Harrington Claims Agent Was Negligent

The Colorado Rockies’ No. 1 pick in the 2000 draft is suing his former agent for negligence in California State Superior Court.

Pitcher Matt Harrington, selected seventh overall out of Palmdale High, alleges that agent Tommy Tanzer advised him to hold out for a $4.95-million bonus because the Rockies would never withdraw their original offer of $4 million.

When the Rockies removed their offer, Harrington re-entered the draft in 2001. After turning down $1.2 million from the San Diego Padres in May, he was selected by Tampa Bay in the 13th round of the 2002 draft last week.

Harrington, who fired Tanzer last year and replaced him with agent Scott Boras, has pitched in independent leagues the last two seasons. His stock among baseball scouts fell considerably because of a drop off in his fastball and a lack of competition.

Harrington’s suit claims that Tanzer’s advice to reject Colorado’s $4-million offer was “negligent and reckless” in light of the market for draft picks at the time. He seeks unspecified damages.

“Nobody had a crystal ball, but an 18-year-old kid has every right to rely on the advice of his representative,” said Jeffrey Metzger, Harrington’s attorney. “Mr. Tanzer provided advice. The Harringtons relied on it, and it was terribly inappropriate.”

Tanzer’s attorney, Alan Milstein, said the complaint is without merit.

“It’s so bare-bones and vague, it’s almost incomprehensible to anyone who knows this business,” Milstein said. “We’re going to vigorously defend Tommy’s reputation.”

*

Tampa Bay Devil Ray left-hander Nick Bierbrodt, a former Millikan High standout, was upgraded to good condition and moved out of intensive care at the Medical University of South Carolina four days after being shot in his right arm and chest in Charleston, S.C.

“He’s improved significantly the last 24 hours,” Dr. David Cole said. “It seems like everything is moving rapidly in the right direction. He’s in good spirits.”

*

New York Met second baseman Roberto Alomar was not in the starting lineup Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox because of a sprained left knee. Alomar might be back in the lineup today, although Met Manager Bobby Valentine said he could be tempted to give him another day to rest.... Struggling reliever Keith Foulke has lost his closer’s job with the Chicago White Sox and will do some setup work in an effort to regain his form. Foulke, one of the AL’s top closers the last two years, is 0-4 with only eight saves this season, the last on May 25. After saving a career-high 42 games and blowing only three chances all of last year, he’s already failed in two save situations this season.... The Minnesota Twins traded minor league second baseman Warren Morris to the St. Louis Cardinals for a player to be named. Morris was batting .261 for triple-A Edmonton in the Pacific Coast League and will be assigned to the Cardinals’ Memphis triple-A affiliate.