Baseball Notes: Alomark, Blyleven elected to Hall of Fame

Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven became Hall of Famers on Wednesday, the two-time World Series champions easily elected after narrow misses last season.

Sluggers Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, Jeff Bagwell, and Juan Gonzalez came nowhere close. Hall voters, for now, seem intent to prevent the cloud of the Steroids Era from covering Cooperstown.

Alomar was picked on 90 percent of the ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The 12-time all-star won a record 10 Gold Gloves at second base, hit .300 for his career, and helped the Toronto Blue Jays win titles in 1992-93.

Blyleven was picked on 79.7 percent - it takes 75 percent to reach the shrine. The great curveballer had 287 wins, 3,701 strikeouts and 60 shutouts. This was his 14th time on the ballot.

Beltre joins Rangers. American League champion Texas introduced Adrian Beltre after agreeing on a $96 million, six-year contract with the all-star third baseman.

Beltre, who will turn 32 the first week of the regular season, became a free agent after turning down a $10 million player option to stay with Boston.

Izturis seals deal. Shortstop Cesar Izturis finalized a $1.5 million, one-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles.

Izturis hit .230 in 150 games with Baltimore last season. In an effort to add punch at the position, the Orioles obtained J.J. Hardy in an off-season trade with the Minnesota Twins, which means Izturis likely will be used as a backup.

The 30-year-old Izturis agreed to terms last month, but the contract was contingent upon him passing a physical.

Uggla, Braves agree. Second baseman Dan Uggla and the Atlanta Braves have reached a preliminary agreement on a $62 million, five-year contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press.

Buckner a manager. Former Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner has agreed to become manager of the independent-league Brockton Rox.

Pena joining Red Sox. A person familiar with the negotiations said the Red Sox have agreed to a minor-league contract with righthanded reliever Tony Pena Jr.