It’s a big deal to Altuve
Jose Altuve sat behind a table set up on the field at the Houston Astros spring training complex, and his teammates looked on as the World Series champions announced his seven-year, $163.5 million contract, the longest in team history.
“You made me more nervous because I don’t like talking in front of a lot of people. You know that,” he said
Houston finalized a deal yesterday that guaranteed the American League MVP an additional $151 million for five seasons.
“Certainly a fan favorite. Our fans love Jose,” owner Jim Crane said. “Winner, MVP — what else can you say? He always leads by example. When I talk to the guys in the locker room, everybody is better because of Jose, and he’s a great leader. So Jose, you’re the heart of the team. We’re happy to have you for the long term.”
The 27-year-old second baseman had been among baseball’s best bargains. He agreed in 2013 to a deal that originally guaranteed $12.5 million from 2014-17 and included club options for 2018 at $6 million and 2019 at $6.5 million.
His new deal keeps those salaries and adds a $21 million signing bonus, of which $1 million is payable upon the deal’s approval by the commissioner’s office and $10 million each on July 1 in 2018 and 2019. He gets annual salaries of $26 million from 2020-24.
Altuve also gets a no-trade provision, a hotel suite on road trips and premium stadium seats. From 202124, his salaries in the remainder of the contract would increase by $3 million if he is voted MVP, $2 million if he finishes second and $1 million if he finishes third . . . .
Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said Zack Greinke won’t be the team’s starter on Opening Day because of tightness the right-hander experienced in his groin in his latest start . . . .
Yankees outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to start the regular season on the disabled list because of an oblique injury that has kept him out of exhibition games since March 1.
AP: Penny to coach Memphis
Former Memphis All-American Penny Hardaway is heading back to his alma mater — as its men’s basketball coach.
Memphis will announce Hardaway as its next coach today, a person familiar with the situation said.
The 46-year-old Hardaway replaces Tubby Smith, who was fired after going 40-26 in two seasons with Memphis.
The Memphis native played at Treadwell High School before going to then-Memphis State, and he remains very popular in his hometown . ...
Charlotte has hired Virginia associate head coach Ron Sanchez as their new coach . . . .
Misc.: Manneh on U.S. club
Mexican league midfielder Kekuta Manneh was added to the United States men’s soccer roster for a March 27 exhibition against Paraguay at Cary, N.C.
The 27-year-old was born in Ghana and became a U.S. citizen two years ago while playing with Vancouver. He was traded to Columbus in March 2017 and signed with Pachuca in December.
He is among eight players on the 23-man roster who could make their national team debuts. The others are goalkeeper Alex Bono; defenders Shaq Moore, Erik Palmer-Brown and Antonee Robinson; midfielders Marky Delgado and Tim Weah; and forward Andrija Novakovich . . . .
Bank boss Gaetano Micciche has been elected president of Serie A . . . .
Two-time champion Karrie Webb has received a special exemption to the U.S. Women’s Open at Shoal Creek in Alabama.