Nationals’ Zimmerman gets 6-year, $100 million extension
VIERA, Fla. — Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman’s new deal, announced Sunday, will keep him with the Washington Nationals at least through 2019. Zimmerman and the club agreed on a six-year, $100 million contract that will kick in after the two years remaining on his existing contract expire.
“This is where I want to be and where I always wanted to be,” Zimmerman said. “I’ve been here when times were bad. They’ve done a great job of building this organization up. We have young guys who are just now starting to get here, and we’re going to be good for a long time. I wanted to make sure I was here for that.”
His agent, Brodie Van Wagenen, said a no-trade provision was “paramount” in getting a deal done.
Hamilton looks ahead:
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, although willing to resume contract talks during the season, said he was likely to file for free agency after it but give the Rangers the first opportunity to re-sign him.
“If it does go to free agency,” he said, “the first place I’m coming is here. If I owe anything, it’s that. My loyalty is here. This is where I’ve been. This is where my family’s been, so obviously I’d love to stay here more than anywhere else.”
The Rangers halted negotia- tions after Hamilton had an alcohol relapse three weeks ago at a Dallas-area bar.
Focus on Ramirez:
Manny Ramirez, with 555 career home runs, a long history of quirky behavior and a second drug-related suspension hanging over him, became the focal point of Oakland Athletics camp the moment he arrived Friday.
Ramirez displayed a potent swing after early rustiness and a peaceful mien as he spoke about his religious conversion.
“I’m here because the King (God) called for me,” Ramirez said in Spanish before addressing a sizable contingent of news reporters in English. “That’s why I’m here. This is not because of Manny or $500,000 (his salary on a non-guaranteed contract).” Ramirez turns 40 on May 30, the day he can return from a 50game suspension.
Alcohol ban:
The Boston Red Sox will ban alcohol in the clubhouse and on the last plane flight of road trips, new manager Bobby Valentine announced.
The move comes after last season’s September collapse, which included news media reports of Boston starting pitchers drinking beer in the clubhouse on their off days.
Short hops:
Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau acknowledged that his career might soon be in jeopardy if chronic complications from concussions don’t soon subside. “There comes a point you can only torture yourself so long,” Morneau told news reporters. . . . Twins reliever Joel Zumaya was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow. He could choose to have Tommy John surgery or retire. ... Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez will miss at least one month and possibly six weeks with a strained left side muscle.