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Post by pemoco on Mar 28, 2007 23:33:56 GMT -5
Sorry to begin on such a morbid note:
Thursday, March 29, 2007 Ex-pitcher Urbina is sentenced to 14 years
JOURNAL STAFF AND WIRE REPORT
CARACAS, Venezuela - Ugueth Urbina, a former major-league pitcher, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for the attempted murder of five workers on his family's ranch, the Attorney General's Office said yesterday.
He also was found guilty of illegal deprivation of liberty and violating a prohibition against taking justice into his own hands during a dispute over a gun on Oct. 16, 2005, according to a statement from the Attorney General's Office.
He was accused of joining a group of men in attacking and injuring workers with machetes and pouring gasoline on them at his family's ranch, about 25 miles south of Caracas. Urbina repeatedly has denied involvement with the violence, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack. His attorney, Jose Luis Tamayo, has said that Urbina surprised the workers by showing up at his ranch that night while they were bathing in the pool without permission. Urbina spoke sharply to them, but later left and went to sleep, according to Tamayo.
Urbina, a 32-year-old free agent, played for the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Florida Marlins, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies and was a two-time All-Star. He last pitched in the majors with the Phillies in 2005.
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Post by philinla on Mar 29, 2007 0:34:48 GMT -5
Typical Red Sock.
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Post by jumbo on Apr 19, 2007 19:44:48 GMT -5
The rich get richer Forbes: Yankees franchise value reaches $1.2 billion Posted: Thursday April 19, 2007 7:11PM; Updated: Thursday April 19, 2007 7:40PM NEW YORK (AP) -- There's money in those pinstripes. The New York Yankees' value increased 17 percent in the past year to $1.2 billion, Forbes magazine said Thursday in its annual estimates of franchise worth. The Florida Marlins, given the lowest value at $244 million, had the highest operating income at $43.3 million, according to the magazine. 2007 Baseball Franchise Values All dollar figures in millions, change is percentage increase from 2006, revenue is after adjustments for revenue sharing 1. New York Yankees $1,200,000,000 2. New York Mets $736,000,000 3. Boston Red Sox $724,000,000 4. Los Angeles Dodgers $632,000,000 5. Chicago Cubs $592,000,000 6. St. Louis Cardinals $460,000,000 7. San Francisco Giants $459,000,000 8. Atlanta Braves $458,000,000 9. Philadelphia Phillies $457,000,000 10. Washington Nationals $447,000,000 11. Houston Astros $442,000,000 12. Seattle Mariners $436,000,000 13. Los Angeles Angels $431,000,000 League Average $431,000,000 14. Baltimore Orioles $395,000,000 15. Chicago White Sox $381,000,000 16. San Diego Padres $367,000,000 17. Texas Rangers $365,000,000 18. Cleveland Indians $364,000,000 19. Detroit Tigers $357,000,000 20. Toronto Blue Jays $344,000,000 21. Arizona Diamondbacks $339,000,000 22. Colorado Rockies $317,000,000 23. Cincinnati Reds $307,000,000 24. Oakland Athletics $292,000,000 25. Minnesota Twins $288,000,000 26. Milwaukee Brewers $287,000,000 27. Kansas City Royals $282,000,000 28. Pittsburgh Pirates $274,000,000 29. Tampa Bay Devil Rays $267,000,000 30. Florida Marlins $244,000,000 "As usual, the franchise valuations and operating income numbers are pure fantasy and based on no correct information," Marlins president David Samson said. "To comment on such irresponsible journalism would only give it more credit than it deserves." The magazine defended its article. "Forbes compiles its annual valuations of Major League Baseball franchises based on information obtained from team executives, sports bankers, public documents, and other sources believed to be reliable," spokeswoman Elizabeth Wasden said. "We stand by our figures, and the content published." Despite the record evaluation for the Yankees, Forbes said they were the only ones to post an operating loss after revenue sharing last year. The magazine estimated the Yankees were $25.2 million in the red on operating revenue of $302 million, after revenue-sharing payments to the commissioner's office. The Yankees estimate their revenue-sharing bill for 2006 will be about $70 million. "I am gratified at the Forbes valuation of the Yankees," New York owner George Steinbrenner said in a statement. "We are continuing to build a worldwide brand for the people of New York and Yankee fans everywhere." The New York Mets were given the second-highest value ($736 million), followed by the Boston Red Sox ($724 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($632 million), the Chicago Cubs ($592 million), World Series champion St. Louis ($460 million), San Francisco ($459 million), Atlanta ($458 million) and Philadelphia ($457 million). At the other end were Florida ($244 million), Tampa Bay ($267 million), Pittsburgh ($274 million), Kansas City ($282 million), Milwaukee ($287 million), Minnesota ($288 million) and Oakland ($292 million). Franchise values did not include provisions for television networks owned in whole or part by teams, such as the YES Network (Yankees), NESN (Red Sox) and Comcast SportsNetChicago (Cubs), Forbes associate editor Kurt Badenhausen said. The Dodgers had the second-highest operating income at $27.5 million, followed by Pittsburgh ($25.3 million), Cleveland ($24.9 million), the Mets ($24.4 million), Colorado ($23.9 million), Cincinnati ($22.4 million), the Cubs ($22.2 million), Seattle ($21.5 million), Milwaukee ($20.8 million) and Tampa ($20.2 million). Rob Manfred, baseball's executive vice president of labor relations, criticized Forbes' figures last year but declined comment Thursday. Find this article at: sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/04/19/forbes.team.values.ap/index.html
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Post by philinla on Apr 19, 2007 23:33:53 GMT -5
Wait till the Yanks new stadium opens. Their valuation will double.
