Alex Cora Agrees to New Deal with Boston Red Sox

Posted on November 15, 2018 by Tom Castaneda

Alex Cora is getting a much-deserved pay raise…

The 43-year-old Puerto Rican Major League Baseball manager, the Boston Red Sox‘s first-year manager, has agreed to a new deal with the team that includes a one-year extension through the 2021 season and, most likely, a significant raise. Terms have not been announced.

Cora was one of the lowest-paid skippers in the MLB last season on his way to winning a franchise-record 108 games and the World Series.

“We have consistently been impressed by Alex at every turn,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner. “His knowledge of the game, ability to connect with our players, and his incredible instincts and decisiveness led us to an historic championship season. We know we are in good hands, and could not be more pleased to know he will be with us for the foreseeable future.”

“Alex did a tremendous job for our club all year long and we wanted to reward him for his efforts after an amazing season,” president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. “We are extremely happy that he will be with us and leading our club on the field.”

Last season, Cora made $800,000, tied with the Braves’ Brian Snitker and the Mariners’ Scott Servais for the lowest salary among managers to start the season.

Snitker won Manager of the Year in the National League, and Cora finished second in voting for the American League award.

“Since day one, John and Linda Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon, Sam Kennedy, and Dave Dombrowski have been incredibly supportive of me and my family, and for that I am extremely grateful,” Cora said. “For me, 2018 was not only historic, but it was special as well, both on and off the field. We have a great appreciation for our accomplishments this past year, but now our focus moves forward to the season ahead and defending our World Series title.”

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon, San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy and Los Angeles Angels manager Mike Scioscia, who retired following the season, all made $6 million last season.

Cora became only the second Puerto Rican-born manager in major league history, joining Edwin Rodriguez, who managed the Florida Marlins for parts of the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Cora was the fifth major league manager to win a World Series in his first season, joining Bob Brenly (2001, Arizona Diamondbacks), Ralph Houk (1961, New York Yankees), Eddie Dyer (1946, St. Louis Cardinals) and Bucky Harris (1924, Washington Senators).

Cabrera Agrees to Record $292 Million Contract with the Detroit Tigers

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It’s official. Miguel Cabrera is the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball…

The 30-year-old Venezuelan baseball star, a two-time American League MVP, has agreed to terms with the Detroit Tigers on a new 10-year contract that will pay him a whopping $292 million.

The new contract, which covers the two years remaining on Cabrera’s current deal and eight additional years, is expected to become official later this week, the source said.

According to CBSSports.com, which earlier reported Detroit and Cabrera were closing in on an agreement, the new deal also includes two additional vesting options worth $30 million apiece for years 11 and 12 that could bring the total of the deal to $352 million.

Multiple media outlets have reported that Cabrera needs to pass a physical exam before his new deal is complete.

If the new contract is calculated as a single, 10-year entity, it will surpass the 10-year, $275 million deal that Alex Rodriguez signed with the New York Yankees in December 2007, as the largest in MLB history.

Based on a career average of 607 at-bats per season and an average of $30 million annually, Cabrera would earn $49,423 per at-bat.

Cabrera, who turns 31 in April, is an eight-time All-Star in 11 seasons with the Florida Marlins and Tigers. He’s a .321 career hitter with 365 home runs.

He’s the only major league player with 100 or more RBIs in each of the past 10 seasons, and last year he became the first Tiger to win three consecutive batting titles since Ty Cobb achieved the feat from 1917 to 1919.

Cabrera led the majors with a .348 batting average last year and his 44 homers and 137 RBIs were both second to Baltimore’s Chris Davis.

The Venezuelan slugger won the Triple Crown in 2012 — becoming the game’s first player to lead either league in batting average, homers and RBIs since 1967.

Bonifacio Agrees to Minor League Deal with the Chicago Cubs

Posted on February 16, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

It didn’t take long for Emilio Bonifacio to return back to the baseball field…

The 28-year-old Dominican professional baseball player, who has released by the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, has just signed a minor lead deal with the Chicago Cubs.

