Utility man Franklin Tavarez has extended his contract with Novara United in the Italian Baseball League for three more years. The Spanish national teamer, who was the MVP at the 2008 U21 European Championship, came to Italy last winter. He batted .292/.350/.417 with three homeruns, two triples, five doubles, 21 runs and 13 RBI in 39 games in his first season. The switch hitter now has his permanent home in Novara. He will join a dozen Spanish position players for an Instructional League like training camp in Tenerife in mid-November.