Beckett shows Sox he’s worth new deal
It didn’t take Josh Beckett long to start paying dividends on his new contract extension.
“Way to make us look good,” Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Wednesday, grabbing a seat next to the team’s next ace after the pitcher celebrated his three-year, $30 million deal by leading Boston to its second consecutive 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.
“He threw the ball so well, I think Theo just gave him a three-year deal,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said in his postgame meeting with the media.
After reporters chuckled, he added: “No, I’m serious.”
Well, almost serious. Actually, the deal was worked out on Tuesday night.
“He pitches good next time he might get a six-year,” Francona joked. “I think it was pretty easy. He wanted to be here; we wanted him here.”
Beckett is earning $4,325,000 this season but couldn’t become a free agent until after 2007. Boston locked him up for $30 million through the ‘09 season, with a club option for 2010 that could bring the total value of the deal to $40 million if he reaches certain incentives.
“This is where I want to play,” said the 26-year-old Beckett, who is set up to inherit the No. 1 spot in the rotation when Curt Schilling retires.
“Curt’s already said next year will be his last year,” Beckett said. Being the ace of the rotation “is obviously something I want.”
Beckett is tied for the American League lead with 12 wins.
Padres cut ties to Castilla
Third baseman Vinny Castilla was released by the San Diego Padres, an unpopular move in the clubhouse and one that likely will hasten the National League West leaders’ search for a replacement before the trading deadline.
Although his defense was solid, Castilla, 39, was hitting just .232 with four homers and 23 RBIs.
“It doesn’t get more difficult than that, the respect you have for Vinny,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’s been a pleasure and an honor to manage Vinny. That part of the game is always the hardest part.”
Blue Jays cut angry Hillenbrand
Shea Hillenbrand was cut by the Toronto Blue Jays after he was chastised during a team meeting and he refused to sit in the dugout with his teammates.
Hours before, Hillenbrand criticized the organization and said he expected to be traded. The designated hitter and corner infielder was upset because he wasn’t in the starting lineup for the second consecutive game and nobody in Toronto’s front office congratulated him on adopting a baby girl last weekend.
Hillenbrand was designated for assignment during the game and was not in the locker room afterward.
Clearing the bases
Thirty people were injured as high winds blew out press box windows, overturned portable concession stands and ripped the tarp at new Busch Stadium right before the start of the game between Atlanta and St. Louis. … Cubs third base coach Chris Speier was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he ran a stop sign on a city street, Chicago police said. … Washington right-hander John Patterson will undergo exploratory surgery on his right forearm today and is unlikely to pitch again this season.