Marlins hire former Yankee Tino Martinez as hitting coach

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Tino Martinez, a Yankees special assistant and YES Network broadcaster, left the organization Thursday for the Marlins, who hired the former first baseman as their hitting coach.

General manager Brian Cashman granted Martinez permission to interview with the Marlins and Red Sox, who also are in the market for a hitting coach.

"He was a tremendous player, obviously he knows hitting," Cashman said, speaking generally of Martinez because the Marlins had not yet made the hiring official. "He's got a tremendous amount to offer. He's a good man. He's a world championship player."

Izturis to Blue Jays

Infielder Maicer Izturis became the first major-league free agent this offseason to join a new team, agreeing yesterday to a three-year, $10-million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto said the deal was for $3 million annually. The team has a $3-million option for 2016 with a $1-million buyout.

The 32-year-old hit .256 with 17 steals in 19 attempts, two homers and 20 RBIs this year for the Los Angeles Angels. After reaching the big leagues with the Montreal Expos in 2004, Izturis spent eight years with the Angels. He has a .273 career average with 81 steals.

Toronto also purchased righthander Jeremy Jeffress from Kansas City. The Royals traded lefthander Tommy Hottovy to Texas for a player to be named or cash. -- AP