Newsmakers

Suspended Texas Rangers catcher Yorvit Torrealba was suspended Monday from Venezuela’s professional baseball league for 66 games for striking an umpire. Torrealba issued an apology, saying he was embarrassed about his argument with a home plate umpire after striking out Friday. He angrily put a hand on the umpire’s mask and shoved him. He was then ejected. “I wanted to express my sincere apologies to all parties for my actions,” Torrealba said in his statement. “I have extended an apology to the Rangers organization as well. I am embarrassed for my conduct, and personally relayed that feeling to the umpire after that night’s game.” League president Jose Grasso Vecchio called Torrealba’s behavior unacceptable and a violation of league rules. Torrealba plays for the Caracas Lions when not playing in the majors.

Confirmed A day after Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson tweeted that he had signed a new contract, general manager Brian Burke made it official. Burke announced the deal during an AHL game between the Toronto Marlies and the Hamilton Bulldogs at Air Canada Centre. Terms were not released. Wilson was in the final season of a four-year contract. He hinted Friday on Twitter that he wanted a new contract from Santa Claus for Christmas. He tweeted again Sunday morning, saying he had gotten his wish. The Leafs are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The team has not made the playoffs in Wilson’s three prior seasons.

Signed The Houston Rockets have signed free-agent center Samuel Dalembert. The 6-foot-11 Dalembert agreed to a multi-year contract last week, the team announced. Dalembert averaged 8.1 points and 8.2 rebounds for Sacramento last season. He played his first eight seasons in Philadelphia after the 76ers made him a first-round (26th overall) pick in 2001.