from the Arizona Republic’s Bob McManaman :
The Diamondbacks effectively ended their contract stalemate with slugger Richie Sexson by convincing free-agent third baseman Troy Glaus to sign a four-year, $45 million contract with the club, The Arizona Republic has learned.
Glaus, the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 World Series as a member of the Anaheim Angels who has put up Sexson-like power numbers, agreed to terms with Arizona late Wednesday night following three days of heavy negotiations.
He will be introduced during a news conference today at Bank One Ballpark, at which time Diamondbacks officials are expected to say they no longer have interest in re-signing Sexson, a free agent being courted by a handful of other clubs, including the New York Mets, Seattle Mariners and Baltimore Orioles
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Glaus, 28, will be given a $4 million signing bonus and a salary of $8.25 million this season. He’ll make $9.25 million in 2006, $10.75 million in 2007 and $12.75 million in 2008.
None of the money will be deferred.
The acquisition of Glaus means Chad Tracy, an All-Rookie third baseman last season, will likely switch to the outfield, or possibly first base. Depending on how Glaus’ surgically repaired shoulder feels, Glaus may also see some time at first.
Arizona is also trying to land free-agent pitcher Russ Ortiz, who went 15-9 last season with the Atlanta Braves, as well as shortstop Royce Clayton and outfielder David Dellucci.