BASEBALL ROUNDUP News and notes

Giants: Barry Bonds finally signed his 15.8 million, one-year deal and it was approved Thursday by the commissioner's office, ending more than two months of wrangling over contract language. With both sides satisfied, Bonds is scheduled to report Monday to spring training. He is likely to participate in the Giants' first full-squad workout Tuesday. Bonds signed the contract Tuesday, and it was sent overnight mail to the Giants. The team then faxed a copy to the commissioner's office for approval. His agent, Jeff Borris, and the Giants reached a preliminary agreement on Dec. 7, then spent weeks negotiating the final terms. The team announced the deal Jan. 29 and Bonds did an interview via conference call. But his first contract contained a provision detailing his responsibilities for promotional appearances and was rejected by the commissioner's office. The deal also contained a provision stating the Giants could terminate the deal in the event Bonds is indicted, language Borris has said is unenforceable under baseball's labor agreement.
Red Sox: Daisuke Matsuzaka smiled at some questions, grew pensive about others and responded with a mixture of diplomacy and directness. In his first spring training news conference Thursday, the 103 million pitcher said he would remain humble as a rookie, apologize to teammates if the media crush annoyed them and has had no problems adjusting to his new country. The Japanese star told a large media throng that he won't abandon what has worked -- even pitches high in the strike zone that contributed to his success. "I have no plans to change," the 26-year-old right-hander said with one of many grins he flashed during his 42-minute news conference at a table on the roof of the third-base dugout at overcast City of Palms Park. Seated not far from the mound he'll pitch from, Matsuzaka said he was physically ready for his first bullpen session Sunday, when the first official workout for pitchers and catchers will be held.
Mets: Catcher Paul Lo Duca is completely healthy following offseason thumb surgery -- and he would love a contract extension. "I've been vocal that I want to stay here," the four-time All-Star said Thursday after reporting to spring training. Lo Duca, who will turn 35 in April, is entering the final season of a three-year deal that will pay him 6.25 million this season. He hit a team-leading .318 last year with five home runs and 49 RBIs, helping New York win the NL East for the first time since 1988. But some of his most important contributions came as a clubhouse leader and a steady presence behind the plate. Lo Duca helped an injury-depleted pitching staff compile the third-best ERA (4.14) in the league.
Twins: Right fielder Michael Cuddyer agreed to a 3,575,000, one-year contract Thursday, avoiding arbitration minutes before a scheduled hearing. Cuddyer batted .284 with 24 homers, 109 RBIs and 102 runs scored last season, hitting cleanup between AL batting champion Joe Mauer and league MVP Justin Morneau. Cuddyer's 11 outfield assists were tied for third in the league as well. The deal includes a 50,000 bonus if Cuddyer gets at least 650 plate appearances in 2007.
Associated Press
Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.