Around the Majors: Urbina’s mother is rescued

1) Tigers P Ugueth Urbina’s mother was rescued from her kidnappers in Venezuela. She had been held for 5 months.

2) Pitchers and catchers report today for the A’s, BlueJays, Brewers, Orioles and Royals.

3) The Reds re-signed P Ramon Ortiz to a 1 year, $3.55 million contract, with an option for 2006, to avoid salary arbitration.

After 3.77 ERA/13 RSAA and 5.20 ERA/-20 RSAA seasons, Ortiz had a 4.43 ERA/2 RSAA in 34 games (14 starts). He spent his entire career with the Angels before being acquired in an offseason trade. Ortiz has a 4.60 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.59, and -5 RSAA in 157 games.

4) Cubs SS Nomar Garciaparra reworked his contract. He was originally going to have a salary of $8 million in 2005, with the opportunity to earn $3 million based on games started and PA. Now, he’ll have a $8.25 million salary, with the opportunity to get an extra $2.75 million.

After 30 RCAA/.880 OPS and 26 RCAA/.867 OPS seasons, Garciaparra hit .477 SLG, .365 OBA, .842 OPS, 5 RCAA in 81 games (first 38 with the Redsox). He has a .919 career OPS, compared to his league average of .773, and 248 RCAA in 1009 games.

5) The Whitesox traded P Brad Murray to the Diamondbacks as the player to be named later in last year’s trade that sent Roberto Alomar to the Whitesox.

6) According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pirates have increased their efforts to acquire A’s OF Eric Byrnes and a trade could be made within the next week.

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