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D-Backs making plans for Clark’s exit
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Tony Clark
The Diamondbacks have inquired about adding Mark Sweeney in the event that free agent Tony Clark signs elsewhere. “We’ve had brief discussions,” said Barry Axelrod, Sweeney’s agent.
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“I think it depends on their chances of getting Tony back. If Tony doesn’t come back, that would open up a need for Sweeney.”
Sweeney, 38, led the major leagues with 24 pinch hits last season while hitting .260 with San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers, and he could fill a role as a primary pinch-hitter and first base/corner outfield reserve.
Sweeney, also a free agent, hit .316 with seven doubles, two home runs and nine RBIs as a pinch-hitter last season, with an on-base plus slugging percentage of .896.
A left-handed hitter, Sweeney has 163 career pinch hits, second in major league history behind Lenny Harris’ 212. He made $950,000 last year.
Clark said he has been contacted by Minnesota, which would consider using him as a first baseman and designated hitter, where he could complement Justin Morneau.
Clark hit .249 with 17 home runs and 51 RBIs last season. He hit .250 with eight doubles, three homers and 10 RBIs as a pinch-hitter.
He has said he would like to return to the D-Backs since he makes the Valley his home, but because of their depth the D-Backs would not appear to offer him as many at-bats as an American League team.
Clark made $1.034 million last year.
The D-Backs have a logjam at the corner infield positions with first baseman Conor Jackson, third baseman Mark Reynolds and first baseman/third baseman Chad Tracy, who underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee in September and could be delayed in spring training.
The D-Backs also spoke to Axelrod about free agent right-hander Matt Clement, who has not pitched since June 2006, after right shoulder surgery to repair his rotator cuff and labrum.
The D-Backs have made it a policy not to offer contracts containing incentives, and Clement likely would seek that sort of deal. San Diego and Colorado are among teams that have expressed interest.
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