SAN DIEGO (AP) -The San Diego Padres declined outfielder Rob Mackowiak's $3.25 million option for next season, making him eligible to become a free agent. The Padres chose instead to pay a $300,000 buyout. Mackowiak was acquired from the Chicago White Sox on July 31 for minor league right-hander Jon Link. Mackowiak played in 28 games with San Diego, batting .196 with two RBIs. He made 14 appearances in the outfield, including 11 starts before undergoing season-ending surgery on a double sports hernia on Sept. 26. Mackowiak's salary was $2.75 million this year.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. |