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Post by jumbo on May 3, 2007 12:36:10 GMT -5
Sox starter lobbies against Clemens? Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 08:07AM ET Julian Tavarez has been privy to either clubhouse scuttlebutt or news that the Red Sox definitely are working Roger Clemens hard. Tavarez all but said "uh-oh" when addressing the likelihood of Clemens turning to Boston. Tavarez would have value to several teams, particularly National League clubs looking for a middle reliever or a starter. The Mets, Cardinals, Phillies, Rockies, Marlins, and Reds would all be candidates.--Houston Chronicle
Team sale freezes Cubs' checkbook Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 07:45AM ET Don't expect a new Cubs owner to be approved in the next couple of months. Considering the long line of potential buyers, the extensive background checks conducted by Major League Baseball, the complexities of selling a franchise, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this process drag on until February. Right through the prime trading season and free-agent shopping. How is that going to sit with increasingly frustrated manager Lou Piniella? Meanwhile, the meter keeps running on Carlos Zambrano. --Chicago Sun Times
Braves prospect may not stick Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 07:03AM ET Atlanta made a flurry of personnel moves Wednesday, but the one that had Braves Nation abuzz was the arrival of Jarrod Saltalamacchia, the strapping switch-hitter with the big-time power. He might be here only 15 days, until backup catcher Brayan Pena gets back from the disabled list. And he might be on the bench as soon as Friday, if catcher Brian McCann's finger injury has improved. --Atlanta Journal Constitution
Pavano's sore bullpen session Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 05:31AM ET The wait for Carl Pavano seems destined to become a marathon, yet again. After curtailing a bullpen session yesterday because of lingering soreness in his right forearm, Pavano said his next step would be an appointment with orthopedist Dr. James Andrews.--New York Post
White Sox hitting coach to blame? Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 08:17AM ET When informed that hitting coach Greg Walker was taking the blame for the White Sox' offensive woes, manager Ozzie Guillen wasn't about to throw Walker a life preserver.--Chicago Sun Times
Tigers among teams after Lawrence Posted: Thursday May 03, 2007 08:13AM ET The Tigers are one of three teams interested in free agent Brian Lawrence, according to agent Page Odle. Odle said Wednesday that the right-hander could decide where to sign by this weekend.--Detroit Free Press
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Post by jumbo on May 4, 2007 11:52:24 GMT -5
Mets GM actively working the phones Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 06:09AM ET According to a Mets insider, GM Omar Minaya is working the phones. Minaya said some GMs around the league already have been chatting about potential trades.--New York Newsday
MLB scrutinizing clubhouse attendants Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 08:26AM ET Amid news that former Mets clubhouse attendant Kirk Radomski pleaded guilty to distributing steroids, Major League Baseball is considering examining the unusual relationship between players and the handful of guys in every clubhouse who ostensibly only order their bats and wash their jocks. Dave Dickenson was fired last year after 14 seasons in Dodgers clubhouses for, sources say, drinking and partying too much with the players.--Los Angeles Times
Phillies have a new closer Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 06:40AM ET The Phillies had talked about making Brett Myers their closer for months. Yesterday it finally became reality. Phillies closer Tom Gordon is expected to be placed on the 15-day disabled list today with inflammation in his right rotator cuff.--Philadelphia Inquirer
Sosa over Sele for Mets' spot start? Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 05:52AM ET The Mets, in need of a spot starter for tomorrow's game against the Diamondbacks, have two choices: minor-league power-pitcher Jorge Sosa, or a major-league long man Aaron Sele. It looks, though, that Sosa is the frontrunner.--New York Post
No more brew in Brewers' clubhouse? Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 11:07AM ET The Milwaukee Brewers are discussing the possibility of changing the team policy that allows players to drink beer in the clubhouse. The review comes after the death of Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock.--Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Bonds tutors Phillies slugger Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 11:04AM ET Barry Bonds took Ryan Howard aside during the Giants' batting practice, while the Phillies prepared to stretch, and chatted about Howard's early-season struggles.--Philadelphia Daily News
3 teams await Lawrence decision Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 11:01AM ET The Tigers expect to offer a contract today to free-agent right-hander Brian Lawrence, according to agent Page Odle. The Mets and Padres already have made offers, Odle said. --Detroit Free Press
Yankees-Red Sox ticketed for China? Posted: Friday May 04, 2007 10:56AM ET If Major League Baseball has its way, the Yankees and Red Sox would play exhibition games in China and open the regular season in Japan next year. According to people close to the talks between MLB, the Red Sox and Yankees, there is still ground to cover before a deal is struck. If the Yankees don't do get on board, the Dodgers are willing to fill the spot in China, although its unclear if the Dodgers-Red Sox games would be strictly exhibitions.--New York Post
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Post by jumbo on May 5, 2007 11:17:39 GMT -5
White Sox on verge of fire sale? Posted: Saturday May 05, 2007 08:41AM ET The White Sox can win more, but not enough against their division. They'll begin selling off players around the All-Star break. Meanwhile, Mark Buehrle, Joe Crede, Jon Garland and Jermaine Dye will be free agents soon. Will the Sox pay new-market dollars to keep them? That doesn't appear to be the plan.--Chicago Sun Times
Orioles lose another pitcher Posted: Saturday May 05, 2007 09:03AM ET Adam Loewen, the Orioles' first-round draft choice in 2002, will miss nearly the entire season with a stress fracture in his left elbow. For now, Loewen will be replaced by left-hander Brian Burres in the starting rotation and by reliever Todd Williams on the roster.--Washington Post
Yankees' Igawa, Cashman look bad Posted: Saturday May 05, 2007 08:36AM ET The main trouble for Yankees GM Brian Cashman is he can't fire Kei Igawa, and there is no fitness guru left to blame anymore for the guy's wild left arm. Igawa reminded everybody that the general manager is having a very, very tough spring. Igawa was terrible and then insisted he wasn't bad at all, the worst combination of deeds and words. The equation is simple. The worse Igawa looks, the worse Cashman looks.--New York Daily News
Cubs' fifth starter uncertain Posted: Saturday May 05, 2007 11:37AM ET Despite being knocked around at Triple-A Iowa, Angel Guzman will be recalled to face the Nationals, although the Cubs' fifth-starter job hardly comes with a full-time guarantee. Guzman's promotion means two things: A position player will be returned to the minors and left-handers Ted Lilly and Rich Hill will be split up in the starting rotation. --Chicago Tribune
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Post by jumbo on May 6, 2007 11:57:24 GMT -5
Red Sox interested in reliever? Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 06:35AM ET In the offseason, there were Chad Cordero rumors involving Boston but the price was too high. Wonder if a bigger deal gets resurrected if Mike Timlin has recurring shoulder problems?--Boston Globe
Mets to dangle Milledge for pitcher? Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 06:31AM ET Mets GM Omar Minaya is hoping to add a starter before the trading deadline. He sees two possibilities: getting a guy who has gotten off to a poor start and needs a change of scenery, or trading from a surplus in one area for something in another team's area of surplus. Minaya has a major chip with outfielder Lastings Milledge, but can he get a quality arm in return for such an outstanding player?--Boston Globe
Angels shopping for hitter Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 07:59AM ET Among the players the Angels are believed to be interested in are Colorado third baseman Garrett Atkins and outfielders Brad Hawpe and Jeff Baker, outfielders Kevin Mench (Milwaukee), Jacque Jones (Chicago Cubs), Pat Burrell (Philadelphia) and Emil Brown (Kansas City), and third basemen Morgan Ensberg (Houston) and Edwin Encarnacion (Cincinnati).--Los Angeles Times
Cardinals pitcher to miss 3 months Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 07:56AM ET After what was considered little more than a minor medical inconvenience grew into a five-week wait, the Cardinals confirmed Saturday that former Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter will undergo elbow surgery and miss at least the next three months.--St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Rockies interested in Red Sox starter Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 08:34AM ET With Jon Lester close to returning to the Red Sox rotation, look for Boston to try to trade Julian Tavarez. Colorado has maintained interest, nearly acquiring him last July and this past winter in the Todd Helton discussions.--Denver Post
Possible Indians pitching moves Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 06:37AM ET The Indians might consider moving Paul Byrd when Jake Westbrook is healed so they have a permanent spot for Fausto Carmona.--Boston Globe
Mariners reliever arrested in NYC Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 07:54AM ET Mariners reliever Julio Mateo used his pitching hand to beat his wife at a midtown hotel yesterday hours before his team faced the Yankees, police said. Mateo allegedly punched his wife, Aurea Mateo, choked her and then chomped down on her lip in plain view of their baby. Sources said the pitcher erupted after his wife complained she didn't like the late hours he was keeping.--New York Daily News
Rocket definitely coming back? Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 08:32AM ET If Roger Clemens comes back - and there isn't a soul in baseball who doesn't think he won't - it will be with the Astros, Yankees or Red Sox.--Philadelphia Inquirer
