Mets secure another young star

David Wright became the latest young player on the New York Mets to get a long-term contract, signing a $55 million, six-year extension Sunday.

Wright joins Jose Reyes, who signed a $23.25 million, four-year contract extension on Thursday.

“It’s been an exciting week for us,” Mets general manager Omar Minaya said.

“To reach agreements with both Jose and David means the left side of our infield is secure for the next several years. At the age of 23, David Wright has developed into one of the most complete players in the National League.

Wright is hitting .308 with 22 homers and 82 RBIs this season. He has 11 stolen bases and was voted the starting third baseman for the N.L. All-Star team.

Wright finished second in the Home Run Derby and became the 14th player to hit a homer in his first All-Star at-bat.

His current deal calls for a $374,000 salary this season. The extension calls for a $1.5 million signing bonus and salaries of $1 million next year, $5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $10 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011 and $15 million in 2012. There is a $1 million buyout if the Mets do not exercise a $16 million option for 2013.

“I have wanted to be a life long Met and this is the first step in that direction,” Wright said.

Ortiz making history in Boston

David Ortiz became the first Boston Red Sox player to hit 40 homers in three consecutive seasons with a fifth-inning shot at Tampa Bay.

Ortiz lined his A.L.-best 40th homer of the season into the right-field seats off Devil Rays starter J.P. Howell. It was his seventh homer in 63 at-bats off Tampa Bay pitching this year.

Only two other Boston players – Carl Yastrzemski and Manny Ramirez – have hit 40 or more homers in three different seasons.