Closer Jonathan Papelbon wants a new contract before Thursday, when the Boston Red Sox plan to renew contracts of any unsigned players. But he doesn't have any leverage.
Because he didn't have enough major league service time to be eligible for arbitration, the team can decide on his 2008 salary. After this season, the star closer will be eligible for arbitration.
"I'm at the mercy of the club right now to a certain extent," Papelbon said Tuesday. "It's just a matter of ironing out the numbers. We haven't ironed them out yet, and hopefully we can get to a mutual agreement. I don't want to renew. I don't want to. But if I have to, I have to."
Etc. • The Baltimore Orioles renewed outfielder Nick Markakis' contract for $455,000 -- up from $400,000 in 2007. But Markakis was miffed because he wanted a more substantial increase after leading the Orioles last season in homers (23) and RBI (112) in only his second full season in the big leagues. Markakis, who left the training complex early, told the Baltimore Sun: "That's just how the Orioles feel. I don't have much of a choice. I'm just going to have to deal with it."
• San Francisco Giants pitcher Noah Lowry, plagued by wildness, was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left wrist and sent home to San Francisco to see a hand specialist.
• Right fielder Brad Hawpe and the Colorado Rockies agreed to a $17,425,000, three-year contract.
• St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright, who won 14 games in his first season in the rotation, agreed to a terms on a one-year contract. Wainwright, 26, got a split contract that will pay him $438,000 if he makes the team.
• Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock was stiff and sore Tuesday, a day after his vehicle was rear-ended while stopped at an intersection. Blalock was held out of Tuesday's game against Arizona because of a stiff neck.
