San Diego, CA (My Sportsbook) - The San Diego Padres announced Friday that they will not exercise their option on outfielder Ray Lankford for the 2003 season. The Padres could have retained Lankford for $7.5 million, but instead decided to buy out the contract for $1 million. Lankford, who was acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for starting pitcher Woody Williams last season, had a disappointing 2002 campaign, hitting just .224 with six homers and 26 RBI in 81 games. The 35-year-old Lankford is a career .272 hitter with 232 home runs and 852 RBI. |
