BASEBALL NOTES

Describing himself as a players’ manager who will emphasize defense and team chemistry, Buddy Bell was hired as the Colorado Rockies’ new manager.

Bell, 48, who managed the Detroit Tigers from 1996-98, becomes the third manager in the Rockies’ seven-year history, succeeding Jim Leyland, who retired.

Bell, who worked for the Cincinnati Reds for the past year, signed a three-year contract believed to be worth about $2.25 million.

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Two-time AL batting champion Edgar Martinez, who was eligible for free agency, agreed to a $5.9 million, one-year contract with the Seattle Mariners. . . .Former New York Giant and St. Louis Cardinal catcher Ray Katt, known for his compassion and competitive spirit while coach at Texas Lutheran, has died at age 72 of lymphoma.