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Big incentive Sosa wants Cubs to improve before he signs an extension
Posted: Sunday January 16, 2000 07:14 PM
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic (AP) -- Sammy Sosa wants the Chicago Cubs to improve before he will talk about extending his contract. "I want to end my career in a Cubs uniform ... but I also want to win," Sosa said Sunday. The slugging outfielder said he ended negotiations over a possible seven-year extension while waiting to see who the Cubs would sign for this year. "I wanted to give the Cubs time to strengthen the team in the areas where they most need it," he said. Since last year's dismal season, the Cubs have signed pitchers Ismael Valdes and Brian Williams, shortstops Eric Young and Ricky Gutierrez, outfielder Damon Buford and catcher Joe Girardi. Sosa said he also was waiting to see how much money Seattle Mariners stars Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez get during negotiations this year. "They will establish the market for me," Sosa said. Griffey recently rejected an eight-year, $135 million offer from the Mariners, while Rodriguez reportedly turned down a similar deal. Sosa batted .288 with 63 home runs last year, earning $9 million. He becomes a free agent after the 2001 season. He has 336 home runs and 941 RBIs in 11 seasons with the Texas Rangers, the Chicago White Sox and the Cubs.
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