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GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Indians are going down a familiar path with a star pitcher. Cleveland has suspended talks on a contract extension with ace Justin Masterson, agreeing that its time to focus on the upcoming season. Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said Friday that the club made a "very competitive" offer to Masterson, but the sides couldnt find common ground. Negotiations broke down with agent Randy Rowley on Thursday. "I met with Justin this morning," Antonetti said. "At this point we both agreed to table discussions on a multiyear contract and potentially revisit it down the road. But right now the focus will be on preparing for the season." Masterson, who avoided arbitration and agreed to a one-year, $9.726 million salary for 2014, can become a free agent after the season. The right-hander is scheduled to pitch on opening day against Oakland on March 31. Antonetti said the sides may discuss a new deal at a later unspecified time. "We made an earnest effort to find common ground and get something done. In the end we werent able to align," Antonetti said. "We have a profound belief in Justin. He embodies everything we want our players to be. Hes a great teammate, a great person and an exceptional performer. "There remains a desire from our side that he remains here long term. I believe hed like to be here long term." Masterson reportedly gave the Indians proposals on two- and three-year contracts at roughly $17 million per season. The Indians are believed to have offered packages at $14 million per year. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound Masterson is scheduled to pitch on Friday against Colorado. The situation isnt a new one for the Indians, who were unable to reach long-term deals in the past with CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee and were forced to trade the former Cy Young Award winners. Masterson emerged as the staffs No. 1 starter last season, when he went 14-10 with a 3.45 ERA. He made the All-Star team for the first time. Its the Indians preference not to negotiate any player contracts during the season, the team is aware of fan reaction concerning the teams long-term goals. "We are fortunate that Justin is here for this season," Antonetti said. "There will be other junctures where we can explore an extension with him — its just not right now. We dont want any distractions but if there is a right time to talk about it, were open to it." The Indians signed outfielder Michael Brantley to a four-year, $25 million contract last month. Theyve had preliminary talks with All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis about an extension, and they could be facing a decision with shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who is in the final year of his contract. Antonetti said the six-year, $105 million contract pitcher Homer Bailey signed with Cincinnati has an influence on the teams talks with Masterson. Bailey is 24-22 the last two seasons while Masterson is 25-25. "Thats one of the contract extensions thats in the marketplace," Antonetti said. "We are very cognizant of that contract but there are others. We made an earnest effort to offer Justin a contract that was fair relative to the marketplace, but we didnt attach it, nor do we ever, attach it to any one contract specifically." Antonetti would not discuss the possibility of a new deal for Kipnis. Manager Terry Francona does not expect the breakdown of negotiations to negatively affect Masterson — or his teammates. "It wont affect his performance," Francona said. "I dont know how it doesnt affect you. Its a big part of your life, but I think Mastys got his act together. Ive never seen someone who had his priorities together as much as Masty." Francona believes there will be discussion in the clubhouse, but believes his team will stay focused. "I bet the guys will be bummed out a little. I think they all like him and Chris (Antonetti) wanted to get it done or he wouldnt have tried but it doesnt carry over," he said. "Thats the way the game is. Thats why they set the deadline, lets not let this go into the season. "Realistically, you cant sign everybody you want to or everybody would be signed. For the Indians to be talking to him about that type of money, shows how much they like him," he added. "Just because you dont get a deal done doesnt mean you dont respect or care about that player. It has to fit into the parameter of the team." Custom Wales Jerseys . The Reds will host the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight in the opener of a four-game series at Great American Ball Park, and the debut matchup will feature a pair of pitchers whose recent resumes have included a fair number of bases-clearing hits. Wales Jerseys . They actually finished with a better record in ‘07 than they did in ‘06 but only marginally, going from 61 victories to 66. http://www.soccerwalesshop.com/joe-ledley-wales-UEFA-EURO-jersey/ .com) - Semyon Varlamov more than earned his third shutout of the season as he made a career-high 54 saves to lift the Colorado Avalanche to a 2-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday. Joe Allen Jersey . You can listen to the game live on TSN Radio 690 in Montreal or on TSN.ca/Montreal. Also, TSN.ca features live streaming of the post-game news conferences from the Bell Centre. The Rangers grabbed a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference Final after Sundays 3-2 overtime victory against the visiting Habs. Gareth Bale Jersey . Tony Parker had 33 points and nine assists and San Antonio never trailed in a resounding 116-92 victory over Portland, bullying the younger Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders have re-signed offensive line coach Tony Sparano to a two-year contract. The team announced the move Friday before Sparano could have become a coaching free agent next week. Sparano helped oversee a dramatic improvement on Oaklands line in his first season with the Raiders despite numerous injuries to the unit. The Raiiders increased their yards per carry from 3.dddddddddddd8 to 4.6 this season which ranked sixth in the NFL. The Raiders have decided to keep coach Dennis Allen for a third season despite back-to-back four-win campaigns. Most of the assistants were in the final year of their contracts and the team is deciding which assistants to try to keep. ' ' '