Baseball-Major League Baseball Roundup

Feb 13 (The Sports Xchange) - Seattle Mariners veteran outfielder Franklin Gutierrez has informed the team that he will miss the 2014 season because of ongoing health and injury concerns. The Mariners said on Thursday that Gutierrez suffered a relapse of the gastrointestinal problem that sidelined him last season. The Mariners signed Gutierrez, who turns 31 later this month, in the offseason to a one-year, $1-million contract plus incentives. Meanwhile, the Mariners officially signed right-handed reliever Fernando Rodney to a $14 million, two-year contract. The deal includes an additional $500,000 per year in incentives based on games finished, ESPN.com reported. - - - Detroit Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, who had offseason surgery to repair core muscles damaged by a groin tear, says he is feeling much stronger in time for spring training. The two-time reigning American League MVP battled through a groin tear and other injuries last season. Cabrera says he has changed his workout routine, adding more exercises to strengthen his core muscles. "Oh my god, I feel free, like I can do anything right now," Cabrera told reporters on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. "I don't worry about anything. I don't worry if it's going to hurt, if it's going to feel good, if I do this. I feel free, ready to go." - - - One day after announcing that the 2014 season will be his last in the major leagues, New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter said he feels good about his decision. "I do," Jeter said. "I'll address it when we get over there the first day of spring. It's easier that way." Jeter, 39, said he won't discuss the decision further until a news conference next week when the team's position players report. - - - In preparation for its expanded use of instant replay this season, Major League Baseball announced that Justin Klemm was appointed director of instant replay. Seven new full-time umpires also were hired. All video reviews will take place at MLB Advanced Media headquarters in New York, with umpires staffing the Replay Command Center. Replay officials will view disputed plays, and their decision will be final. Klemm has been executive director of Minor League Baseball's Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation since 2008. - - - The Tampa Bay Rays traded catcher Jose Lobaton and two unnamed minor leaguers to the Washington Nationals for right-handed pitching prospect Nate Karns, according to reports. The clubs have not yet officially announced the deal. - - - Although the Los Angeles Angels are likely to renew outfielder's Mike Trout's contract in March for the 2014 season, the parties are expected to negotiate a multiyear extension that will make Trout one of the highest paid players in baseball, the Los Angeles Times reported. Trout, 22, was the American League MVP runner-up the past two years. He would be eligible for salary arbitration after the 2014 season if a new deal is not signed. The sides hope to reach agreement on a contract extension sometime after the start of the upcoming season, according to the report. - - - Former All-Star shortstop and major league manager Jim Fregosi suffered a stroke during a Major League Baseball alumni cruise, and was flown to a Miami hospital from the Cayman Islands. Fregosi, 71, had the stroke last weekend, but doctors in the Cayman Islands had to stabilize his condition before he could be flown back to the mainland to continue his recovery. - - - A two-game series between the New York Yankees and the Miami Marlins will mark the return of Major League Baseball to Panama for the first time since 1947, the league and the players association announced. The "Legend Series" will be played on March 15-16 at Panama City's Rod Carew Stadium and will honor the legacy of retired Yankees great Mariano Rivera, the game's all-time saves leader. (Compiled by Andrew Both; Editing by Larry Fine)