BASEBALL: Fukudome, Cubs agree
Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome and the Cubs reached preliminary agreement yesterday on a $48 million, four-year contract.
The deal is subject to a physical, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. The agreement could be finalized as early as today.
Fukudome was considered one of the best outfielders in Japanese baseball. The 30-year-old slugger was a key member of the Japan team that won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in March 2006.
* Cy Young winner Jake Peavy of the Padres took a physical yesterday and the sides anticipated announcing a $52 million, three-year contract extension today.
The process was a little more involved because the Padres are taking out an insurance policy.
“I’d be very surprised if there are any issues,” agent Barry Axelrod said.
Also yesterday, the Padres agreed to terms with free-agent second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, pending a physical scheduled for Monday.
* Pitcher Aaron Cook finalized a new contract with the Rockies that guarantees him an additional $30 million over three seasons. The 28-year-old right-hander already was set to earn $4.5 million next year under an option the Rockies exercised in October. His new deal adds a $2.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $8.75 million in 2009, $9 million in 2010, $9.25 million in 2011.
* Eric Munson and the Brewers agreed to a $525,000, one-year contract that avoided salary arbitration. The 30-year-old catcher is vying for the backup role with the Brewers behind Jason Kendall, who agreed to a one-year deal last month . . . Outfielder Craig Monroe and the Twins agreed to a $3.82 million, one-year contract.
GOLF: Tiger named player of the year
Tiger Woods was voted PGA Tour player of the year by his peers yesterday, the third straight year he won the award and the ninth time in his 11 years as a pro. Jay Haas was voted Champions Tour player of the year, while Nick Flanagan won the award on the Nationwide Tour.
FOOTBALL: Kudos for Mangino
Kansas coach Mark Mangino was named the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s 2007 Coach of the Year yeterday.