TORONTO, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Carlos Tosca, who took over for the fired Buck Martinez on June 3 and has guided the young Toronto Blue Jays to a 40-44 mark, had his contract extended Tuesday through the 2004 season.
Tosca's entire staff also has guaranteed contracts through 2004.
Loaded with young players, the Jays struggled to a 20-33 mark in Martinez's second season, and general manager J.P. Ricciardi said it was time for a change of direction.
Tosca apparantly has gotten the attention of his players and has guided Toronto to respectability as it undergoes a rebuilding phase.
Tosca, 48, was named third base coach of the Blue Jays in December 2001 after compiling a 932-827 mark as a minor league manager. The native of Cuba was the bench coach with the Arizona Diamondbacks from 1998-2000.
Also returning for another two years will be pitching coach Gil Patterson, hitting coach Mike Barnett, third base coach Brian Butterfield, first base coach John Gibbons and bullpen coach Bruce Walton.