Marlins front office mad at Mets Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 08:27AM ET According to a report in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Marlins GM Larry Beinfest and team president David Samson were none too happy watching Mets GM Omar Minaya carrying on a 15-minute conversation with their star third baseman Miguel Cabrera during batting practice.--New York Daily News
N.Y. pitcher unaware of perfect bid Posted: Sunday May 06, 2007 08:24AM ET The crowd of 51,702 started cheering every one of Chien-Ming Wang's pitches, wincing at the balls, screaming at the strikes and urging him to rush one of baseball's most exclusive fraternities. But on the mound, Wang was oblivious. He probably was the only person at the Stadium yesterday who didn't realize he was taking a perfect game into the eighth inning.--New York Daily News
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Post by jumbo on May 7, 2007 12:04:31 GMT -5
Did Red Sox drop ball on Rocket deal? Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 06:04AM ET The Red Sox had their chance to preempt Roger Clemens's announcement that he had agreed to pitch for the Yankees again. Clemens's agent, Randy Hendricks, was in Boston last week for meetings with Sox brass and had dinner in John W. Henry's box Wednesday night when the Sox made their bid for the Rocket. It was for a prorated $18 million, more than $10 million less than the prorated $28 million Clemens agreed to take from the Yankees. Sox CEO Larry Lucchino, according to club sources, thought Clemens was still days from making a decision -- Lucchino believed this Thursday was the operative date -- leaving the Sox time to tweak their offer if they chose.--Boston Globe
Steinbrenner's sons in on Clemens Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 05:23AM ET The Yankees' internal discussions about signing Roger Clemens provide a glimpse into the changing power structure at the top of the organization. In the weeks leading to the Clemens signing, Steinbrenner's sons, Hank and Hal, had become involved deeper in the organization and were part of the franchise's discussions.--New York Times
Rangers getting closer back Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 07:15AM ET The Rangers are scheduled to get their closer back Tuesday. Eric Gagne threw 27 pitches in a simulated game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and said he felt great.--Dallas Morning News
Phillies starter loses battle with cart Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 07:14AM ET There is some doubt as to whether Freddy Garcia will make tonight's scheduled start against the Diamondbacks. Yesterday during batting practice at AT&T Park, he ran into a maintenance cart that had stopped unexpectedly on the warning track and suffered a bruised left shin.--Philadelphia Inquirer
Mets pitcher may lose starting role Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 06:13AM ET Mike Pelfrey's now 0-4 with a 6.39 ERA in five starts, and there has to be a chance that if Jorge Sosa keeps performing that Pelfrey could lose his spot to Jorge Sosa once Orlando Hernandez returns from the DL. It's not yet known when El Duque will be back, but Pelfrey might be under pressure to have better outings. --New York Post
Mets adding a right-hander Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 08:15AM ET The Mets are on the verge of signing the right-hander Brian Lawrence to a minor league contract.--New York Times
Rasner may stick with Yankees Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 06:09AM ET Darrell Rasner was supposedly headed back to Triple-A Scranton regardless of how well he pitched yesterday. But a strong performance against the Mariners may have changed the Yankee organization's thinking?--New York Post
Hunter's future with Twins Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 10:32AM ET While some in the media are convinced that Torii Hunter, a free agent after this year, will not return to the Twins, you won't get club General Manager Terry Ryan to agree with that theory. "The Hunter thing is far from over," Ryan said the other day.--Minneapolis Star Tribune
Angels worried about Colon? Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 08:59AM ET The only good news for the Angels was that Bartolo Colon's injury -- diagnosed as a mild strain of the right triceps -- did not appear to be serious or related to the rotator-cuff tear that knocked him out for most of 2006 and the shoulder tear that ended his 2005 season. The Angels are off today, so Colon will have an extra day of rest before his next start, and as of Sunday afternoon, Scioscia said there were no plans for Colon to undergo an MRI test today.--Los Angeles Times
Teams interested in Rockies' Kim? Posted: Monday May 07, 2007 08:19AM ET Byung-Hyun Kim works again today on his Triple-A rehab assignment, which amounts to another audition tape. Teams seeking pitching include the Tigers, Orioles and Mariners.--Denver Post
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Post by jumbo on May 8, 2007 14:21:11 GMT -5
Mauer to return behind plate Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 07:30AM ET The fact that Joe Mauer is 6 feet 5 and still seems to be growing won't change the Twins' plans for him to catch regularly, despite the physical demand on him, when he returns from a quadriceps injury. Mauer said Monday his quadriceps injury is similar to one he suffered on the first play of the 2000 Prep Bowl while quarterbacking Cretin-Derham Hall against Eden Prairie. He played the whole game. That injury took about two weeks to heal.--St. Paul Pioneer Press
Angels lose patience with Hillenbrand Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 08:38AM ET The Angels have been patient -- far too patient, some think -- waiting for designated hitter Shea Hillenbrand's bat to heat up. But if Hillenbrand continues to struggle, the Angels could give Robb Quinlan, who hit a home run and two doubles in Sunday's loss to Chicago, more time at DH.--Los Angeles Times
Braves roster upsets Rainbow-PUSH Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 06:56AM ET Upset over the lack of African-Americans on the Braves roster, members of Jesse Jackson's Rainbow-PUSH Coalition asked for a meeting with team officials. They got one Monday. Joe Beasley, Southern Regional Director for the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, said he and Dexter Clinkscale, the director of sports for the organization, met Monday morning for nearly two hours with Braves general manager John Schuerholz, assistant general manager Frank Wren and three other Braves officials.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Tigers' consider set-up man options Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 08:59AM ET Right-handed reliever Joel Zumaya is expected to miss about three months because of surgery for an injured finger, the Tigers announced Monday. Manager Jim Leyland said Sunday he won't appoint a full-time replacement for Zumaya as a set-up man who holds leads in the seventh and eighth innings. The candidates to take some of Zumaya's work include right-handers Jason Grilli and Jose Mesa, and left-hander Bobby Seay.--Detroit News
Dodger unhappy with pinch-hitter role Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 08:50AM ET Wilson Betemit's recent struggles as a starter combined with his phenomenal success as a pinch-hitter may have some thinking that he would be better utilized as a reserve for the Dodgers. Betemit, however, is not among them. He also says he's not happy in the pinch-hitting role.--Los Angeles Times
Reds' closer closer to return? Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 10:39AM ET Reds closer-in-waiting Eddie Guardado mentioned a new date after his first session against hitters since last August: May 31. That's the day he's eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list. That may not be a realistic target for his return from elbow surgery, but Monday's session had Guardado very optimistic.--Cincinnati Enquirer
Mariners leave sleeping Beltre on bus Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 10:07AM ET The Mariners returned from Yankee Stadium to their midtown Manhattan hotel by bus, and third baseman Adrian Beltre fell asleep. When the bus arrived, he was still snoozing, and his teammates decided to disembark quietly and let the bus depart with him still aboard. The driver, who had no idea there was still a passenger, was taking the bus back to its garage in Queens. Fortunately for Beltre, the bus hadn't made it farther than about a block. He got off and walked to the hotel, fuming.--Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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Post by jumbo on May 8, 2007 21:37:39 GMT -5
May 9, 2007 Sosa and Palmeiro Cited In Steroid Investigation By DUFF WILSON
Investigators of steroid use in baseball are seeking medical records from at least two of the game’s premier sluggers over the past dozen years, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro, along with records from dozens of other players suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs, a baseball official with direct knowledge of the request said.
The investigators in the inquiry, headed by the former Senator George J. Mitchell, have also asked the Baltimore Orioles to send medical files relating to Jason Grimsley, David Segui and Fernando Tatis to those players, the official said. The players will then be asked to authorize their release to Mitchell, although they are believed to be unlikely to do so.
These are the first names to be definitively associated with the year-old Mitchell investigation. Grimsley’s lawyer and Sosa declined to comment; efforts to reach Segui, Tatis and Palmeiro’s agent late yesterday were unsuccessful.
Other players under Mitchell’s scrutiny have not been publicly identified, although people who have been briefed on the development said that the full list included players expected and unexpected, and that it excluded some players who might have been expected to be on the list of steroid suspects.
The Orioles, for instance, were not asked to release medical records to Miguel Tejada, Jay Gibbons and Brian Roberts, the official said. Those players had been implicated by news-media reports describing a statement by Grimsley and, in Tejada’s case, by Palmeiro, who said Tejada had given him an injection that might have contained steroids. The official, who was granted anonymity because baseball officials have been ordered not to talk about the Mitchell investigation, said their exclusion showed a lack of evidence against those three players, who are all on Baltimore’s active roster.
Investigators have looked deeply into the Orioles, among other organizations. Mitchell’s staff has interviewed at least nine members of the Orioles’ front office and training staff and searched at least six of their personal computers for evidence relating to performance-enhancing drugs, the official said.
