ANGELS NOTEBOOK: MOLINA GETS CONTRACT EXTENSION.Byline: Kevin Modesti Staff Writer TEMPE, Ariz. - The Angels cemented another cornerstone of their future Friday, agreeing with catcher Bengie Molina Benjamin José ("Bengie" or "Ben") Molina (born July 20 1974 in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico) is the starting catcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball. After being initially regarded as a "good glove, no hit" catcher, Molina has developed into one of the better on a four-year contract with a club option for the 2005 season. The practical, long-term impact of the deal, announced the week after the Angels came to terms with third baseman third baseman n. Baseball The infielder stationed near third base. Noun 1. third baseman - (baseball) the person who plays third base third sacker Troy Glaus Troy Edward Glaus (born August 3, 1976 in Tarzana, California) is a Major League Baseball player who plays third base for the Toronto Blue Jays. Previously, Glaus played with the Anaheim Angels (1998-2004) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (2005). for four years, was only one reason for the smiles at the team's spring-training camp. ``This is a guy who pushed through the cobwebs cob·web n. 1. a. The web spun by a spider to catch its prey. b. A single thread spun by a spider. 2. Something resembling the web of a spider in gauziness or flimsiness. 3. of the minor leagues and is being rewarded for his diligence,'' manager Mike Scioscia ``For me,'' said a relieved Molina, 26, ``this is the greatest day of my life, right now.'' Terms of the contract weren't announced. Molina would have played for a $280,000 salary this season. A year ago, catching was thought to be an Angels weakness. That was before the stocky Molina won the position over Matt Walbeck Matthew Lovick Walbeck (Born: October 2, 1969 in Sacramento, California) is a former righthanded Major League Baseball catcher who played from 1993 to 2003 for the Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Anaheim Angels and Philadelphia Phillies. and impressed with his handling of the pitching staff, his contact hitting and his durability in his first full big-league season. ``He had a great year offensively, defensively - and up here,'' general manager Bill Stoneman said, pointing to his head. ``This is the guy we want catching our pitchers.'' ``This shows Bill is committed to keeping young talent here,'' Scioscia said. Molina said the prospect of a big pay raise weighed on him since the Angels and agent Alan Nero began negotiations a month ago. ``Just to go out and play and not worry about contract things, it's going to be great,'' Molina said. ``I told my wife, `I want to be an Angel for life.' They gave me my first chance in the minor-league system, and my first chance to play in the major leagues.'' If the Angels plan to secure their home-grown leaders, right fielder Tim Salmon and center fielder Darin Erstad could be next. Salmon is eligible for free agency and Erstad for arbitration after 2001. --DiSarcina worse: Gary DiSarcina has yet another shoulder problem, a partial tear in a tendon in the back of the joint, revealed in an MRI 1. (application) MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 2. MRI - Measurement Requirements and Interface. Friday. The shortstop had rotator-cuff surgery last May. He was sent home from spring training last week with shoulder tendinitis. DiSarcina continues rehabilitation in Orange County, and the club has set no date for his return. |
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