Giants’ ace may ask for record salaryis top MLB player in

Associated Press

NEW YORK

San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum headed 142 players filing for arbitration on Friday and is set to ask for a record salary when figures are exchanged next week.

The two-time NL Cy Young Award winner made $13.1 million last season, completing a two-year deal worth $23.2 million.

The highest figure ever asked for in arbitration is $22 million, submitted by Houston pitcher Roger Clemens in 2005 after he became a free agent and accepted arbitration. Among players with less than six years of major league service, the high of $18.5 million has been held by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter since 2001.

San Francisco figures to give Lincecum the highest offer for an arbitration player, topping the $14.25 million the Yankees submitted for offered Jeter.

Most players settle before a hearing — Jeter agreed to a $189 million, 10-year contract, and Clemens accepted a one-year deal for $18,000,022.

Others set to swap figures include NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw and Dodgers teammate Andre Ethier, Philadelphia pitcher Cole Hamels, Mike Napoli of Texas and Cubs pitcher Matt Garza.

Also in arbitration are three former free agents who accepted offers from their old teams: Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, Milwaukee reliever Francisco Rodriguez and Toronto second baseman Kelly Johnson.

Atlanta outfielder Martin Prado became the first player who filed to reach an agreement, getting a $4.75 million, one-year deal.

Three players who had been eligible for arbitration agreed to one-year contracts: Phillies right-hander Kyle Kendrick ($3,585,000), Red Sox outfielder Ryan Sweeney ($1.75 million) and Pittsburgh right-hander Chris Resop ($850,000).

Among free agents, reliever Kerry Wood is remaining with the Cubs. He agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract for 2012 with a $3 million club option for 2013. Shortstop Jack Wilson decided to stay with the Braves for a $1 million, one-year deal.