ANAHEIM, United States: The Los Angeles Angels yesterday celebrated the six-year contract extension for rising star Mike Trout (pictured), worth a reported $144.5m (¤105m). “I can’t explain the feeling right now. I’m just happy to be here for the next seven years,” the 22-year-old Trout said during the announcement in Angel Stadium parking lot.
Word of the deal had leaked on Friday night, when multiple media outlets reported the 2012 American League Rookie of the Year had agreed terms on the deal that will kick in 2015.
The Angels had already signed Trout to a one-year deal for $1m, wanting to get that taken care of before the season started as they worked on a long-term pact.
This way, the long-term deal won’t count toward their salary cap in 2014, helping them avoid a luxury tax payment.
“I look at the franchise and what’s best for the franchise. You have a very respectful young man, who’s very bright, very family-oriented — that was a very important thing, how respectful he is to his family and to the organisation,” said Angels general manager Arte Moreno.
The star outfielder finished the 2013 season by hitting .323, attaining league highs of 109 runs scored and 110 walks along with 27 home runs, 39 doubles and 97 RBI over 157 games.
A year earlier Trout was the 18th player to earn a major league Rookie of the Year award by unanimous vote when he was recognized as the AL’s best first-year player after batting .326 with a .399 on-base percentage, 30 home runs, 129 runs and 49 stolen bases.
Mets send Dice-K to minors
MONTREAL: The New York Mets apparently needed to see more from Japanese hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka before making him part of their regular rotation.
The Mets reassigned Matsuzaka to their Triple-A minor legue affiliate in Las Vegas yesterday.
The National League club announced the move after a 2-0 loss to Toronto in their spring training finale in which Matsuzaka struck out eight batters in five shutout innings against the Blue Jays.
The 33-year-old Matsuzaka spent much of spring training fighting for the fifth spot in the Mets’ pitching rotation.
He appeared to have solidified his spot when the team paid $100,000 (¤72,711) on Tuesday in order to retain his rights.
But with Matsuzaka heading to Las Vegas, Jenrry Mejia becomes the Mets’ fifth starting pitcher.
However, Dice-K could yet be back in New York for the Mets’ first homestand of the season.
Jon Niese, who begins the season on the disabled list, is scheduled to start against the Cincinnati Reds on April 6 and if he isn’t ready Matsuzaka would likely replace him.
Matsuzaka is also insurance for Mejia, who was forced out of his pre-season start on Friday night after being hit on the right forearm with a batted ball.
He said Saturday that he’s been diagnosed with inflammation, but he was listed as day-to-day.AFP
