[mikev]

Mendez Signs Extension, McKain To Follow?

In a press release issued earlier in the week, the Crusaders announced that outfielder Francisco Mendez has signed an extension that will keep him with the team until the end of the 2014 season.

The deal will pay the speedy left fielder just over $3 million per year, a savings of a bit over $2 million compared to his current contract.

"I'm glad to be staying with the Crusaders" said Mendez. "I've never played for another team, and after missing last year I wasn't sure if I was going to be here past the end of this season. It's good to know that I'm staying."

Mendez, a career .279 hitter, won the 2009 Platinum Glove award in left field and was an all star in 2008. His numbers are down this year compared to his career averages, but he's still wreaking havoc on the basepaths (21 steals, only 4 caught) and his stellar defense keeps him valuable.

Sources close to the team have reported that discussions on a long term deal with Ken McKain have also begun, with both sides coming fairly close on initial offers. The Crusaders will also need to make decisions on relievers Hsin-ta Jin and Jesus Diaz.

It's likely that pending FA position players Carl Hollingsworth, Tony Reyes, and Carlos Garza will not be offered extensions and the team will look elsewhere to fill those roster spots for the 2012 season.