Giants’ Tim Lincecum seeks $21.5 million from Giants

San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum asked for $21.5 million in salary arbitration Tuesday and was offered $17 million by the club.

The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner’s request neared the record amount sought in arbitration. Houston Astros pitcher Roger Clemens asked for $22 million in 2005.

San Francisco’s offer was the highest in arbitration history, topping the $14.25 million the New York Yankees proposed for shortstop Derek Jeter in 2001.

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The Detroit Tigers announced that designated hitter Victor Martinez tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during off-season conditioning last week and probably will sit out the 2012 season.

Martinez hit .330 with 12 home runs and 103 runs batted in in 145 games with the Tigers last season. He signed a $50-million, four-year contract before last season.

He batted No. 5 in the lineup throughout last season, and his absence leaves a big hole behind cleanup hitter Miguel Cabrera.

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Left-hander Cole Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies agreed on a $15-million, one-year contract, avoiding arbitration.

The 2008 World Series most valuable player was 14-9 with a 2.79 earned-run average in 32 games last year. Hamels was selected to his second All-Star game and was fifth in NL Cy Young Award voting.

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The Boston Red Sox agreed to terms with outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury on a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth $8.05 million, avoiding salary arbitration.

Ellsbury, who played in only 18 games in 2010, was selected American League comeback player of the year last season and finished second in AL MVP voting. He batted.321 with career highs of 46 doubles, 32 home runs, 119 runs, 105 RBIs and 52 walks in 158 games. He led the majors with 364 total bases and 83 extra-base hits.

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Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford had surgery on his left wrist Tuesday and could sit out opening day.

General Manager Ben Cherington said that Crawford is expected to resume hitting at some point in spring training and be ready early in the season.

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The Atlanta Braves avoided arbitration, agreeing to one-year deals with outfielder Michael Bourn for $6.845 million, starting pitcher Jair Jurrjens for $5.5 million and reliever Eric O’Flaherty for $2.49 million.

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The Cleveland Indians wasted no time in avoiding salary arbitration with key players, agreeing to terms on one-year contracts with right fielder Shin-Soo Choo, All-Star closer Chris Perez, starter Justin Masterson, reliever Joe Smith and third baseman Jack Hannahan.

Only All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and left-handed reliever Rafael Perez remain unsigned.

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The Kansas City Royals agreed to one-year contracts with pitchers Jonathan Sanchez, Luke Hochevar and Felipe Paulino along with reserve outfielder Mitch Maier.

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The Milwaukee Brewers added depth to their outfield, signing Japanese star Norichika Aoki to a two-year deal with a club option for 2014.

ETC.

Parker expected to leave UCLA

UCLA guard De’End Parker is expected to transfer, basketball Coach Ben Howland said.

Parker, a junior, has played only two games this season after transferring from City College of San Francisco. Howland said Parker would like to return to the Bay Area to be near his mother, who is suffering from heart problems. Parker played at San Francisco Lincoln High.

“We’re going to help him with the petition so he can get closer to home,” Howland said. “I know that has weighed heavily on his heart.” —Chris Foster

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Chivas USA announced that it acquired goalkeeper Tim Melia. Melia, 25, was waived by Real Salt Lake in November.