Page 21 - Aruba Today
P. 21
SPORTS A21
Monday 22 February 2016
Shortstop Alexei Ramirez reports to Padres spring training
BERNIE WILSON in the first half of the year, In this Sept. 26, 2015, file photo, Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez, left, tags out New
AP Sports Writer he came back and had a York Yankees’ Didi Gregorius who was attempting to steal second base during the fifth inning of a
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — New good second half,” gen- baseball game in New York. Ramirez and the San Diego Padres have finalized a $4 million, one-
Padres shortstop Alexei eral manager A.J. Preller year contract under the deal announced Friday, Jan. 22, 2016.
Ramirez reported to spring said. “He still has a youthful
training on Sunday, ready body and he’s still motivat- Associated Press
to anchor San Diego’s in- ed to play shortstop.”
field at age 34. Preller and manager Andy
Ramirez signed a $4 million, Green said Ramirez had of-
one-year contract with a fers from other teams, pos-
mutual option for 2017. He sibly for more money, to be
spent the previous eight more of a utility player.
seasons with the Chicago “He wanted to play ev-
White Sox, who declined a eryday shortstop, so we
$10 million team option. thought it was a pretty
“I’m grateful for the oppor- good fit,” Preller said.
tunity here,” Ramirez said
through an interpreter. “It’s very much the prepa-
Although his offensive num- ration you do and tak-
bers fell off last year, the ing care of yourself in the
Padres point out he played offseason,” Ramirez said.
at least 154 games in each “That’s what I’ve done
of the last six seasons and every year. That’s what
they liked his second-half maintains my strength and
play. health throughout the en-
“Even though he struggled tire season.”
AP source: Gallardo, Orioles An All-Star in 2014, Ramirez made 78 starts and Clint
saw his numbers drop Barmes made 51.
reach $35 million, 3-year deal to.249 at the plate with Green met with Ramirez at
10 homers and 62 RBIs last the winter meetings in De-
BEN WALKER season. He’s a career .273 cember.
AP Baseball Writer hitter with 109 homers and “There was a hunger in him
The Baltimore Orioles filled 542 RBIs. to prove himself,” Green
a big hole in their rotation, “That’s just how baseball said. “What stood out to
reaching agreement with works,” he said. “Some- me more than anything is
free agent Yovani Gallardo times you’ll have ups and I asked him in the middle
on a three-year, $35 million downs, and you have to of it: ‘Are you willing to be
contract Saturday. prepare yourself for the coached? Like if I have
changes that happen. something for you, like if
The deal came on the In this Sept. 1, 2015, file photo, Texas Rangers starting pitcher That’s what happened. I’ve seen something, you
second day of workouts Yovani Gallardo throws against the San Diego Padres during a Something changed in the want to know what I know
for Baltimore pitchers and baseball game in San Diego. middle of the season.” about you?’ And he said,
catchers at spring training Said Green: “His second ‘Yes.’ In that moment ev-
in Sarasota, Florida. Associated Press half finish was right in erybody’s going to answer
Gallardo takes the spot line with what he’s done politically correct because
that opened when Wei- announced. million to Gallardo that he throughout his career. It you’re trying to get a job
Yin Chen became a free Other media outlets report- turned down. was a very good finish. on a team.
agent and signed with Mi- ed the agreement earlier in Gallardo has pitched at “Say whatever you want “But the first time I saw him
ami. the day. least 180 innings in each of about an aging curve, he’s after that, when we had
Gallardo went 13-11 with a The Orioles will forfeit their the last seven seasons. An still very athletic,” the rook- signed him, he came up
3.42 ERA for Texas last sea- first-round pick in the June All-Star in 2010 with Milwau- ie skipper added. “He’s to me and said, ‘What do
son. The right-hander turns draft, the 14th choice kee, he is 102-75 with a 3.66 played 150-plus games for you have for me? What do
30 later this month. overall. Texas had made ERA in his nine-year major every year of his career, so you want to teach me,’”
A person familiar with the a qualifying offer of $15.8 league career.q he’s durable. We’re going Green said. “I said, ‘I don’t
deal confirmed the terms to lean heavily on him to have anything for you right
to The Associated Press. anchor our infield.” now, but I guarantee you
The person spoke on condi- San Diego had been look- we will have stuff for you.’ I
tion of anonymity because ing to upgrade at short- just wanted to check who
the contract hadn’t been stop, where super-utility he was, his pulse, if he was
player Alexi Amarista hungry to learn.”q
