Return of Bedard to Mariners now a physical away
LARRY LARUE; Staff writer
Whether Erik Bedard signs a $1.5 million contract to rejoin the Seattle Mariners’ rotation will be determined by a team physical – which the left-hander took Friday in Seattle.
“I don’t how they determine whether you pass or fail, you’d have to ask the doctor,” Bedard said. “But I’m optimistic. I’m going to Arizona on Monday, probably, and will start an early spring training.”
Bedard, who will turn 31 next month, was examined by team doctors and the results – including blood work – won’t be on hand for a few days.
Barring the finding of more shoulder problems, Bedard will agree to an incentive-heavy deal to rejoin the Mariners rotation. Bedard has been throwing for three weeks and believes he’ll be pitching again by May, or June at the latest.
What he doesn’t understand is how his physical is newsworthy.
“I don’t know how a physical can be news, but I guess it is,” Bedard said. “If I sign, that’s news, but seeing the doctor?”
General manager Jack Zduriencik is scheduled to return to the Northwest today after spending much of the week in the Dominican Republic. He has not commented on Bedard’s status – or a contract offer – but that seems a formality.
After each of the last two seasons ended in shoulder surgery, Bedard drew interest on the free-agent market from Baltimore and Kansas City, but said Seattle was always his preference.
“I liked everything about pitching here – the team, the fans, everything,” he said.
What about the media? There was a silence on the telephone line.
“Almost everything,” he said, and laughed.
Short hops
Reliever
Kevin Gregg agreed to a $2.75 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, a deal that could be worth $11.5 million over three seasons. … Free-agent second baseman
Adam Kennedy and the Washington Nationals have agreed to a contract pending a physical, a source told The Associated Press. Kennedy will make $1.25 million in 2010 with a $2 million club option for 2011. … Second baseman
Orlando Hudson and the Minnesota Twins agreed late Thursday to a $5 million, one-year contract. … Catcher
Yorvit Torrealba and the San Diego Padres have agreed on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, pending a physical. … The ball
Alex Rodriguez hit for his 500th home run has sold at auction for $103,579.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