The computer searches, which occurred after the interviews with Orioles staff members last summer, were also described by Bill Stetka, media relations director of the Orioles, whose computer was among those searched. Stetka said the team cooperated fully and that all the computers were returned.
Mitchell released a statement yesterday saying, “While it is our practice not to comment on the investigation, any suggestion that the investigation is focused on any single team is incorrect.”
Stetka said that it could appear from a report focused on Baltimore that the Orioles were being held up as “the poster team” for steroids, but that they were being especially cooperative.
Mitchell was appointed by Bud Selig, commissioner of Major League Baseball, to conduct an independent investigation of steroids in baseball. He has heard questions about how tough his investigation can be in the face of player resistance, as well as how invasive his investigation will be into player medical files.
Mitchell is facing objections from teams, players and the players’ union over his requests for medical records and, from players, objections to testifying. When teams declined to turn over the medical files, Mitchell’s staff asked players directly to authorize their release, which first requires the clubs to show the records to the specified players, the official and people briefed on the case said. Mitchell’s letter to clubs asking them to send medical files to specified players was sent within the past few weeks, they said.
Mitchell is trying to work around his lack of subpoena power, as well as the host of privacy issues raised by asking for medical records. He is believed to be following up leads and documentary evidence from a criminal investigation of steroids distribution involving a former equipment manager for the Mets who has said he provided drugs to dozens of players and has acted as a government informant since December 2005.
Last week, Mitchell told The New York Times he expected to talk with specified players soon.
While the Orioles are not being singled out in the investigation, the city of Baltimore has an important role. Two of the lawyers working with Mitchell are based there. Also, a United States Department of Justice press release on the New York steroids case singled out two United States attorneys’ offices — one on Long Island, the other in Baltimore — for “important assistance in the investigation.” The steroid dealer lived on Long Island and was arrested and searched at his home there; the Baltimore connection to the criminal case remains unexplained.
Two spokeswomen for the United States attorney’s office in Baltimore said Monday that they did not know of any involvement with the criminal investigation into steroid trafficking to athletes, which is developing and wrapped in secrecy.
Federal criminal investigators and the Mitchell investigators are sharing information. The Times reported last week that Mitchell was looking at more than three dozen current and former major league baseball players, many of them named by Kirk Radomski, who worked for the Mets from 1985 to 1995.
Radomski, 37, of Manorville, N.Y., pleaded guilty April 27 to federal charges of supplying steroids and other drugs to dozens of major leaguers from 1995 to 2005. It emerged that he had been a secret informant for federal agents since his home was searched in December 2005, and he is also cooperating with the Mitchell investigation.
Tatis, 32, had not previously been linked to steroids. A third baseman, he hit 34 home runs for St. Louis in 1999. His previous high was 11 and his later high was 18. He currently plays for the Mets’ Class AAA minor league team, the New Orleans Zephyrs, but is not on the Mets’ 40-man roster. Efforts to reach him through the Mets and the Zephyrs yesterday were unsuccessful.
Sosa, 38 and still playing for the Texas Rangers, is fifth on the career home run list. His 1998 slugging duel with Mark McGwire — Sosa ended up with 66, McGwire with 70, both passing the previous record of 61 — helped revive public interest in baseball after a bitter strike cut short the 1994 season. Sosa testified before a Congressional committee that he had never used illegal performance-enhancing drugs.
“I don’t want to talk about that thing,” Sosa said when asked about the Mitchell investigation before last night’s game against the Yankees. “No comment.”
Palmeiro, 42, ninth on the career home run list, jabbed a finger at the Congressional committee chairman in March 2005 and testified, “I have never used steroids, period.” Two months later, he tested positive for stanozolol, a powerful anabolic steroid. He said he took it accidentally, possibly from a vitamin injection from Tejada, although a test conducted by baseball showed no steroids in the substance.
The House committee investigated whether Palmeiro had committed perjury but could not prove whether he had taken steroids before his testimony. Palmeiro has not played since the 2005 season. His agent did not return a phone call yesterday.
Grimsley, 39, admitted using steroids throughout his career and human growth hormone after 2003, when baseball began to test for steroids, according to a 2006 federal affidavit after a search of his home. Grimsley, who was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball in 2006 for violating the league’s drug policy, named other players he said used steroids and amphetamines. Grimsley pitched for seven clubs from 1989 through 2006, including the Yankees.
Segui, 40, has admitted using human growth hormone but said it was with a doctor’s prescription. He played for seven teams from 1990 through 2004, including the Mets, but mostly with the Orioles.
Mitchell investigators interviewed at least nine front office and team officials with the Orioles last summer, including the vice presidents Jim Duquette and Mike Flanagan and Manager Sam Perlozzo.
It could not be determined whether any other teams have had so many people interviewed, or computers searched, or exactly what was sought on the computer files.
Terry Ryan, general manager of the Minnesota Twins, said Mitchell’s staff had talked with every team. “They get to the depths of the people who work for this organization and who have worked for this organization for years,” he said. “They’re doing their due diligence.”
Murray Chass, Michael S. Schmidt, Juliet Macur, Jack Curry and Ben Shpigel contributed reporting.
Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company
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Post by The Other Mike T. on May 9, 2007 8:59:46 GMT -5
Anyone see an East German gold medalist swimmer from the '70s recently? Bulgarian weight-lifter? Soviet Union anything? Steeler lineman? These guys are going to start dropping like rocks soon.
