Marte, Pirates finalize $31 million, 6-year deal

Marte, Pirates finalize $31 million, 6-year deal

BRADENTON, Fla.

Left fielder Starling Marte and the Pittsburgh Pirates have completed their $31 million, six-year contract.

The deal announced Thursday calls for Marte to receive a $2 million signing bonus and make $500,000 this season, $1 million next year, $3 million in 2016, $5 million in 2017, $7.5 million in 2018 and $10 million in 2019. Pittsburgh has an $11.5 million option for 2010 with a $2 million buyout. If that option is exercised, the Pirates have a $12.5 million option for 2021 with a $1 million buyout.

If Marte finishes among the top five in MVP in any of the next six seasons, the option prices would increase by $500,000 each.

Colts owner had $29K in cash when arrested

CARMEL, Ind.

Police say Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay had $29,000 in cash with him when he was arrested last week on suspicion of intoxicated driving.

The Indianapolis Star reports it obtained the Carmel police documents on Irsay’s March 16 arrest through a public records request. An officer writes that he stopped Irsay’s SUV after it twice stopped on a city street for no apparent reason.

The officer wrote Irsay appeared disoriented and said he was trying to find his house. Much of the cash was found in a briefcase and bags on the passenger’s side floorboard. Prosecutors haven’t decided whether to charge Irsay over the numerous prescription drugs that officers found in his vehicle.

Ravens’ Rice indicted on aggravated assault

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice has been indicted on a charge he assaulted his fiancee in an elevator at casino in Atlantic City, N.J.

Rice had been charged with simple assault after police said he knocked out Janay Palmer on Feb. 15 at the Revel Casino. But a grand jury indicted him Thursday on a more serious count of aggravated assault. It carries a three-to-five-year sentence. Palmer also had been charged with simple assault. Prosecutors say that complaint was dismissed.

The couple lives in the Baltimore suburb of Reistertown. Palmer’s attorney has said he’s certain no crime was committed. Rice’s attorney, Michael Diamondstein, says Rice denies the charge and that the couple are happy and in counseling.

The Ravens issued a statement saying “we know there is more to Ray Rice than this one incident.”

RB Moreno signs 1-year deal with Dolphins

MIAMI

Running back Knowshon Moreno has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with Miami Dolphins, whose running game ranked 26th in the NFL last season.

Moreno, a five-year veteran, had his best season in 2013 when he rushed for 1,038 yards, caught 60 passes and scored 13 touchdowns playing with Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas were the Dolphins’ primary ball carriers last season, and both remain on the roster.

Syracuse’s Tyler Ennis entering NBA Draft

SYRACUSE, N.Y.

Syracuse freshman point guard Tyler Ennis has announced his intention to put his name in the 2014 NBA Draft.

Ennis says in an email Thursday from the university he feels the experience at Syracuse has helped prepare him to fulfill a lifelong dream to play in the NBA. Ennis finished second on the Orange in scoring at 12.9 points per game and averaged 5.5 assists to go with 1.7 turnovers, one of the top marks in the nation. Syracuse finished 28-6.

A native of Brampton, Ontario, the 6-foot-2 Ennis lead the Orange to a school-record 25 wins to start the season.

Associated Press