=== Padres re-sign Linebrink, avoid arbitration === San Diego, CA (My Sportsbook) - The San Diego Padres re-signed pitcher Scott Linebrink to a two-year contract worth a reported $2.275 million. By making the signing, which includes a vesting option for 2007, the Padres avoided salary arbitration with the righthander. Linebrink, considered one of the better set-up men in the league, went 7-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 73 appearances in 2004. He set career highs in wins, games, strikeouts and ERA. "Scott Linebrink has emerged as one of the premier setup men in the Majors and we are excited to have him under contract through the 2006 season," general manager Kevin Towers said. "He did a great job for us last season and was a key member of the solid bullpen that contributed to the club's overall success in 2004." Also on Friday, the Padres signed pitcher Miguel Asencio to a one-year contract and outrighted pitcher Darrell May to Triple-A Portland. May was acquired in November from Kansas City and is expected to fight for a rotation spot. He went 9-19 with a 5.61 ERA in 31 starts with the Royals last season. |