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Post by jumbo on May 9, 2007 13:37:03 GMT -5
Schilling: Bonds cheated the game Posted: Tuesday May 08, 2007 08:34PM ET Barry Bonds never has admitted to using steroids. Apparently, Curt Schilling believes he has. "He [Bonds] admitted he used steroids. There's no gray area," Schilling said on WEEI. "He [Bonds] admitted cheating on his wife, cheating on taxes and cheating on the game." --Sports Illustrated
Henderson wants Rocket-like return Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 06:44AM ET Rickey Henderson, 48 years old, believes he can play and wishes to prove it. The Mets don't have any interest in letting Henderson - who is a special instructor with them - play in their minor league system. --New York Post
Schilling rips Bonds' HR chase Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 07:35AM ET Curt Schilling had little positive to say about Barry Bonds. "He admitted that he used steroids, there's no gray area," Schilling on WEEI-AM yesterday morning. Schilling had to chuckle when asked if Bonds would get a pitch to hit were he at the plate at Fenway Park in June with a shot at tying or breaking the record. "Not on purpose," Schilling said.--Boston Herald
Ranger included in steroid request Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 06:11AM ET Investigators of steroid use in baseball are seeking medical records from at least two of the game's premier sluggers over the past dozen years, Sammy Sosa and Rafael Palmeiro, along with records from dozens of other players suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs, a baseball official with direct knowledge of the request said.--New York Times
Met avoids old habits in slump Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 06:15AM ET David Wright says the only way to start having better at-bats is to spend more time in the batting cage before games. He works with Mets hitting coach, Rick Down and first-base coach Howard Johnson, but he is careful not to lapse into a familiar routine. When Wright played for Class A St. Lucie, his average was significantly higher on the road than it was home. The reason? Wright wore himself out by taking extra swings and fielding practice several hours before home games, but not on the road, where he could not get more field time.--New York Times
When will Howard start again? Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 05:43AM ET Ryan Howard was not in the starting lineup last night, as expected. The slugger will not start until Friday at the earliest, after team physician Michael Ciccotti examines his sore left quadriceps in Philadelphia.--Philadelphia Inquirer
Mets shave heads for unity Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 10:38AM ET In a movement started by struggling third baseman David Wright, who had his head buzzed following Monday night's loss, the Mets shed their hair in a pregame coifing frenzy that brought an already tight team even closer together.--Newark Star-Ledger
Angels, Rodriguez far apart in talks Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 09:02AM ET The agent for Francisco Rodriguez, will be in Southern California next week, but not to hammer out a contract extension for the closer. The sides have been discussing a four-year extension since spring training but still appear far apart.--Los Angeles Times
Lidge's rebound raises trade value Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 08:59AM ET Brad Lidge can't be a free agent until after 2008. He's making $5.35 million, a large sum for a midmarket team with an Opening Day payroll of almost $88 million to be paying a reliever who isn't closing. That leads to speculation if the Astros fall out of the NL Central race and Lidge's market value is restored as he continues to rebound, he will be traded.--Rocky Mountain News
Cubs' pitcher losing value? Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 08:50AM ET After another slow start by Carlos Zambrano, you have to wonder if the Cubs would even give him a Roy Oswalt-like deal now. Oswalt continues to be a consistent winner, while Zambrano has yet to prove he can focus in April. If you're going to pay him over $75 million, you'd like to get six months out of him, not five.--Chicago Tribune
Marlins like "even-keeled" manager Posted: Wednesday May 09, 2007 08:29AM ET Marlins players appreciate how ''even-keeled'' manager Fredi Gonzalez is, as Dontrelle Willis puts it. Gonzalez hasn't yelled at his players once all season, Willis said.--Miami Herald
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Post by jumbo on May 10, 2007 15:16:22 GMT -5
Rocket mad at Astros manager Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 07:42AM ET Even though Roger Clemens vows to keep working with the Astros' prospects in the future, he wasn't pleased with the comment manager Phil Garner made Tuesday regarding the freedom clause the Astros gave Clemens to entice him out of retirement in 2004. "What sort of happened was we'd turn on the TV, and he's playing a golf tournament, so it evolved to be more than just seeing family," Garner said.--Houston Chronicle
Few options for Blue Jays Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 08:50AM ET The Blue Jays have some interest in pitcher Jason Davis, designated for assignment by the Indians. But any moves of significance will likely need to wait until later in the year, and GM J.P. Ricciardi can only hope his hand is strengthened by then.--The Globe and Mail
Rangers consider moving Tex? Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 08:36AM ET It would be a total guess right now, but Mark Teixeira certainly would be a guy the Rangers would have to consider trading. The Rangers would need to get back pitching and a major league ready first baseman or outfielder. For me, the best deal the Rangers could try to make is with Baltimore for Nick Markakis and a pitcher.--Dallas Morning News
Rangers OF denies steroid link Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 07:45AM ET Sammy Sosa turned aside all attempts to question him yesterday, but Texas teammate Jerry Hairston Jr. had much more to say about his name popping up again in reports about former Sen. George Mitchell's independent investigation into steroid use in baseball. "I haven't failed a test, and never will fail a test," Hairston said. According to various reports, human growth hormone, which Major League Baseball is unable to test for, was delivered to homes linked to Hairston in Arizona and Maryland. --New York Daily News
Will Nats' fans remain patient? Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 05:37AM ET Nationals president Stan Kasten's plan to abandon the present in favor of the future seems logical, but if it fails, baseball in Washington may turn out to be irreparably harmed. The Nats' local support may have shallower roots than the stunning attendance of '05 would indicate. --Washington Post
Orioles want to add pitcher Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 10:52AM ET Though VP Jim Duquette wouldn't discuss interest in certain pitchers, one club source said the Orioles have held internal discussions about Cleveland's Jason Davis, the Kansas City Royals' Odalis Perez and the New York Mets' Chan Ho Park.--Baltimore Sun
Pirates may be deadline traders Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 09:05AM ET If the Pirates are within striking distance in mid-July, principal owner Bob Nutting indicated the team could be a buyer at the trading deadline. Just don't expect them to import a high-salaried star.--Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Rockies to shop reliever again Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 09:02AM ET The Rockies plan to shop pitcher Byung-Hyun Kim aggressively after his next rehab start. The Orioles, once interested in Kim and Josh Fogg, are moving in another direction. The Tigers, Mariners and Nationals are seeking help.--Denver Post
Rockies willing to eat contracts Posted: Thursday May 10, 2007 08:59AM ET After the Rockies' ugly 9-2 loss to the Cardinals, there was strong evidence Wednesday that a sense of urgency is beginning to grip the team. Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said this week that he would be willing to eat money on certain contracts in order to field the strongest club. Taylor Buchholz and Josh Fogg are quietly on notice with Ubaldo Jimenez making progress at Triple-A Colorado Springs.--Denver Post
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Post by jumbo on May 11, 2007 10:03:09 GMT -5
Four teams scouting Blue Jays Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 08:39AM ET It's unknown whether Toronto will conduct a fire sale, but the Phillies, Braves, Dodgers and Orioles are among teams that have had scouts at recent Blue Jays games.--Philadelphia Daily News
Red Sox reliever criticizes Schilling Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 07:35AM ET At about the same time Red Sox manager Terry Francona was addressing the media Wednesday afternoon, closer Jonathan Papelbon was taping a segment for Fox Sports New England in which he took a jab at Curt Schilling, saying Schilling's recent criticism of Barry Bonds "wasn't too professional."--Hartford Courant
Will Pirates' manager return? Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 08:42AM ET Pirates manager Jim Tracy, in his second season, will not be fired. Not only does he not deserve to have his contract terminated, but he also is making about $1.2 million a season. --Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Whatever happened to Mo Vaughn? Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 06:44AM ET Mo Vaughn and his attorney have jumped into real estate, forming a company that buys low-income housing then renovates and manages them. Their original goal was to focus on New York City, but it's become such a success that they've branched out, most recently to Long Island.--New York Newsday
Possible Padres power moves Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 09:57AM ET If the Padres have no interest in Phil Nevin, who is still looking for work, then it's about time for a suitable Plan B to surface. Efforts to revive Nevin's career, most conspicuously by the Padres' radio affiliate, have been met mainly with indifference in the front office. If Nevin is a no-go, then what aboutTroy Glaus, Hank Blalock or Ryan Zimmerman? --San Diego Union-Tribune
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Post by jumbo on May 12, 2007 17:31:12 GMT -5
Steroid talk ticks off Big Papi Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 05:34AM ET David Ortiz has not taken kindly to the baseless accusation that he may have taken steroids when he was young. He chose to defend Barry Bonds the way he chose to defend Sammy Sosa before him. To prove his point regarding the uncertainty of steroids, he went so far as to suggest that when he was younger, he drank unregulated protein shakes, and who knows what was in those things? --Boston Globe
White Sox GM predicts trading lull Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 08:15AM ET Even without DH Jim Thome and injured left fielder Scott Podsednik, White Sox GM Ken Williams believes the Sox can ''get on a roll'' with warmer weather and hitters who should be shaking from slumps. Injuries may create needs on teams, but Williams believes the climate for trades has changed noticeably in recent years. ''There's so much parity in this league now that everyone feels they have a chance,'' Williams said even when the July 31 trading deadline approaches, there may not be much action around the majors. --Chicago Sun Times
Pena's trade value plummeting Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 08:10AM ET One American League official this week said that Wily Mo Pena still has some trade value, though it seems to be decreasing almost daily. No doubt, some team would take a chance on his potential, just as the Yankees, Reds and Red Sox once did.--The Providence Journal
Pirates 2B asks to be traded Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 08:04AM ET Jose Castillo's agent has asked the Pirates to try to trade his client if he cannot play regularly. The Pirates offered Castillo in trade talks in the offseason, apparently thwarted by a lack of takers. It is not known if they have engaged any teams in more talks yet, but the Mets have been searching for a second baseman.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Reyes resists Mets' buzz cut Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 06:10AM ET The Mets' hair-cutting trend began after Monday night's game in San Francisco, when the slumping David Wright got a buzz cut because he wanted to "change it up." His teammates followed suit, getting their heads completely shaved or buzzed. General Manager Omar Minaya and Jay Horwitz, the Mets' vice president for media relations, even joined in. Some players, like Carlos Delgado, were already without hair. Jose Reyes and Aaron Sele were the only holdouts. Reyes was reluctant to shave his head because he says he gets his hair cut only once a year. --New York Times
Will Selig be there for Bonds? Posted: Saturday May 12, 2007 06:06AM ET Barry Bonds is rapidly approaching Hank Aaron's revered home run record, and Bud Selig, the commissioner of Major League Baseball, must decide how to respond. Selig said that he had not made up his mind what to do. But tellingly, in an 80-minute interview Thursday, he neither praised Bonds nor expressed sympathy for Bonds's current plight, which includes being vigorously booed in ballparks he visits around the country.--New York Times
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Post by jumbo on May 13, 2007 0:57:37 GMT -5
May 13, 2007 Sports of The Times Going Deep, Before Bonds and Aaron and Ruth By GEORGE VECSEY
There’s no law that says Bud Selig has to show up when Balco’s favorite customer, Barry Bonds, breaks the home run record one of these weeks. After all, other commissioners were not on the premises the last two times the career record was broken.
