Giants' Lowry agrees to four-year contract
San Francisco's No. 3 starter is guaranteed at least $9.25 million.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SAN FRANCISCO -- Noah Lowry received quite the affirmation about his status in San Francisco's rotation, signing a four-year contract Sunday that guarantees the pitcher at least $9.25 million.
The 25-year-old Lowry, the Giants' No. 3 starter heading into today's season opener at San Diego, is under contract through the 2009 season and the Giants have a club option for 2010.
"It definitely means security," Lowry said.
"For me, money isn't the issue. Baseball is game that I love to play. I love to go out and compete. This is something I worked my whole life for."
The left-hander gets a $1 million signing bonus. He was already set to make $385,000 this season and will earn $1.115 million in 2007, $2.25 million in '08 and $4.5 million in '08. The Giants have a $6.25 million option that could reach $7.75 million with escalators.
Including performance bonuses, the contract could reach $17 million.
Lowry went 13-13 last season in his first full big league campaign. In 14 starts in 2004 after being called up from Triple-A Fresno, he was 6-0. He improved his record to 7-0 early in 2005 -- the only Giants pitcher to open his career with more wins without a loss is Hooks Wiltse, who went 12-0 for the 1904 New York Giants.
Marlins talk to San Antonio
HOUSTON -- Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria said discussions with San Antonio officials about the possibility of relocating the team there are serious.
San Antonio has been trying to lure the team and county officials have offered to put up $200 million toward an estimated $300 million ball park if voters approve extending a tax on hotel and car rentals.
The Marlins slashed their payroll to about $15 million in the off-season because of poor attendance and no progress in Loria's bid for a baseball-specific stadium.
Loria said several officials from San Antonio would join him today when the Marlins open the season against the Astros.
Loria has repeatedly said that the Marlins' would prefer to remain in South Florida, but he was less adamant about the issue on Sunday. He has said they will not remain in Dolphins Stadium past 2010.
Roster moves
The Brewers and closer Derrick Turnbow agreed to a $6.5 million, three-year contract. ... Right-hander Zack Greinke was placed on the 60-day disabled list by the Royals. They also put pitchers Mike MacDougal and Mark Redman on the 15-day DL. ... Tim Salmon earned a spot on the Angels' opening day roster as a DH and backup outfielder. ... The Red Sox placed pitcher David Wells and first baseman Hee-Seop Choi on the 15-day disabled list. ... Mariners outfielder Matt Lawton, who tested positive for steroids while with the Yankees last September, started his 10-day suspension Sunday. ... The Padres put center fielder Mike Cameron, first baseman Ryan Klesko and reliever Doug Brocail on the disabled list. ... The Rangers traded outfielder David Dellucci to the Phillies for right-hander Robinson Tejeda and minor league outfielder Jake Blalock. Rangers GM Jon Daniels also said No. 2 starter Adam Eaton will have surgery to repair the tendon in the middle finger of his pitching hand. The surgery was tentatively scheduled for Tuesday and the right-hander could be out three months. ... The Dodgers optioned infielder Oscar Robles and catcher Russell Martin to Triple-A Las Vegas. Outfielder Jayson Werth, recovering from surgery on his left wrist in November, was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
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