Arizona Diamondbacks Wiretap

Arizona Avoids Arbitration With Byrnes

The D-backs avoided a salary arbitration hearing with outfielder Eric Byrnes on Tuesday when the two sides reached agreement on a one-year, $4.575 million contract.

"I'm happy it's done," Byrnes said. "Now it's time to turn the focus on the field and playing well and helping us win. I'm excited about the team we've got. We've got a good pitching staff and a lot of good young position players. I'm just looking forward to Spring Training."

Byrnes, who hit .267 and led the team in home runs with 26, had been seeking $5 million through arbitration, while the D-backs had countered with $4.25 million. An arbitration hearing had been scheduled for Feb. 15.

Via MLB.com

Arizona Diamondbacks

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D-Backs Hire Mel Stottlemyre As Special Pitching Instructor

Mel Stottlemyre will join the Diamondbacks as a special instructor in spring training and will work with the club's pitchers during the season, the team announced Monday.

Stottlemyre, 65, spent 26 seasons as a major league coach, including 11 as the Yankees' pitching coach. He had a 164-139 record with a 2.97 ERA in 360 games, all with the Yankees.

Via AP

Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees

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Rick Helling Retires

Rick Helling is retiring from baseball after pitching in the major leagues for 12 years, highlighted by a 20-win season.

"I've said all along that I would retire if I couldn't do it anymore or if I couldn't be away from my family anymore," Helling said Monday. "I couldn't handle being away from my family." Helling, a 36-year-old right-hander, was 93-81 with a 4.68 ERA for Milwaukee, Florida, Texas, Arizona and Baltimore. His best season was 1998, when he went 20-7 for the Rangers.

Via AP

Milwaukee Brewers, Florida Marlins, Texas Rangers, Arizona Diamondbacks

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