Post by John on May 31, 2006 22:34:56 GMT -4
Escobar, Angels agree to three-year extension
May 31, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar agreed to a three-year extension Wednesday with the Los Angeles Angels, putting him under contract through the 2009 season.
Escobar, a 30-year-old right-hander, is 5-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 10 starts this season.
"Kelvim has been a key contributor to the success of our pitching staff," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. "I'm excited about the prospect of him pitching for the Angels through the 2009 season."
Terms of the deal were not immediately available. Escobar's agent, Peter Greenberg, had not returned a phone call.
The pitcher signed a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Angels on Nov. 24, 2003, after pitching five full seasons and parts of two others with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA in 33 starts in 2004, and 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA in seven starts and nine relief appearances last season.
"I wanted to stay here. I love it here," Escobar said. "The organization, the ballpark, the fans and my teammates -- everything is great."
He was sidelined for more than two months last year after undergoing surgery June 29 to shave down a bone spur and remove a bone chip from his right elbow. He spent time on the disabled list before undergoing surgery, and was moved to the bullpen upon his return in September.
The Angels offered Escobar a two-year deal in spring training, but he and his agent suggested waiting to see how his elbow responded. He said the team approached him again recently and the deal was done in 1½ days.
"It happened quickly. I was surprised," Escobar said. "I know how much they like me."
Manager Mike Scioscia said the deal represented an investment for the team.
"We all value the importance of starting pitching and Esty has been a big part of that," he said.
Escobar has a career record of 77-74 with six complete games, three shutouts, 59 saves and a 4.35 ERA. He is one of five active major leaguers to have made at least 100 career starts and record 50 or more saves. The others are John Smoltz, Tom Gordon, Derek Lowe and Dustin Hermanson.
Escobar was 13-9 with a 4.29 ERA in 33 starts in 2003 -- his final season with the Blue Jays. A year earlier, he was 5-7 with a 4.27 ERA and 38 saves in 76 appearances -- 68 in relief.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
May 31, 2006
CBS SportsLine.com wire reports
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Starting pitcher Kelvim Escobar agreed to a three-year extension Wednesday with the Los Angeles Angels, putting him under contract through the 2009 season.
Escobar, a 30-year-old right-hander, is 5-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 10 starts this season.
"Kelvim has been a key contributor to the success of our pitching staff," Angels general manager Bill Stoneman said. "I'm excited about the prospect of him pitching for the Angels through the 2009 season."
Terms of the deal were not immediately available. Escobar's agent, Peter Greenberg, had not returned a phone call.
The pitcher signed a three-year, $18.75 million contract with the Angels on Nov. 24, 2003, after pitching five full seasons and parts of two others with the Toronto Blue Jays. He was 11-12 with a 3.93 ERA in 33 starts in 2004, and 3-2 with a 3.02 ERA in seven starts and nine relief appearances last season.
"I wanted to stay here. I love it here," Escobar said. "The organization, the ballpark, the fans and my teammates -- everything is great."
He was sidelined for more than two months last year after undergoing surgery June 29 to shave down a bone spur and remove a bone chip from his right elbow. He spent time on the disabled list before undergoing surgery, and was moved to the bullpen upon his return in September.
The Angels offered Escobar a two-year deal in spring training, but he and his agent suggested waiting to see how his elbow responded. He said the team approached him again recently and the deal was done in 1½ days.
"It happened quickly. I was surprised," Escobar said. "I know how much they like me."
Manager Mike Scioscia said the deal represented an investment for the team.
"We all value the importance of starting pitching and Esty has been a big part of that," he said.
Escobar has a career record of 77-74 with six complete games, three shutouts, 59 saves and a 4.35 ERA. He is one of five active major leaguers to have made at least 100 career starts and record 50 or more saves. The others are John Smoltz, Tom Gordon, Derek Lowe and Dustin Hermanson.
Escobar was 13-9 with a 4.29 ERA in 33 starts in 2003 -- his final season with the Blue Jays. A year earlier, he was 5-7 with a 4.27 ERA and 38 saves in 76 appearances -- 68 in relief.
AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service