06-24-2003, 03:31 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Squid
Location: USS George Washington
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Juan Gone to Montreal?
BREAKING NEWS...
ESPN is reporting that Juan Gonzalez may be traded from Texas to Montreal. He will not be playing in tonight's Rangers-A's game. He does have a no-trade clasue though. Here's the story:
http://espn.go.com/mlb/news/2003/0624/1572399.html
Quote:
Trade to Expos pending Gonzalez's approval
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ESPN.com news services
Juan Gonzalez, a two-time American League MVP, could be headed to the National League for the first time in his career.
The Texas Rangers have made an agreement in principle to trade Gonzalez to the Montreal Expos, ESPN's Peter Gammons reports.
Details of the trade were expected to be announced after tonight's game between the Rangers and A's.
The Rangers announced they will not use Gonzalez in tonight's game but gave no further details.
Gonzalez has a no-trade clause in his contract. The outfielder has 72 hours to accept or turn down the trade.
Gonzalez told team officials he would not have any immediate comment about his situation.
Rangers manager Buck Showalter confirmed the trade during his regular gathering with reporters before tonight's game. General manager John Hart didn't immediately return phone messages.
"We could have gone under the radar, but we wanted to be up front and give Juan the time he's earned by his contract situation," Showalter said. "We could have used him tonight, but we won't."
Texas traded outfielder Ruben Sierra to the New York Yankees on June 6 for a minor-leaguer, and the team is expected to make more moves before the July 31 trading deadline. Several teams have expressed interest in Rangers closer Ugueth Urbina, and starter Ismael Valdes and outfielder Carl Everett are also potential movers. All are eligible for free agency after this season.
"It's an unfortunate part of the game," said Showalter, in his first season at Texas' manager. "You are always looking to make your club better short-term and long-term, and help yourself financially. But sometimes it depends on what order those are in."
Gonzalez is in the second year of his $24 million, two-year deal he signed to return to Texas before the 2002 season. The Rangers would likely pay most of Gonzalez's remaining salary.
Gonzalez is hitting .286 with 18 homers and 50 RBI.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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-Mikey |
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