Selig is surely agonizing over Bonds, who was 10 homers short of Henry Aaron’s total of 755 going into last night’s game. The commish can comfort himself that he has precedent for staying home and reading Thucydides when beefed-up Barry makes his move.
When Aaron passed Babe Ruth’s record of 714 in 1974, Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, for whatever reason, sent his assistant, Monte Irvin, a gesture that was widely interpreted as a bungle and an insult.
Still, baseball’s response to Aaron was far more informed than the one it made in the simple precomputer times of 1921, when nobody even knew Babe Ruth was passing Roger Connor’s total.
Connor looms large in my mind these days, only a few degrees of separation from Bonds, that complicated blend of superb athlete, supreme egotist and major customer of a nefarious chemical supplier.
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In an age when home runs were still regarded as an aberration, the left-handed Connor was a slugger without really trying. He came from the large Irish community in Waterbury, Conn., and had to persuade his parents to approve of his playing that strange American sport.
He began his big-league career with Troy City in upstate New York in 1880, and on Sept. 10, 1881, hit the first grand slam in the majors, ending a game with what is today called a walk-off home run.
In 1883, Connor was lured to New York, where he, Buck Ewing and John Montgomery Ward were so good that in 1885, their manager, Jim Mutrie, waxed rhapsodic about “my giants!” And that is how Barry Bonds’s current team got its nickname.
The Giants played at the original Polo Grounds, located on 110th Street and Fifth Avenue, now the northeast corner of Central Park. On Sept. 11, 1886, Connor unloaded a blast clear over the distant fence, over a dozen or so rows of spectators, and over billboards a couple of stories high. To honor the first and only time anybody hit a ball out of that stadium, the stockbrokers and other members of the Giants’ carriage trade bought Connor a gold watch worth $500.
Like Bonds, Roger Connor was a complete player — a deft first baseman and an agile base runner who hit 233 triples and stole 244 bases despite his size (6 feet 3 inches and 200 pounds). The noted sportswriter Sam Crane once described Connor, “with his weight catapulting him, with speed and force, he slid feet first and, as he landed, could bob up, like a jack-in-the-box.”
After 1897, Connor went home to Waterbury and ran minor league teams, making a friend for life when a young umpire named Bill Klem made a few calls that enraged the local fans. Connor put his arm around Klem’s shoulders and told the mob to lay off.
By July 1921, Connor was 63 years old and retired from a maintenance job in the Waterbury public schools. The Babe kept pole-axing home runs in the new Polo Grounds, laughing off the jealousy of the Yankees’ landlord, John McGraw of the Giants, who disparaged Ruth and his home runs.
Connor had loosely been credited with 132 or 136 homers, but he was never mentioned in accounts of Ruth’s homers. Gavvy Cravath was generally regarded as the home run king before Ruth for having hit 117 homers in the National League and 2 more in the American, but he was not celebrated much, either.
The new commissioner, Kenesaw Mountain Landis, did not follow Ruth around the league because Landis was busy driving nine members of the White Sox out of baseball for their varied roles in throwing the 1919 World Series. On July 18 in Detroit, Ruth hit his 36th homer of the season — and the 139th of his career. The Sporting News noted that the ball went 500 feet but never mentioned a record. Connor was never invited to New York for any tribute to Ruth, because there was none.
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Connor died on Jan. 4, 1931, and the United Press article praised him as a Waterbury celebrity who had played for the Giants, but did not mention any home run record. As baseball certified its records, however, Connor was officially credited with 138 homers.
It was not until Aaron passed Ruth’s 714 in 1974 that people began to pay attention to Connor. In 1976, Connor was elected to the Hall of Fame, after a campaign by Don Harrison of The Waterbury Republican-American, partly because of a posthumous tribute from Klem, who had died in 1951 after being regarded as the game’s greatest umpire. Somewhere in there is a moral about sportsmanship and good karma being rewarded.
On June 30, 2001, Connor was honored in the graveyard in Waterbury with a four-foot-high marble monument that notes him as a member of the Hall.
“It is a mystery to me why he was so forgotten,” Connor’s grand-nephew Garrett Squires wrote to me in an e-mail message in 2005. “I guess I can’t complain; he is in the Hall of Fame,” Squires added. “So he wasn’t that forgotten, but you never hear his name mentioned with the all-time greats of that era.”
I wouldn’t expect Bonds to be much interested in Connor, since he has only recently been sensitized to express respect for Ruth’s exploits as a pitcher and slugger. Unless Bonds is unexpectedly implicated in matters relating to pharmaceutical usage or tax evasion or perjury, baseball must honor him when he passes Aaron.
If Selig misses the ceremony, it might be the coolest thing he ever did. Either way, when baseball honors Bonds, it should also acknowledge the grand lineage that goes backward from Bonds to Aaron to Ruth to Connor.
