|
BALTIMORE - J.J. Hardy signed a $40 million, three-year contract with the Orioles on Thursday night, the eve of Baltimores first appearance in the AL Championship Series since 1997.The contract, which comes with an option for 2018, goes into effect after his current deal expires at the end of this season.Executive vice-president Dan Duquette figured there was no time like the present to lock up a two-time Gold Glove winner at a key infield position.Why not now, really? Duquette said. When we looked at the market, we thought the best chance to sign J.J. was before he went to free agency because hes distinguished himself as one of the top shortstops in the league. And J.J. let us know that he wanted to continue his career here in Baltimore.Hardy has been a fixture at shortstop for the Orioles since 2011, playing solid defence and providing decent hitting in a lineup filled with sluggers.Although he hit only nine homers this season, Hardy totalled 77 long balls over the previous three years and won Gold Gloves in 2012 and 2013.Free agency was tempting, but in the end Hardy wanted to stay with the Orioles.It crossed my mind, but at the same time this is where I wanted to be, he said. Theres a lot of uncertainty in free agency. You dont know whats going to happen. I knew that I liked it here and I liked playing with all my teammates. Bottom line, it comes down to winning and I think weve got a good thing here.The 32-year-old Hardy batted .268 with 52 RBIs in 141 games during the regular season, then went 3 for 10 in Baltimores three-game sweep of Detroit in the AL Division Series.In the field, he ranked second among AL shortstops with 99 double plays turned, was third in fielding percentage (.978) and assists (394), and fifth in putouts (187).Hardy is a two-time All-Star, in 2007 with Milwaukee and last year as a member of the Orioles.I hope J.J. ends his career here, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. It makes us a better club, obviously. Hes been solid. You never take for granted what J.J. brings.___AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum contributed to this report. . Terry came from Boston along with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce but has appeared in just 35 games after a knee injury, averaging 4.5 points on 36 per cent shooting. Evans was a favourite of fans but not coach Jason Kidd, who used him in just 30 of their 51 games. . Luis Enrique signed the deal with club president Josep Bartomeu two days after it was announced by the club. That was two days after coach Gerardo Martino stepped down when Barcelona finished its first season without a major trophy in six years. . Ellis had a season-high 37 points and two key assists late, Dirk Nowitzki led a fourth-quarter rally with 14 of his 35 points, and the Mavericks spoiled Howards best offensive night in Houston with a 123-120 victory over the Rockets on Wednesday night. . Its great to be back for another season in Banditland, and Im looking forward to another competitive season with my teammates, said Tavares. . The Arena das Dunas in the northeastern city of Natal sustained minor damage during the protests, but demonstrators stayed away on Sunday and officials said the stadium passed its first test, with only minor adjustments needed going forward.CHESTER, Pa. -- The Philadelphia Union and Houston Dynamo played to a 0-0 tie Saturday. For the Union (1-2-5), it was their fourth tie in five games. The Dynamo (2-3-1) are winless in their last four. Houston outshot Philadelphia 12-1 in the first half but couldnt score. Dynamo defender Kofi Sarkodie received a second yellow card in the 82nd minute, which resulted in a red card and an ejection.ddddddddddddHouston played a man down the rest of the game. Houston was already without midfielder Brad Davis because of a sprained right ankle. It was the third straight game the six-time MLS All-Star has missed. ' ' '
|
