Astacio May Face Deportation
Colorado pitcher Pedro Astacio faces deportation by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service because of his guilty plea to an assault charge.
Astacio, from the Dominican Republic, received a two-year deferred judgment on Jan. 28, but federal law considers that the same as a conviction and immigrants convicted of domestic violence and other offenses are subject to deportation.
“As the facts stand now, the government is saying that Mr. Astacio is deportable in virtue of the domestic violence offense, and we will pursue that,” INS District Director Joe Greene told KCNC-TV in Denver.
Astacio, working out at the Rockies’ training camp in Tucson, said he couldn’t clarify anything.
“Right now, we don’t have any comment about the situation now. We’re going to find out what is going on,” the former Dodger said.
Astacio, 30, led the Rockies in virtually every pitching category last season. He pleaded guilty in January to a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault involving domestic violence. He was ordered to undergo domestic violence counseling and treatment.
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It might have been the best groundout of Andres Galarraga’s life.
The Big Cat played his first game since beating cancer, starting at first base and batting fifth for the Atlanta Braves in an exhibition against the University of Georgia at Kissimmee, Fla.
Galarraga, who sat out all of last season while being treated for his disease, received a standing ovation when he came to bat in the second inning. He grounded sharply to third.
Galarraga left the game after his lone at-bat and didn’t speak to reporters.
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Tony Gwynn got a $2-million signing bonus from the San Diego Padres in exchange for a one-year option on his contract.
Gwynn gets the signing bonus added to his $4.3 million salary for this season.
The Padres hold a $6-million option for 2001 that kicks in if Gwynn makes 502 plate appearances this season. If he falls short and the club declines the option, Gwynn will receive a $2-million buyout.
Gwynn, 40, originally asked for a straight extension, but management, citing Gwynn’s age and history of injuries, didn’t budge from an option year.
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Manny Ramirez, whose contract situation could hang over the Indians all season, hit a two-run homer as Cleveland opened its spring exhibition season with a 7-4 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies at Winter Haven, Fla.
This is Ramirez’s final year under contract with the Indians, who will pay him $4.5 million in 2000. But Ramirez is about to become even richer.
His agent reportedly is seeking a contract for Ramirez comparable to the $84-million, six-year deal the Dodgers gave Shawn Green.
Indian General Manager John Hart has repeatedly insisted he can’t match that number and that he is willing to go the year knowing Ramirez could be gone next season.
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Pittsburgh catcher Jason Kendall played in a game for the first time since dislocating his right ankle last July 4 and went 0 for 2 in the Pirates’ 5-2, seven-inning win over Manatee Community College at Bradenton, Fla. . . . Outfielder Geoff Jenkins and catcher Henry Blanco agreed to one-year deals with the Milwaukee Brewers, who now have all 40 players on their roster under contract. . . . Toronto Blue Jay right-hander Kelvim Escobar agreed to a $500,000, one-year contract. Escobar was 14-11 with a 5.69 earned-run average last season. . . . Right-hander Joe Nathan, who won seven games as a rookie last season, was among six players signed by the San Francisco Giants. Also signed were catchers Doug Mirabelli and Bobby Estalella, outfielder Armando Rios and infielders Ramon Martinez and Nelson Castro.