Copyright 2007 The New York Times Company
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Post by jumbo on May 13, 2007 9:36:33 GMT -5
Dodgers scouting 3B trade Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 06:12AM ET The Dodgers have had a good start, but if they could, they'd probably trade for a third baseman. Dodger scouts were watching the Red Sox and Blue Jays last week. There doesn't appear to be any chance the Sox would move Mike Lowell after the hot start he's had, but the Blue Jays, given their demise, might consider parting with Troy Glaus.--Boston Globe
Mets eating into Yankees fanbase? Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 05:55AM ET Anecdotal evidence, collected from bartenders, merchandise dealers and bleacher creatures, suggests that the Mets -- with their core of young, flashy players and recent winning ways -- are taking substantial bites out of the Yankee fan base, at least in Westchester. Most of the Mets' renewed popularity, particularly with the Little League set, can be chalked up to the emergence of young players like David Wright and Jose Reyes, with their All-Star-caliber play and animated handshakes.--New York Times
Astros may dangle Lidge for closer Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 06:15AM ET The Astros knew they were never getting Roger Clemens, so that's not considered a loss, but they could use one more starter, and closer Brad Lidge could be the chip they use.--Boston Globe
Dodgers pitcher dating actress Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 07:42AM ET Dodgers pitcher Brad Penny and his girlfriend, actress Eliza Dushku, were sighted spending $800 on dinner (stone crabs and Kobe beef) at Prime 112 in Miami after he struck out 14 Marlins on Monday.--Miami Herald
Brewers may call up more talent Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 06:03AM ET Brewers general manager Doub Melvin thinks two of his Triple A Nashville prospects -- power-hitting third baseman Ryan Braun and righthanded pitcher Yovani Gallardo -- could make their way to Milwaukee this season. --Boston Globe
Why Phillies won't fire Manuel Posted: Sunday May 13, 2007 08:43AM ET Right now Charlie Manuel is still managing on Ed Wade's watch, and any perceived shortcomings can be deflected back on Wade. But if Pat Gillick fires Manuel, then Gillick moves into the spotlight himself. And, perhaps, into the line of fire if disappointments continue.--Philadelphia Inquirer
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Post by jumbo on May 14, 2007 11:18:34 GMT -5
Leyland sounds off on Matsuzaka Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 06:19AM ET Tonight, the Tigers oppose Daisuke Matsuzaka, the celebrated Japanese right-hander. His starts have been greeted with great fanfare in Boston, but Detroit manager Jim Leyland downplayed the matchup on Sunday. "I don't give a (expletive) about him," Leyland said. "I'm not getting into all that. I could give a (expletive) less. It's another pitcher."--Detroit Free Press
Contenders interested in Helton? Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 08:45AM ET The trading deadline is July 31. Todd Helton should be sent to Boston, New York or Los Angeles, where he can go for .400 and the postseason and get some attention doing it.--Denver Post
Angels losing patience with Santana Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 06:50AM ET Ervin Santana does not appear to be on the verge of a demotion to triple-A Salt Lake, but the Angels' patience with the 24-year-old right-hander seems to be wearing thin. If the Angels were to demote Santana, they have two viable options in left-hander Joe Saunders, who went 2-0 with a 1.96 ERA in three starts before being sent to Salt Lake, and right-hander Dustin Moseley, who is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA and is now pitching out of the Angels' bullpen.--Los Angeles Times
Stiff neck makes Cubs' Lee uncertain Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 05:42AM ET Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, who lobbied to be in the lineup Sunday despite the discomfort, came out of the game in the second inning after it became clear he wasn't well enough to play. His status for today's game is uncertain.--Chicago Sun Times
New Marlin to join rotation? Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 05:31AM ET There is a possibility that Byung-Hyun Kim will be used a starter for the Marlins and possibly replace Ricky Nolasco, who is ailing. Nolasco recently came off the DL with elbow inflammation.--Miami Herald
Pirates may change rotation Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 05:10AM ET Tony Armas is no lock to remain in the rotation. For the time being, he is listed as starting Thursday in the finale of the four-game series with the Marlins that opens tonight. If Armas is removed, that would open the door, obviously, for someone else. General manager Dave Littlefield mentioned three starters who have impressed him at Class AAA Indianapolis: Bryan Bullington, John Van Benschoten and Sean Burnett.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Angels to reunite with Glaus? Posted: Monday May 14, 2007 09:54AM ET The Blue Jays reportedly could unload some of their high-priced regulars. The Angels are interested in bringing back third baseman Troy Glaus and first baseman Lyle Overbay would be an upgrade for the Yankees.--Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
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Post by jumbo on May 15, 2007 13:05:45 GMT -5
Two O's nearly come to blows Posted: Tuesday May 15, 2007 04:15AM ET Angry that Melvin Mora took off for third with two outs in the ninth inning while he was at bat, Jay Payton, who made the game's final out, had words with the Orioles' third baseman outside the dugout. The two were kept apart by third base coach Juan Samuel, but the argument continued outside the clubhouse as Mora and Payton needed to be restrained from going after each other.--Baltimore Sun
Baker greets Cubs, avoids GM Posted: Tuesday May 15, 2007 06:37AM ET Cubs players and personnel greeted former manager Dusty Baker like a long-lost relative before Monday night's game at Shea Stadium, though Baker kept his distance from general manager Jim Hendry and pitching coach Larry Rothschild. Baker and Hendry exchanged brief hellos on the field before the game, but they did not shake hands.--Chicago Tribune
Leagues, White House swap drug info Posted: Tuesday May 15, 2007 05:28AM ET Representatives of the four major U.S. professional sports leagues and the U.S. Olympic Committee have begun discussions with the White House and key federal agencies to explore possible information-sharing and other forms of cooperation to address the problem of performance-enhancing drugs in sport.--Washington Post
Wickman to return as Braves' closer Posted: Tuesday May 15, 2007 05:37AM ET Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez have dominated while converting all six save opportunities in the absence of sore-backed Bob Wickman. But they're about to move back to their former roles. Braves manager Bobby Cox didn't hesitate when asked Monday whether Wickman would resume closer duties today when he's scheduled to come off the disabled list.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Orioles' manager on the hot seat Posted: Tuesday May 15, 2007 04:25AM ET A day after getting much of the blame for the Orioles' devastating 6-5 loss to the Red Sox, manager Sam Perlozzo defended his decision to remove Jeremy Guthrie two outs shy of a complete-game shutout and said he hasn't paid attention to fans calling for his job.--Baltimore Sun
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Post by jumbo on May 16, 2007 9:03:15 GMT -5
Smoltz upbeat about next start Posted: Wednesday May 16, 2007 07:22AM ET Eighteen hours after his injury scare reverberated through Braves Nation, veteran ace John Smoltz was upbeat Tuesday about the possibility of making his next start. His right pinky finger, dislocated grotesquely in the seventh inning of Monday's 2-1 loss, bore only faint signs of any recent trauma after a night and morning spent icing it and an afternoon spent on the golf course, putting and chipping while wearing a splint.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Power outage for Dodgers' prospect Posted: Wednesday May 16, 2007 06:36AM ET In his first at-bat this season, James Loney hit a home run. He hasn't hit one since in 150 at-bats. When the Dodgers sent Loney back to triple-A Las Vegas this season, after he hit .380 there last season and .448 in spring training, they hoped he would develop power more befitting a first baseman. Yet the power has not shown up and the batting average has gone way down, to .258.--Los Angeles Times
Phillies interested in Villone?
