The Milwaukee Brewers announced National League MVP Ryan Braun will not attend the team’s fan festival this weekend because it’s too “sensitive” a period for the slugger, who awaits a decision on his appeal of a 50-game suspension under baseball’s drug policy.
Brewers chairman and principal owner Mark Attanasio said in a statement Wednesday that Braun and the team “came to the conclusion that this is too sensitive of a time in the confidential process for him to attend this year.” Attanasio thanked fans for their understanding. The team’s “Brewers On Deck” event will be held Sunday.
Braun’s appeal was heard in New York last week. He stayed in the city to accept the MVP award at a dinner Saturday but referred to the possible suspension only in passing during a speech.
BONUS BABY
Giants ace Tim Lincecum’s new $40.5 million, two-year deal includes a series of bonuses for winning the Cy Young and other awards.
Lincecum and San Francisco reached an oral agreement on a new contract Tuesday pending a physical, which is likely to happen next week.
The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner from Renton and the University of Washington would earn an additional $500,000 for winning his third Cy Young, $250,000 for second place, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. If he wins the Cy Young this season, the bonus for winning again in 2013 would increase to $1 million.
Lincecum also would make $250,000 for being voted National League MVP, $150,000 for being the runner-up, $100,000 for third. He would receive a $100,000 bonus if picked to the All-Star Game and $50,000 for a Gold Glove.
VALDEZ TO REDS
Infielder Wilson Valdez, who played 42 games at shortstop for the Seattle Mariners in 2005, was traded from the Phillies to the Reds for minor league pitcher Jeremy Horst.
CLOSING ON CLOSERS
Boston and right-hander Andrew Bailey agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.9 million that avoids arbitration. Bailey, who made $465,000 last season when he converted 24 of 26 save chances for Oakland, was traded to the Red Sox this winter. … Rafael Betancourt has a new deal to go with his new role as Colorado’s closer. The right-hander agreed to an $8.5 million, two-year contract to replace Huston Street, who was traded to San Diego. … Cardinals closer Jason Motte has agreed to a $1.95 million, one-year contract after helping St. Louis win the World Series.
SHORT HOPS
Andruw Jones will remain in the New York Yankees outfield for a second season after agreeing to a $2 million, one-year contract. … Reliever Nick Masset agreed on a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Cincinnati, avoiding salary arbitration. … Right-handed reliever Brad Ziegler and the Diamondbacks agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.8 million to avoid arbitration. … Daryle Ward, an 11-season veteran who hasn’t played in the major leagues since 2008, has been suspended for 50 games after testing positive for a banned amphetamine under the minor league testing program. … Major League Baseball said that Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes is eligible to negotiate with big-league teams. The commissioner’s office notified major league clubs on Wednesday, one day after Cespedes established legal residency in the Dominican Republic.
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