The 2007 Spanish champion Marlins Puerto Cruz extended contracts with pitcher Renny DUARTE and catcher Dewis NAVARRO. They also announced that shortstop Nestor PEREZ Jr. is also serving as the new manager of the club.NAVARRO, who is the brother of Dioner NAVARRO of the Tampa Bay Rays, signed for another year with the Marlins. CB Sant Boi was interested in him and they nearly agreed on a contract. But the arguably best player in Spanish Baseball decided to stay in Tenerife. He hit .402 (OBP .445/SLG .575) with three homeruns, 32 runs scored and 35 RBI in 2007. NAVARRO also was a member of the National Team at the last three big events in Barcelona and Taiwan.
There were also rumors that DUARTE would leave the island. He was connected to clubs in Italy and the Taiwan Professional League. However he will stay too. He had a 6-0 record with an ERA of 1.26 in nine games last season. He struck out 28 (7 walks) in 43 innings pitched. He also will continue to work as the pitching coach of the team.
PEREZ Jr. still will play the field, despite his managing duties. He had a batting average of .342 (.413/.439) with 34 runs scored and 24 RBI last year.
They are open the season with a doubleheader against Pamplona on March 30th.