Counsell's 2005 option declined

[Mad'sWife]

10/29/2003 2:35 PM ET
Counsell's 2005 option declined
Veteran infielder still under contract for next season
By Steve Gilbert / MLB.com

PHOENIX -- The Diamondbacks declined to exercise the option on infielder Craig Counsell's contract for the 2005 season.

The club still has Counsell under contract for 2004 and retains an option for 2005, but by not exercising it now, the cost of the option increases from $3.75 million to $4.25 million and the D-Backs no longer hold an option for 2006.

"I just don't know at this point what the roster will look like in 2005," Diamondbacks general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. said. "We don't know what everyone's roles will be, what the budget will be. There are a lot of variables and it just made sense at this point to not pick up the option."

Counsell, 33, batted .234 with three homers and 21 RBIs for Arizona in 2003.

This makes sence.

[Madison]

With the kids Arizona has coming up, it works for them to get out from under Counsel's contract as quick as possible.

[wrveres]

Look for him or Spivey to be dealt. Probably spivey since he is younger and Counsell is more versatel