HOUSTON -- Alex Cora has been hired as bench coach for the Houston Astros.Cora, who had a 14-year career in the majors, takes the place of Trey Hillman, who recently left to manage in South Korea. His hiring was announced Tuesday.The 41-year-old Cora began his career with the Dodgers, and he also played for the Indians, Red Sox, Mets, Rangers and Nationals. He was a career .243 hitter with 35 homers and 286 RBI.Cora has worked as a television analyst since 2013 and is the general manager for the Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican winter league. He also is the general manager for Puerto Ricos team in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Jeff Bagwell Jersey Large . Brazilian national coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that the veteran goalkeeper is set to join Toronto on loan, saying it will help him be ready for the World Cup. Cheap Custom Astros Jersey . Laudrup revealed Thursday he was notified of his dismissal in "the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary. http://www.customastrosjersey.com/ . -- Mike Smith never saw his first NHL goal go in. Custom Jeff Bagwell Jersey . "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil. Wholesale Custom Astros Shirts . The Olympic champion curler and TSN curling analyst immediately went online to look at the Halls long list of honoured members. Thats when the enormity of the honour sunk in. MILWAUKEE -- Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari has signed a contract extension to stay in Green Bay, and a person familiar with the talks said it is a four-year deal worth up to $51.67 million.The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday because details of the extension have not been announced.General manager Ted Thompson announced the signing on Tuesday without releasing terms. NFL.com first reported the extension for the lineman who protects quarterback Aaron Rodgers blind side.Bakhtiari has been a starter up front since his rookie season after being drafted in the fourth round in 2013 out of Colorado.The signing comes less than two weeks after the Packers cut veteran left guard Josh Sitton , who signed with Chicago. Sitton was entering the last year of a five-year, $33.75 million extension signed after the 2011 season.In announcing Sittons release on Sept. 3, Thompson said that the decision wasnt easy but done with a focus on what is best for the team and the growth of the offensive line.ddddddddddddThe 2016 season was the final year of Bakhtiaris rookie deal.The Packers also have financial decisions to make up front with right guard T.J. Lang and center JC Tretter after this season. Tretter took over as the starter in training camp following a hamstring injury to Corey Linsley.Lane Taylor replaced Sitton at left guard.The revamped line played relatively well in the season-opening, 27-23 win over Jacksonville. A Week 2 matchup against the rival Vikings in Minnesota should provide a tougher test.---This version corrects Langs position to right guard.---Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '