Delgado makes his choice: the Marlins
Carlos Delgado wanted to play for a contender, and the Florida Marlins look like one now.
Delgado agreed Tuesday to a $52 million, four-year contract. The deal, which includes an option year making it potentially worth $64 million over five seasons, is contingent on Delgado passing a physical today.
With the addition of the free-agent first baseman, Florida becomes perhaps the team to beat in the National League East.
“It’s a spectacular day for the franchise,” owner Jeffrey Loria said in a telephone interview with the Associated Press. “I’m going to spring training tomorrow. I’m not waiting.”
The Marlins won the World Series in 1997 and 2003 but still are seeking their first division title. They also want to win support for a new ballpark.
“We’re about trying to be a very competitive ball club, and the stadium will take of itself in due time,” Loria said. “But Carlos certainly is not going to hurt that effort.”
The Marlins landed the most formidable left-handed power hitter in their 12-season history, and it took the franchise’s richest per-season deal to do it. Florida won out over the New York Mets, Texas and Baltimore.
The Mets also made a $52 million, four-year offer, of which $2 million was the buyout of a fifth-year option. Delgado’s side calculated that in present-day value, New York’s offer was worth $30,000 more than Florida’s.
“From day one, we have told everyone that Carlos would make his choice based on where he felt he had the best chance to win a World Series,” wrote his agent, David Sloane, in an e-mail. “I’m proud to say that is exactly why he made the choice he made.”
Delgado receives just $4 million this year but makes $13.5 million in 2006, $14.5 million in 2007 and $16 million in 2008, according to terms obtained by the AP. The agreement includes a $16 million option for 2009 that would become guaranteed based on how Delgado does in Most Valuable Player voting and whether he earns postseason MVP awards.
Search continues for Urbina’s mother
Kidnappers holding the mother of Detroit Tigers pitcher Ugueth Urbina have demanded a $3 million ransom, but have not contacted the family in several weeks, Venezuelan police said in Caracas, Venezuela.
Ten police detectives in an anti-kidnapping unit are on the case and believe 54-year-old Maura Villarreal is still being held hostage. Police said the strategy of making no contact is a common ploy used by kidnappers in the South American country.
Urbina’s mother disappeared from her home on the outskirts of Caracas on Sept. 1. Police have said they believe she was taken by four men who were wearing police uniforms.
Clearing the bases
Scott Erickson agreed to a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers and will attend spring training as a non-roster invitee. Erickson, a 36-year-old right-hander, was 1-4 in six starts with the Mets and Texas last season. … Left-hander C.J. Nitkowski and the Minnesota Twins agreed to a minor league contract. … Jim Lett, the Dodgers’ bullpen coach for the past four seasons, has been promoted to bench coach. Lett replaces Jim Riggleman, hired last month as the St. Louis Cardinals’ minor league field coordinator. Jon Debus, a former player, coach and manager in the Dodgers’ minor league system, will serve as the team’s bullpen coach.