$100 mil for Zimmerman

THE WASHINGTON Nationals took what they hope is another step toward consistent contention by locking up their third baseman - and the guy many still call the face of the franchise - through 2019, adding 6 years to Ryan Zimmerman's existing contract in a deal announced yesterday.

The deal includes a full no-trade clause. The extra six seasons are worth $100 million, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no financial terms were revealed publicly.

"It's nice that it's done," Zimmerman said at a news conference at the club's spring training stadium in Viera, Fla. "It's where I want to be. It's where I've always wanted to be."

He already was signed for 2012 and 2013, with $26 million remaining on the 5-year, $45 million contract he got at the start of the 2009 season. He's now guaranteed $126 million over the next eight seasons, and there is a club option for 2020.

* When it comes to the Texas Rangers, star Josh Hamilton wants to make this clear: "My loyalty is here." A couple days after his comments led some to wonder about his future, the former AL MVP clarified his remarks before the first full-squad workout for two-time AL champions. Hamilton is eligible for free agency after this season.

"If it does go to free agency, the first place I'm coming is here," Hamilton said. "If I owe anything, it is that."

His agent and Rangers recently put off talks on a new deal after Hamilton had a relapse with alcohol. On Friday, Hamilton said: "The Rangers have done a lot for me, but I've got a question for y'all: Have I done a lot for the Rangers? I think I've given them everything I've had. I love Texas. I love my fans. I love fans of the Rangers. I love the organization. I love my teammates. I love everything about it," he said then. "But I'm not going to sit here and say that I owe the Rangers. I don't feel like I owe the Rangers."

Yesterday, Hamilton left no doubt about where he wants to play: "This is where I've been. This is where my family's been, so obviously I would love to stay here more than anywhere else."

* Minnnesota Twins reliever Joel Zumaya was diagnosed with a torn ligament in his right elbow, meaning his latest comeback bid has ended almost before it began. Zumaya is out for the season after just 13 pitches of live batting practice. He had signed an incentive-laden, 1-year deal with the Twins.

* Baltimore Orioles pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada has been held out of his scheduled bullpen session because of discomfort in his left elbow. He will be re-evaluated in a few days, according to manager Buck Showalter. Wada signed a 2-year, $8.14 million contract last December.

* Cleveland Indians closer Chris Perez is out at least a month and possibly 6 weeks with a strained muscle in his side. Perez strained his left oblique during his first bullpen session of spring training.

*  Tommy Hanson is back on the field for the Atlanta Braves, his first appearance in uniform since a car wreck. He's coming back slowly after sustaining a concussion Monday when his car blew a tire on the way to the first official workout of spring training.