Bonifacio, an experienced infielder/outfielder, played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Royals last season, appearing in 136 games while batting .243 with three home runs and 31 RBIs.

Bonifacio, a switch-hitter, has a career .262 batting average in seven major league seasons.

Bonifacio, who had 28 stolen bases last season, has also played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, the Washington Nationals and the Florida Marlins/Miami Marlins.

Ayala Agrees to Minor League Deal with the Washington Nationals

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Tom Castaneda

Luis Ayala is returning to the Washington Nationals organization…

The 36-year-old Mexican professional baseball pitcher has agreed to a minor league deal with the Nationals, which includes an invitation to spring training.

The deal was confirmed by the team on Friday.

Ayala was 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA and two blown saves in 37 games with the Atlanta Braves in 2013 after beginning the season with the Baltimore Orioles.

He began his major league career with the Montreal Expos in 2003 and previously pitched for the Nationals from 2005-08.

Ayala has pitched in relief in each of his 534 games with Montreal, Washington, the New York Mets, the Minnesota Twins, the Florida Marlins, the New York Yankees, Baltimore and Atlanta.

The right-hander has a 38-47 career record and 3.34 ERA.

Veras Traded to the Detroit Tigers

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

The Detriot Tigers have discovered their next closer… And, his name is José Veras.

The Tigers acquired the 32-year-old Dominican relief pitcher on Monday from the Houston Astros in exchange for minor league outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later.

Veras is 0-4 with a 2.93 ERA this season, and the 32-year-old right-hander has struck out 44 in 43 innings with only 14 walks.

Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski says the team is pleased to add an experienced arm to the bullpen.

Detroit entered the season with a lot of uncertainty at the closer spot, and although Joaquin Benoit has pitched well in the role in recent games, the AL Central-leading Tigers needed bullpen depth.

Aside from Benoit and Drew Smyly, none of their other relievers have been all that effective on a consistent basis.

In his Major League Baseball career, Veras has played for the New York Yankees, the Cleveland Indians, the Florida Marlins, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Astros.

Parra Agrees to $1 Million Deal with the Cincinnati Reds

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Tom Castaneda

Manny Parra won’t be in the red with the Reds…

The 30-year-old Mexican American left-handed pitcher and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract.

Parra had previously spent all five of his Major League Baseball seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers. After missing 2011 with back and elbow injuries, he went 3-10 with a 5.06 ERA last year in 16 starts and 26 relief appearances.

Parra could earn an additional $400,000 in performance bonuses based on games pitched in relief: $50,000 each for 45 and 50, and $100,000 apiece for 55, 60 and 65.

To clear a roster spot, Cincinnati designated right-hander Todd Redmond for assignment.

In addition, the Reds agreed Friday to a minor league deal with catcher Miguel Olivo.

The 34-year-old Dominican baseball pro hit .222 with 12 RBIs in 315 at-bats last year for the Seattle Mariners, his second season with the team. He made his MLB debut with the Chicago White Sox; and he’s also played with the San Diego Padres, the Florida Marlins, the Kansas City Royals and the Colorado Rockies.

Cabrera ThisClose to Making MLB Batting History…

Posted on September 20, 2012 by Tom Castaneda

Miguel Cabrera is chasing history…

The 29-year-old Venezuelan third baseman for the Detroit Tigers is thisclose to joining an elite list of the Major League’s batting stars.

Baseball hasn’t seen a Triple Crown winner — a hitter leading the league in home runs, runs batted in, and batting average — since 1967.

But Cabrera could change that this season… by becoming the first Latino Triple Crown winner.

The seven-time All-Star player is currently leading the American League in batting average and RBIs, and he trailed the Texas Rangers’ Josh Hamilton by just two home runs as of September 19, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Cabrera—who homered to help the Tigers beat the Oakland Athletics 6-2 on Wednesday night—is already a World Series Champion (with the Florida Marlins), a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and two-time recipient of the Luis Aparicio Award, which is given annually to honor the Venezuelan player who recorded the best individual performance in Major League Baseball.

