| | Associated Press
DETROIT -- Juan Gonzalez on Friday denied saying he plans to leave the
Detroit Tigers after this season.
Peter Gammons reported Thursday in his weekly ESPN.com column that Gonzalez "is telling
every opposing player he talks with that he has no intention of
signing a long-term contract with the Tigers."
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| 2000 SEASON STATISTICS |
| G |
HR |
RBI |
OBP |
SLG |
AVG |
| 8 |
1 | 4 |
.400 | .615 |
.308 | |
|
"I didn't say anything. I'm happy here," Gonzalez said before
Friday's game at the Chicago White Sox.
"I never say nothing about I don't like Detroit, or the trade
or the contract," Gonzalez said. "I was quiet. I don't know who
is talking about that Juan doesn't like Detroit."
In a statement released by the Tigers, Gonzalez was quoted as
saying: "Though we are off to a disappointing start on the field,
I can honestly say that I am happier now than I have ever been in
my career. Our policy all along has been to not discuss anything
related to negotiations concerning a long-term contract. I will,
however, say that in no way have I ruled out the distinct
possibility of extending my contract and finishing my career with
the Tiger organization."
Tigers general manager Randy Smith said Friday he's not putting
much stock in the report until he hears it from Gonzalez or his
agents.
"My understanding is that Juan has told people today that that
report was not correct," Smith said. "The only thing I'll say is
that Juan said during spring training that he's the happiest he's
been in his career. We're glad he's here. We have a good
relationship, and good relationships have a way of lasting."
Reports earlier this year said the Tigers offered the two-time
AL MVP a $140 million, eight-year contract, which would be the
richest deal in baseball history.
Smith refused to comment on the Gonzalez contract situation.
"Until something's resolved, these things will come up time to
time," Smith said. "People will have their opinions about whether
he'll sign or not. Unfortunately, we'll have to deal with this
speculation."
Entering the White Sox series, Gonzalez was batting .308 with
one home run and four RBI. The Tigers' 4-10 record was the
American League's worst.
"The only thing I'll say is that Juan said during spring
training that he's the happiest he's been in his career. We're glad
he's here. We have a good relationship, and good relationships have
a way of lasting."
Gammons wrote in a report posted
Thursday on ESPN.com that Gonzalez "is
telling every opposing player he talks with that he has no
intention of signing a long-term contract with the Tigers."
Two of Gonzalez's agents, Jim Bronner and Bob Gilhooly, said
Friday they had not seen Gammons' report and could not discuss it.
Gilhooly said he planned to speak with Gonzalez about it in Chicago.
"Until then, I'm not going to have any comment," Gilhooly
said.
Gonzalez's agents would not publicly discuss contract
negotiations between the Tigers and the two-time AL MVP, acquired
from the Texas Rangers in a nine-player trade last November. | |
ALSO SEE
Gammons: No love lost
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