Baseball: Red Sox sign Ortiz to extension

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox signed first baseman-designated hitter David Ortiz to a two-year extension Friday.

The deal includes a club option for a third season that could keep Ortiz with Boston through 2007.

Ortiz was hitting .261 with 16 doubles, 10 home runs and 31 RBI going into Friday night's game against Toronto.

Last year, Ortiz hit .288 with 39 doubles, 31 home runs and 101 RBI.

The signing reduces by one a long list of key Red Sox players eligible to become free agents after the season.

Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, pitchers Pedro Martinez, Derek Lowe and Scott Williamson, catcher Jason Varitek and infielder Pokey Reese could seek free agency after the season. Martinez has already said he has broken off talks and will test the market.

www.sportsline.com...

[Edited on 21/5/04 by TRD]