Rangers Extend Young’s Contract

The Texas Rangers signed shortstop Michael Young to a $10-million, four-year contract extension Monday with a club option for a fifth season.

Young, 27, volunteered to switch from second base to shortstop when Alfonso Soriano came to the Rangers in the Alex Rodriguez trade with the New York Yankees in February. Texas had been working hard through spring training to re-sign Young to a long-term deal.

Young batted .306 last season with career highs in home runs (14) and runs batted in (72). His 204 hits ranked third in the American League and he had 63 multihit games. He led the Rangers in batting average, at-bats, hits and triples and tied for first in doubles.

“Michael is another one of our young players we are excited about having here for a long time,” Ranger General Manager John Hart said. “We have good, young talent that we like and believe in, and Michael is one of those players. He has proven to be one of the top young players in the game and we are looking for continued good things from him in the future.”

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Bobby Cox’s 2005 option was exercised by the Atlanta Braves, putting him under contract for his 20th season as manager of the franchise.

Cox has 1,906 wins, ninth on the all-time list and second among active managers behind Tony La Russa of the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Pittsburgh Pirate General Manager Dave Littlefield’s contract was extended for two seasons through 2007 and Manager Lloyd McClendon’s 2005 option was exercised before Monday’s opener.

McClendon, who has modestly improved the team’s record in each of the last two seasons despite payroll cuts and a transition to youth, also was given a club option for 2006.

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Cleveland left fielder Matt Lawton reported the theft of $117,000 in jewelry and other items from his downtown Philadelphia hotel room over the weekend, when the Indians were in town for exhibition games against the Phillies.

Detectives are checking hotel surveillance video and questioning employees, police said. A hotel spokeswoman declined to comment.

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The San Diego Padres put infielder Jeff Cirillo on the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of left-hander Eddie Oropesa to take his place on the roster. Cirillo broke a finger while trying to bunt. Oropesa, 32, signed with the Padres during the off-season.