Rockies Opt Out on Saberhagen

The Colorado Rockies have declined to exercise their $5-million option on injured pitcher Bret Saberhagen, making the right-hander eligible for free agency after the season.

General Manager Bob Gebhard said Colorado still might try to re-sign Saberhagen, who hasn’t pitched this season.

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Owners headed into today’s executive council meeting unsure if it will lead to a labor agreement or a breakdown in the talks that would lead to another season under the old work rules. The owners’ labor committee will join the 10-man council for today’s session, which was scheduled last week after acting Commissioner Bud Selig called off the owners’ quarterly meetings.