Boone Is Traded From the Mariners to Twins

Bret Boone wanted a chance to jump-start his career, and the Minnesota Twins found a proven veteran for their unproductive infield.

Boone, a three-time All-Star second baseman, was acquired by the Twins on Monday -- eight days after being dumped by the Seattle Mariners.

“I’m not saying that Bret Boone is going to be a savior, but he might be a guy that can help,� Minnesota General Manager Terry Ryan said. “There’s a lot at stake for him, obviously.�

The Mariners had designated Boone, 36, for assignment, which meant they had 10 days to trade him before he became a free agent. They will pay the balance of his $9.25-million salary, minus the prorated portion of the major league minimum salary (about half of $316,000) that the Twins will pick up. Minnesota is also on the hook for a player to be named.

Boone is batting .231 with seven home runs and 34 runs batted in.

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Former Chicago Cub reliever Joe Borowski agreed to a contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and will join the last-place team in the American League East after the All-Star break.

Borowski, 34, saved 33 games for the Cubs in 2003, helping them make the playoffs. He appeared in 11 games this season and was 0-0 with a 6.55 earned-run average before being designated for assignment when the Cubs activated starter Kerry Wood on June 29.

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New York Yankee right-hander Kevin Brown threw off a mound for the first time since being sidelined last month because of a back injury.

Brown, who has chronic back trouble, went on the disabled list for the 13th time in his career June 18. He left a game three days earlier against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of back spasms.

The Yankees are hopeful that Brown can rejoin the rotation next week.

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The New York Mets have signed a 16-year-old outfielder in one of the richest deals for a prospect from the Dominican Republic.

Fernando Martinez, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, got a $1.4-million contract last week, even though he can’t play in the United States until he turns 18.

Even with his lucrative deal, Martinez said he wants to attend college and study business administration. The Mets included $100,000 to pay for his studies as part of the package.

Because of his arm strength, Martinez is being compared by scouts to fellow Dominicans Raul Mondesi and Jose Guillen, both major league players.