BOSTON (TICKER) — Bill Haselman has done enough as a fill-in for injured star catcher Ivan Rodriguez to warrant a two-year contract extension.
The Rangers today agreed to terms on an extension with Haselman that will keep the veteran catcher in a Texas uniform through the 2002 season.
The deal also includes an option for a third season. No financial terms were disclosed.
Haselman, who would have been a free agent at the end of the season, is batting .267 with four homers and 19 RBI. He has been Texas’ primary catcher since Rodriguez suffered a season-ending fractured finger on July 24.
The 34-year-old Haselman was acquired from the Detroit Tigers in November, making this his third stint with the Rangers. He batted .273 with four homers and 14 RBI in 48 games for the Tigers during the 1999 campaign.
Haselman also has spent time with Seattle and Boston in nearly eight years in the major leagues. The Rangers made him the 23rd pick in the 1987 draft and re-acquired him in a 1997 trade with the Red Sox.
— Second Story —
BOSTON – The Rangers on Saturday signed catcher Bill Haselman to a two-year contract extension worth $1.6 million, saying his contributions to the team go well beyond what he does on the field. The Rangers also hold an option for 2003.
The Rangers consider Haselman, 34, one of the preeminent backup catchers in baseball because of his preparation and his rapport with pitchers. Haselman has been pressed into extra duty this year because of the season-ending broken thumb Ivan Rodriguez suffered last month. Haselman, who did not start Saturday, was hitting .267 with four home runs and 19 RBIs.
Because the Rangers’ backup usually plays so little, the team has had a hard time keeping one. The Rangers haven’t had the same backup for consecutive seasons since Dave Valle in 1995 and 1996.
“We have a unique situation at catcher because the backup usually gets to play so little,” Rangers manager Johnny Oates said. “Bill understands his role. Even when he’s not in the lineup, there are things he does to contribute to us winning games.”
Rangers general manager Doug Melvin, who said Haselman “does so much beyond his role,” also might have more on his agenda. Melvin said he might take a cue from the Oakland A’s and start talking about long-term contracts with younger players such as Gabe Kapler and Frank Catalanotto.