Contreras will mentor Sox
The White Sox’ expanding club of ambassadors added three members Friday, including Jose Contreras, who in addition to performing ambassador- type work is expected to assist Latin players with the sometimesdifficult challenge of adjusting to life in a new country.
Contreras, 46, who went 3- 1 with a 3.09 ERA and one complete game for the Sox during the 2005 postseason, said he was “almost in shock” when Sox vice president Ken Williams called to ask him about a role Contreras feels equipped to take on.
“I lived the experience as a player, and I survived that process,’’ said Contreras, a Las Martinas, Cuba, native who enjoyed an 11- year career with the Yankees, Sox, Rockies, Phillies and Pirates. “I can tell the young guys to make adjustments more smoothly, to help and put them in the best possible position. I’ve passed through that process, I know how to do it and that’s why I feel very confident that I can [ assist] with those young kids.’’
The Sox have a long line of Cuban influence in their history. After discussing the offer with his family, Contreras jumped in.
“Baseball is my life,’’ he said. “I’ve been around it for 30 years. I’m going to take a lot of pride in this. I love this organization, I love this city, the fans and all the people all around theWhite Sox.’’
The Sox also named Hall of Fame outfielder Tim Raines and catcher A. J. Pierzynski ambassadors. Daryl Van Schouwen
Ex- Cub Rondon to Astros
Former Cubs reliever Hector Rondon agreed to a two- year, $ 8.5 million with the Astros. The 29- year- old right- hander spent the last five yearswith the Cubs, with whom he went 18- 13 with a 3.22 ERA and 77 saves. He went 4- 1 with a 4.24 ERA and a career- best 10.83 strikeouts per nine innings last season.
Phillies sign Santana
First baseman Carlos Santana agreed to a three- year, $ 60 million contract with the Phillies. Santana had 23 home runs and 79 RBI last season for the Indians, with whom he spent all eight of his big- league seasons.
The Phillies also traded shortstop Freddy Galvis to the Padres for aminor- league pitcher and finalized two- year deals with relievers Tommy Hunter ($ 18 million) and Pat Neshek ($ 16.25million).
Angels sign Cozart
Zack Cozart agreed to a three- year, $ 38 million contract with the Angels. He also agreed to move from shortstop to third base in an infield suddenly packed with veteran talent.
With Andrelton Simmons at short, Angels general manager Billy Eppler initiallywas interested in signing Cozart to play second. Cozart was amenable to that, but then Eppler traded for Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler.
Moore traded to Rangers
The Giants traded lefthander Matt Moore and international signing- bonus pool money to the Rangers for two minor- league pitchers.
Moore went 6- 15 with a 5.52 ERA last season, setting a career high for losses. He allowed a career- worst 107 earned runs.