Garciaparra Agrees to Big Contract

After putting up big numbers in his first season, Nomar Garciaparra already is putting up some more in his second.

The Boston Red Sox shortstop agreed Tuesday to a $23.25-million, five-year contract with two team options that could raise its value to $44.25 million. The deal is unprecedented for a player who has been in the major leagues for little more than a season.

“This is a very rare and talented player. What he’s done, few people have ever done their first year in the league,” General Manager Dan Duquette said. “His best days are ahead of him, and we’re glad they’re going to be in Boston.”

Garciaparra hit .306 with 30 homers, 98 runs batted in, 122 runs scored and 22 steals last season, and was the unanimous choice as AL rookie of the year. He set major league records for RBIs by a leadoff hitter and homers by a rookie shortstop.

Garciaparra, who made the minimum $150,000 last season, gets a $2-million signing bonus, $600,000 in 1998, $900,000 in 1999, $3.3 million in 2000, $6.85 million in 2001 and $8.6 million in 2002.

Boston has options for $10.5 million in 2003 and $11.5 million in 2004.

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New York Met right-hander Paul Wilson, fearful of missing a second consecutive season because of a shoulder injury, received good news--he was cleared to resume pitching.

Wilson, who experienced a “popping” in his pitching shoulder on Sunday, underwent an MRI in New York and team physician David Altchek said there was no structural damage.

“Evidently he tore some scar tissue or adhesions,” Met General Manager Steve Phillips said.