Here are the eight players who have pulled off the feat in the American League:

Carl Yastrzemski, Boston Red Sox, 1967 (.326 batting average, 44 HRs, 121 RBIs) – Yaz is the last player to win the Triple Crown. His greatest competition came in the home-run race where he tied Harmon Killebrew with 44.

Frank Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, 1966 (.316, 49, 122) – Just a year before Yastrzemski won his Triple Crown, Frank Robinson won one of his own for Baltimore. Robinson’s .316 average was the lowest ever for a Triple Crown winner.

Mickey Mantle, New York Yankees, 1956 (.353, 52, 130) – Mantle joined Gehrig as the two Triple Crown winners in the long history of success for the Yankees. The Mick led the league by a whopping 20 home runs over Cleveland’s Vic Wertz.

Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox, 1947 (.343, 32, 114) – It’s fitting that the man who many feel is the greatest hitter ever won not one but two Triple Crowns. Williams’ second, in 1947, featured the third of his six batting titles. He edged out Hall of Famer Joe Gordon, then of the Indians, by three for the home-run title.

Ted Williams, Boston Red Sox, 1942 (.356, 36, 137) – 1942 was Teddy Ballgame’s last year before missing three years for military service. He made sure baseball would miss him. Though his average dropped by a full 50 points over his amazing 1941 season, he still won the batting title by 25 points. Amazingly, he did not win the AL MVP in either of his Triple Crown seasons.

Lou Gehrig, New York Yankees, 1934 (.363, 49, 165) – In accomplishing the Triple Crown, Gehrig pulled off what his more famous teammate — Babe Ruth — never did. Gehrig’s 165 RBIs were the most ever in a Triple Crown-winning season.

Jimmy Foxx, Philadelphia Athletics, 1933 (.356, 48, 163) – Foxx won the second of his thee MVPs for this season. This was part of a remarkable streak in which Foxx drove in 100 or more runs for 13 straight seasons.

Ty Cobb, Detroit Tigers, 1909 (.377, 9, 107) – It’s amusing in today’s era to see a player lead the league with just nine home runs. Cobb dominated the 1909 season. In addition to the Triple Crown categories, he led the American League in runs, stolen bases, hits, total bases, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.

Nap Lajoie, Philadelphia Athletics, 1901 (.426, 14, 125) – Lajoie produced the highest batting average for a Triple Crown winner. A Hall of Famer, Lajoie led the AL in 11 offensive categories in 1901. He won the batting title by 86 points that year.

Guillen Named Marlins Manager

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Tom Castaneda

It’s official! Ozzie Guillen will be leaving Chicago’s South Side and moving to South Beach, where he’ll lead the Florida Marlins.

“It’s a big, big step in my career, a new chapter,” says the Venezuela-born former Major League Baseball player about being named the Marlins’ new manager. “Hopefully I can bring energy, flavor and enthusiasm, but the most important thing is a winning team.”

The announcement didn’t come completely out of left field. Shortly after stepping down as manager of the Chicago White Sox, Guillen’s website leaked news that he’d agreed to become the Marlins’ manager. The post was quickly removed, but not before the word was out.

After a successful career as a player—including earning American League Rookie of the Year and All-Star honors—Guillen moved into coaching. In 2004, he became the manager of the White Sox and brought the team its first World Series championship in 88 years, becoming the first Hispanic manager in major league history to win a World Series.

Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria, who wanted an experience a manager to replace 80-year-old Jack McKeon, hopes Guillen can lead the team to the World Series after a disappointing last-place finish this season.

“I think we can turn it around next year,” says Loria, who signed Guillen to a four-year contract. “When you have a — for lack of a better word — category five manager, it’s going to happen.”

Meanwhile, the team will be moving to a new ballpark near the city’s downtown area, where they’ll become the Miami Marlins.

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