LITTLE ROCK — YANKEES
Suzuki close to deal
NEW YORK - Ichiro Suzuki and the New York Yankees are closing in on a contract that would guarantee the outfielder between $12 million and $13 million.
A person familiar with the negotiations, speaking on condition of anonymity because talks were ongoing, said Thursday the agreement likely would be for a two-year deal.
Acquired from the Seattle Mariners on July 23, the 39-year-old Suzuki revived his career in New York. He batted .261 with 4 home runs, 28 RBI and 15 stolen bases in 95 games with the Mariners, then hit .322 with 5 home runs, 27 RBI and 14 steals in 67 games for the Yankees to help them win the AL East.
A 10-time All-Star, Suzuki has 2,606 hits in 12 major league seasons.
New York also planned to finalize a $12 million, one-year contract Friday with Kevin Youkilis, who is expected to start at third base during the first half of the season while Alex Rodriguez recovers from hip surgery scheduled for next month.
REDS
Hannahan finalizes deal
CINCINNATI - The Cincinnati Reds and free-agent infielder Jack Hannahan have finalized a two-year contract, giving the team added depth at third base.
The 32-year old, reunited with former Cleveland teammate Shin-Soo Choo, hit .244 for the Indians last season with 16 doubles, 4 home runs and 29 RBI in 105 games. His playing time was limited by a minor back injury.
In six big league seasons with Detroit, Oakland, Seattle and Cleveland, Hannahan has made 451 appearances at third base, 39 at first, 9 at shortstop and 1 at second.
RED SOX
Victorino takes $39M deal
BOSTON - The Boston Red Sox say Shane Victorino is a big part of rebuilding from last season’s last place finish.
The Red Sox introduced the longtime Philadelphia Phillies outfielder at Fenway Park on Thursday after finalizing a $39 million, three-year contract agreed to Dec. 4 at baseball’s winter meetings.
Nicknamed the Flyin’ Hawaiian, Victorino is a .275 hitter with 90 home runs in seven full seasons. He came up to the major leagues with San Diego but played most of his career with Philadelphia before he was sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the July 31 trade deadline.
ODDS & ENDS
The Minnesota Twins have finalized a $10 million, two-year contract with right-hander Kevin Correia to fill a rotation spot after their starters posted the second-worst ERA in the majors last season. The 32-yearold, an All-Star in 2011, went 12-11 with a 4.21 ERA for Pittsburgh this year. He will make $4.5 million next year and $5.5 million in 2014 under Thursday’s deal. This will be his fourth major league team and first time in the AL. ... Outfielder Andres Torres is returning to the San Francisco Giants, reaching agreement Thursday on a one-year contract. Vice President of Baseball Operations Bobby Evans said Torres still must pass a physical to finalize the deal. The 34-year-old Torres spent the 2012 season with the New York Mets following three years with the Giants. He hit .230 this year with w home runs, 35 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 132 games.
Sports, Pages 24 on 12/14/2012