Martinez Hired by Blue Jays

Buck Martinez was hired to be manager of the Toronto Blue Jays after spending the last 14 seasons analyzing the team’s performance on television.

Martinez, who turns 52 on Nov. 7, played for the Blue Jays from 1981-86 and has been the team’s color commentator since 1987. He has no prior managing or coaching experience.

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Jeff Moorad, the agent for Manny Ramirez, faxed the Cleveland Indians a contract proposal and said he expects to hear back from the club by Monday. Moorad is expected to seek a package approximating the value of the four-year, $68-million deal the Toronto Blue Jays gave Carlos Delgado last month. . . . Hideo Nomo’s $5.5-million option was declined by the Detroit Tigers, who elected to pay a $250,000 buyout and put him on unconditional release waivers, making him a free agent. The former Dodger was 8-12 with a 4.74 earned-run average for the Tigers last season. . . . The Seattle Mariners exercised contract options for the 2001 season on designated-hitter Edgar Martinez, infielder Mark McLemore and outfielder Stan Javier, the team said. The Mariners also picked up the option for the 2002 season on relief pitcher Kazuhiro Sasaki and declined options on outfielder Rickey Henderson and reliever Jose Mesa.