01-29-2004, 05:24 PM
Zeile finalizes $1 million, one-year deal with Mets
By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer
January 28, 2004
NEW YORK (AP) -- Todd Zeile had no interest in going back to the Bronx.
The infielder, who finalized his $1 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets on Wednesday, wouldn't have spoken to the Yankees even if he had known an opening would develop at third base.
Following Aaron Boone's knee injury, the Yankees are thinking over their replacement options.
``I have no desire to play again for that organization,'' Zeile said during a telephone conference call.
After signing with the Yankees, his 11th major league team, Zeile hit .210 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 186 at-bats. New York released him on Aug. 17, and Zeile signed with Montreal three days later, going on to bat .257 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 113 at-bats.
``I think some of the things that happen over there are different than any other organization in baseball. I have a pretty good track record to judge that,'' Zeile said, citing his numerous stops across the majors.
``Every day is potentially the end all,'' he said. ``It's whatever they need that day. It sometimes can be unsettling for people in role positions there. ... I don't really have a desire to get back into that mix.''
At times last year, Zeile thought 2003 would be his final season.
``Only because I got some renewed desire and some adrenaline and passion for the game with that Montreal did I really consider coming back for another year,'' he said. ``The move to Montreal really solidified for me the desire to continue to play. It gave me the opportunity to check out if I had anything left in the tank.''
Zeile, 38, was the Mets' starting first baseman in 2000 and 2001. He has a career batting average of .266 in 15 seasons with 244 homers and 1,075 RBIs, and on Sept. 5 last year, he became the first player to homer for 11 major league teams, connecting off Florida's Mark Redman.
In addition to his salary, Zeile can earn $500,000 in bonuses based on plateappearances.
Notes
The Mets are continuing to negotiate with the agent for free agent OF Shane Spencer, New York spokesman Jay Horwitz said, but no deal has been finalized. ... Zeile thinks the injury to Boone, hurt in a game of pickup basketball, might enable the Yankee to use the guarantee language to avoid his $5.75 million salary, or parts of it. ``If your injury is self-inflicted, then I think the team should then have the opportunity to undo that contract and look at it on the merits of what the language says. I think it's going to be tricky in particular with Aaron. I think most of the things that are put in thecontract as far as prohibitive language (are) reasonable.''
By RONALD BLUM, AP Sports Writer
January 28, 2004
NEW YORK (AP) -- Todd Zeile had no interest in going back to the Bronx.
The infielder, who finalized his $1 million, one-year contract with the New York Mets on Wednesday, wouldn't have spoken to the Yankees even if he had known an opening would develop at third base.
Following Aaron Boone's knee injury, the Yankees are thinking over their replacement options.
``I have no desire to play again for that organization,'' Zeile said during a telephone conference call.
After signing with the Yankees, his 11th major league team, Zeile hit .210 with six homers and 23 RBIs in 186 at-bats. New York released him on Aug. 17, and Zeile signed with Montreal three days later, going on to bat .257 with five homers and 19 RBIs in 113 at-bats.
``I think some of the things that happen over there are different than any other organization in baseball. I have a pretty good track record to judge that,'' Zeile said, citing his numerous stops across the majors.
``Every day is potentially the end all,'' he said. ``It's whatever they need that day. It sometimes can be unsettling for people in role positions there. ... I don't really have a desire to get back into that mix.''
At times last year, Zeile thought 2003 would be his final season.
``Only because I got some renewed desire and some adrenaline and passion for the game with that Montreal did I really consider coming back for another year,'' he said. ``The move to Montreal really solidified for me the desire to continue to play. It gave me the opportunity to check out if I had anything left in the tank.''
Zeile, 38, was the Mets' starting first baseman in 2000 and 2001. He has a career batting average of .266 in 15 seasons with 244 homers and 1,075 RBIs, and on Sept. 5 last year, he became the first player to homer for 11 major league teams, connecting off Florida's Mark Redman.
In addition to his salary, Zeile can earn $500,000 in bonuses based on plateappearances.
Notes
The Mets are continuing to negotiate with the agent for free agent OF Shane Spencer, New York spokesman Jay Horwitz said, but no deal has been finalized. ... Zeile thinks the injury to Boone, hurt in a game of pickup basketball, might enable the Yankee to use the guarantee language to avoid his $5.75 million salary, or parts of it. ``If your injury is self-inflicted, then I think the team should then have the opportunity to undo that contract and look at it on the merits of what the language says. I think it's going to be tricky in particular with Aaron. I think most of the things that are put in thecontract as far as prohibitive language (are) reasonable.''
![[Image: 723475742_8cb2b0be6c.jpg]](http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/723475742_8cb2b0be6c.jpg)