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Broncs start offseason by dealing Guthrie,
dumping Kearns
San Antonio (AP) - November 1, 2008
Today the San Antonio Broncs cut ties with
Austin Kearns after two lackluster years of service. Kearns was
dealt to New Milford along with starter Jeremy Guthrie in a move
designed to free up salary cap space.
Kearns played 310 games in a Broncs uniform after being acquried in
the 2007 preseason. He hit a paltry .248/.319/.390 with 34 homers
and 132 RBI in those two campaigns. Kearns was brought on board in
the middle of an 8-year contract and was traded with three years
left to go on that deal with nearly 27M left on it.
"We took a chance on Austin hoping for a turnaround," Broncs GM Greg
Newgard said. "We didn't get it. I hated to deal a quality starter
like Guthrie, but sometimes you have to pay a price like this to
improve the club. We don't have a lot of needs, so this money should
go to finding quality upgrades and a catcher."
In addition to Guthrie, the Broncs sent minor league catcher Max
Ramirez to the Blazers. The Broncs got reliever Ryan Franklin in
return. The move will free up over 7M to the cap going into the
draft.
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