge to Tacoma.
By signing Kotchman, 26, to a $3.5 million deal, the Mariners split the difference between what he was seeking in arbitration ($3.1 million) and what they’d offered ($3.9). General manager Jack Zduriencik has now signed each of Seattle’s arbitration-eligible players.
Acquired from Boston for utilityman Bill Hall last month, Kotchman figures to open the season as the Mariners’ regular first baseman, although the left-handed hitter could work in a loose platoon with the right-handed hitting Ryan Garko.
A .269 career hitter, Kotchman split his 2009 season between Atlanta and Boston, batting .268 in 126 games, with seven home runs and 48 RBI.
Everidge, 26, was claimed off waivers last month from Oakland, a rookie who played in 24 games in 2009, batting .224. In Double-A and Triple-A last year, Everidge hit a combined .335 with 20 home runs and 94 RBI in 107 games.
Last week, Everidge was designated for assignment when the Mariners signed outfielder Eric Byrnes. Having cleared waivers, he’s now a Rainier – and invited to the Mariners’ spring training.
Verlander, Tigers agree
Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers have agreed to an $80 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations said.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The person said the contract could be completed as soon as today.
Short hops
Jeff Weaver has agreed to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a minor league deal that includes an invitation to spring training. The Dodgers would give Weaver, a former Seattle Mariner, an $800,000, one-year contract if he’s added to the 40-man roster. The Dodgers also agreed to minor league deals with right-hander
Ramon Ortiz and utilityman
Alfredo Amezaga … Fox will air two of its national Saturday major league baseball broadcasts in prime time this season. The May 22 broadcast will feature Yankees-Mets, Red Sox-Phillies, Cubs-Rangers or Tigers-Dodgers. The June 26 games are Yankees-Dodgers, Red Sox-Giants or Cubs-White Sox.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
