Mets pick up Reyes option: MLB moves

Sandy Alderson's first major player move as general manager of the New York Mets was an easy one: picking up the $11-million US option on Jose Reyes' contract.

"Jose Reyes is one of the most dynamic players in the game and there never was any doubt about picking up his option," Alderson said in a statement Wednesday.

Hired last week to replace Omar Minaya and turn around the team after its second straight losing season, Alderson was open to keeping the three-time all star with the Mets for much longer.

"A long term deal is not out of the question," Alderson added. "It is something we can certainly discuss at a future date."

The 27-year-old Reyes signed a four-year, $23.5-million contract before the 2007 season. The Mets held an option for next year with a $500,000 buyout.

"I can't wait to get started again," Reyes said. "This is where I began my career and this is where I want to stay. I want to do everything I can to help turn this around here. The last four years have been disappointing for everyone. We have to make it better and we will."

Slowed by a thyroid problem and a side injury, Reyes played 133 games last season after missing all but 36 games with hamstring problems in 2009.

He hit .282, with 10 triples, 11 home runs, 54 RBIs and 30 stolen bases last year.

In eight big league seasons, all with New York, Reyes is hitting .286 with 83 triples and 331 stolen bases.

Ramirez coming back to Cubs

The Chicago Cubs said third baseman Aramis Ramirez has exercised his $14.6-million option and will return to the team next season.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said on a conference call Wednesday that Ramirez told the club at the end of the season that he would be back.

Chicago got off to a slow start in part because Ramirez struggled early on. He was bothered by injuries and batted .241 with 25 homers and 83 RBIs in 124 games.

The Cubs finished 75-87 in next-to-last place in the NL Central last season.

Reds dump Harang, keep Arroyo

The Cincinnati Reds declined to exercise their contract option for right-hander Aaron Harang, making him a free agent.

The NL Central champions also declined shortstop Orlando Cabrera's option, but decided to keep right-hander Bronson Arroyo and left fielder Jonny Gomes.

The move with Harang was no surprise. His option called for a salary of $12.75 million, too pricey for a pitcher who struggled the last few seasons and lost his spot in the rotation. Instead, the Reds paid a $2-million buyout.

"Obviously it was a high option," Harang told The Associated Press in an interview from his home in San Diego. "With the struggles I've had the past couple years and a few injuries and stuff, I just had a feeling that was going to happen and probably end my tenure with the Reds. It was kind of to be expected."

The 32-year-old pitcher started his career in Oakland in 2002, came to the Reds in a trade the following year, and was the cornerstone of the rotation during a franchise losing streak that lasted nine years. He went 16-11 in 2006 and 16-6 the following season, even though the lineup was in constant flux.

His performance fell off the last three years. Harang went 6-17 in 2008, 6-14 the following year. He made his fifth straight opening day start last season, but back spasms cost him two months. He struggled when he returned and was demoted to the bullpen.

Manager Dusty Baker allowed him to start the final regular season game against Milwaukee, a gesture that touched Harang. He dabbed away tears after the game.

"I think it was kind of a way of informally letting me know that I probably wouldn't be back," said Harang, who was forced to leave in the third inning because of a blister. "But it was a nice gesture on Dusty's part, getting me out there to get a send-off. He gave me a copy of the final game card, stuff like that. It's a good memory to be able to leave Cincinnati that way."

Harang finished with a 6-7 record and a 5.32 ERA.

Cabrera would have gotten $4 million next year under his option. Instead, the Reds bought it out for $1 million. Cabrera batted .263 with four homers in 123 games. Strained abdominal muscles limited him at the end of the season.

Paul Janish is the top shortstop left on the roster. Jocketty will decide what to do at the position after the club gets a better idea of its payroll. He didn't rule out bringing Cabrera back.

Arroyo was the top starter last season, going 17-10 with a 3.99 ERA. Jocketty began talks on a contract extension with Arroyo before the season ended. The Reds had to decide his contract option on Wednesday — Arroyo will get $11.5 million next season — and will continue discussions about adding more years.

Gomes was one of the Reds' top hitters early in the season, when it played its way into contention. He batted .266 with 18 homers and 86 RBIs in 148 games. He'll make $1.75 million next season. If the Reds didn't exercise the option, he would have become a free agent rather than eligible for arbitration.

Rays cut ties with Wheeler, Aybar

The Tampa Bay Rays have declined a $4.25-million option on right-handed relief pitcher Dan Wheeler and a $2.2-million option on infielder Willy Aybar.

Wheeler gets a $1-million buyout and Aybar a $275,000 buyout. Both become free agents.

Aybar batted .230 with six homers and 43 RBIs in 100 games this year. His 10 RBIs as a pinch-hitter this season were the most by an AL player since 2004.

Wheeler is a veteran of 11 major league seasons who has spent parts of seven seasons with the Rays. He went 2-4 with three saves and a 3.35 ERA in 64 games in 2010.

Tampa Bay also selected the contract of utilityman Elliot Johnson from Triple-A Durham on Wednesday.

Young too pricey for Padres

The San Diego Padres declined their $8.5-million option on right-hander Chris Young for next season.

General manager Jed Hoyer said the day after the season ended that the Padres are open to bringing Young back at a lower amount.

Young was sidelined most of the season with a strained right shoulder, his third significant injury in as many seasons. He returned to the rotation in the season's final weeks.

Catcher Yorvit Torrealba declined his $3.5 million mutual option with the Padres.

Nats say no to Kennedy

The Washington Nationals declined their $2-million option on second baseman Adam Kennedy, instead giving him a $250,000 buyout.

Kennedy made $1.25 million for last-place Washington in 2010, when he was part of a middle-infield rotation before eventually making way for rookie second baseman Danny Espinosa.

The 34-year-old Kennedy hit .249 with a .327 on-base percentage, three homers and 31 RBIs in 342 at-bats.

It was his 12th season in the majors, and the Nationals were his fourth club. He has a .275 career batting average.