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April 4, 2008
BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
TORONTO -- The Blue Jays' home opener is momentous for several reasons.
Before the team took the field for batting practice, Toronto announced the signing of right fielder Alex Rios and second baseman Aaron Hill to long-term contracts.
Rios signed a six-year deal worth $64 million beginning in 2009, with Toronto holding an option for the 2015 season. Hill's four-year $12-million contract begins this season and the Jays hold the options for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons.
Also tonight, the Jays are inducting former second baseman Roberto Alomar into the team's Level of Excellence. Alomar, a slick fielder as well as being a switch-hitter who could hit for average and for power and steal bases, played five seasons for Toronto, including the organization's World Series winners in 1992 and 1993.
Alomar joins former players George Bell, Dave Stieb, Joe Carter and Tony Fernandez, manager Cito Gaston, general manager Pat Gillick and announcer Tom Cheek in the Level of Excellence.
One great play, of the many in Alomar's career, happened against the Red Sox when Alomar was playing for Baltimore. John Valentin was running at third base and the Orioles had the infield in. On a grounder right at Alomar, Valentin faked taking one step toward the plate, and with no hesitation, Alomar fired a bullet to third, nailing the surprised Valentin. It was a heads-up play that very few infelders might have attempted, let alone been successful at.
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 5:24 PM | Permalink