Rockies slugger won't come to Motown Posted: Wednesday May 16, 2007 08:36AM ET Everyone wants the Tigers to grab Todd Helton from the Rockies, although they tend to forget what he is owed: $92 million through 2012. It's safe to say he won't be coming to Detroit.--Detroit News
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Post by jumbo on May 17, 2007 11:24:40 GMT -5
Will Rangers trade Teixeira? Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 07:59AM ET Will Mark Teixeira still be a Texas Ranger on Aug. 1, 2007? Considering his dubious track record, Jon Daniels probably isn't eager to trade the team's best commodity.--Dallas Morning News
Former closer considers comeback Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 07:22AM ET Former Angels closer Troy Percival, who has not pitched since July 2005 because of a forearm injury, is considering a comeback, according to his agent, Paul Cohen. Percival, who amassed 324 saves during an 11-year career, 10 of those years with the Angels, hadn't picked up a baseball for a year when he started throwing about a month ago.--Los Angeles Times
Rockies eye Brewers' reliever Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 08:09AM ET Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said he's in no hurry to trade Jose Capellan, a Triple-A reliever in whom the Rockies have had interest.--Denver Post
No trade market for Astros pair Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 08:05AM ET Morgan Ensberg and Jason Lane are in Houston to stay, at least for now. There's no market for either of them. Voices inside the organization emphasize they simply have no value.--Houston Chronicle
Yankees to buy out Boss' son-in-law Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 06:52AM ET The Yankees are negotiating a buyout of the general partner Steve Swindal in which the team would pay him about $5 million for what he is owed contractually in exchange for his leaving the organization. Swindal was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence at the start of spring training in February. The next month, near the end of camp, his wife, Jennifer, filed for divorce. --New York Times
Lester closer to Red Sox rotation Posted: Thursday May 17, 2007 06:14AM ET After two weeks of caution and long toss and bullpen sessions, Jon Lester will be restarting his rehabilitation, back to the minors on another 30-day rehab assignment. It will potentially get him that much closer to a spot in the Red Sox' rotation, a spot that's been on his mind for quite a while.--Boston Globe
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Post by jumbo on May 18, 2007 11:18:27 GMT -5
Devil Rays to trade outfielder? Posted: Friday May 18, 2007 08:27AM ET For a long time now, it has been obvious the Rays eventually are going to have to trade away an outfielder. Because Carl Crawford is too good and Delmon Young is too young, much of the conversation has focused on Rocco Baldelli. On the other hand, if there are doubts about Baldelli's ability to stay healthy, it lowers his market value dramatically.--St. Petersburg Times
Wilson's next stop: Pittsburgh? Posted: Friday May 18, 2007 06:41AM ET Craig Wilson was cut loose yesterday morning by the Braves. Next stop: Pittsburgh? The Pirates were not among the handful of teams that contacted Steve Hilliard, Wilson's agent, in the hours after the first baseman was given his unconditional release yesterday. Wilson would welcome a return to Pittsburgh.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
MLB Network plans 2009 launch Posted: Friday May 18, 2007 06:27AM ET Major League Baseball took a significant step toward the planned 2009 launch of the MLB Network on Thursday, when the league's owners approved contracts with 36 cable and satellite distributors. League executives said they expect the 24-hour-a-day network to launch on Jan. 1, 2009, into 47 million homes, which would make it by far the biggest launch in cable television history.--Washington Post
Did Mets know of reliever's drug test? Posted: Friday May 18, 2007 05:51AM ET When the Mets sent reliever Lino Urdaneta to Class AAA New Orleans on Tuesday, they had been told that he had tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. General Manager Omar Minaya said that he was notified last Friday, but Major League Baseball delayed the announcement until Wednesday because of the minor league appeals process.--New York Times
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Post by jumbo on May 19, 2007 12:15:27 GMT -5
Infuriated Ozzie goes batty on radio Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 07:54AM ET Four words banned by the FCC, three hugs, two yelling incidents and one security guard being told to ''get A.J. the [expletive] out of my office.'' And that was all before 11 a.m. on Friday for Ozzie Guillen. Guillen was on his way to Wrigley Field in his car, heard an A.J. Pierzynski interview and called in, infuriated -- not only because the word ''platoon'' was being used, but because the host was questioning his lineup. The host warned Guillen they were on the air and he needed to clean up the language. When Guillen didn't, Chicago radio history was made.--Chicago Sun Times
Will Mets chase Willis and Zambrano? Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 08:14AM ET Don't be surprised if the Mets push hard to both trade for Dontrelle Willis and sign Carlos Zambrano if he makes it to free agency.--New York Post
Reds evaluate trade their options Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 08:49AM ET A trade would be controversial for the Reds. Especially if it involved Adam Dunn. It's because Dunn is a formidable figure that he's the most tradable player on the Cincinnati roster. He would return value - a first-rate pitcher, presumably, or a consistent right-handed hitter - that is more along the lines of what the ballclub really requires as it reshapes itself according to the Wayne Krivsky model.--Cincinnati Post
What's the market for Teixeira? Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 08:42AM ET The Rangers need to find out what the market is like for Mark Teixeira. Unless the team makes a huge turnaround, I can't see Teixeira wanting to stay here, especially if others teams are willing to pay him more (and they probably would be). --Dallas Morning News
Buehrle won't rule out being a Cub Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 08:17AM ET It's a real long shot but Mark Buehrle won't rule out the possibility of playing for the Cubs next season. If the Cubs do not re-sign free-agent-to-be Carlos Zambrano by the end of the season, Buehrle could conceivably slip right into their rotation.--Daily Southtown
Percival announces comeback attempt Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 08:08AM ET Troy Percival made it official Friday: The former Angels closer, who missed most of 2005 and all of 2006 because of a forearm injury and retired from baseball in April, will attempt a comeback.--Los Angeles Times
Pirates drop Armas from rotation Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 06:50AM ET Tony Armas is heading to the Pirates' bullpen, as expected, but manager Jim Tracy will wait a week or so to name a replacement at fifth starter.--Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Rehabbing Pedro no-shows Mets Posted: Saturday May 19, 2007 06:19AM ET About two weeks ago, some Mets called Pedro Martinez from the trainer's room to see how he was doing. Last night they were hoping to get an up-close look but Pedro was a no-show.Carlos Beltran spoke with Martinez about two weeks ago, and said Martinez sounds good and is reporting progress.--New York Post
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Post by jumbo on May 20, 2007 10:59:28 GMT -5
Who would Red Sox give for Harden? Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 06:10AM ET Would the Red Sox be tempted to make a Josh Beckett-type deal for Rich Harden, trading at least two very good prospects and perhaps someone on the current roster? The Sox would have to be willing to give up one of their prime pitching prospects: Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, Michael Bowden. There also would have to be a pretty good positional player involved; you can bet it won't be Jacoby Ellsbury, but perhaps David Murphy, Brandon Moss, or even one of their major league outfielders, Coco Crisp or Wily Mo Pena.--Boston Globe
Foulke contemplating return? Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 06:16AM ET Keith Foulke's retirement might be short-lived. According to his agent, Dan Horwits, Foulke is thinking about having bone fragments removed from his elbow, a sign that he is at least contemplating a return.--Boston Globe
Braves' Aybar in rehab clinic Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 07:55AM ET Suspended Braves infielder Willy Aybar is a patient in a substance-abuse rehabilitation clinic, a baseball official familiar with the situation told the Journal-Constitution on Saturday. The length of his stay is supposed to be determined by doctors there, according to the official, who would not disclose the location and would speak only on condition of anonymity.--Atlanta Journal Constitution
Would Glaus approve L.A. trade? Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 09:08AM ET The Dodgers and Angels desperately need a big bat, maybe not to win in September but definitely to win in October, with third base the most logical fit for both teams. And Troy Glaus, a former UCLA star and the 2002 World Series MVP for the Angels, remains an elite slugger. Toronto General Manager J.P. Ricciardi did not return a call, but another major league executive who spoke with him last week said he was not ready to trade Glaus. The agent for Glaus said the Blue Jays have not even broached the possibility. Glaus would have to approve any trade.--Los Angeles Times
Orioles manager on hot seat? Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 08:43AM ET Going into the season, it was believed Sam Perlozzo was held in good stead by the clueless and cantankerous Orioles owner. But an 18-23 start after a winter in which Peter Angelos approved $41.5 million on a bullpen makeover has apparently eroded that support.--New York Daily News
Brewers' MLB draft targets Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 08:40AM ET Unless Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters or high school third basemen Josh Vitters and Mike Moustakas unexpectedly drop to the seventh pick, look for the Brewers to select a pitcher in the draft. And, if the club's recent history means anything, that pitcher will come out of high school.--Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
Contract distracting Zambrano? Posted: Sunday May 20, 2007 08:36AM ET There's a feeling in the Cubs' clubhouse that Carlos Zambrano's surprisingly erratic performance this year is the result of his mind being too much on his contract situation. --Newark Star-Ledger
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Post by shockman on May 20, 2007 17:13:13 GMT -5
I think zambrano is just starting to break down like his two injury prone teammates
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Post by pemoco on May 20, 2007 18:33:38 GMT -5
From the Baltimore Sun
Time to pull plug on Perlozzo Indifference from players shows it's time for club to go in different direction
May 20, 2007, 6:55 PM EDT
WASHINGTON -- Can a loss to the Washington Nationals be as devastating, deflating and depressing as one to the Boston Red Sox?
Sure it can. Especially when they come one week apart and happen in almost the same way. And when two other similar losses happen in between.
Momentum has gone completely against the Orioles, and there may be only one way to reverse it. Actually, two ways, but as they say, you can't fire 25 guys. Or even the ones who can't hit with runners on, sustain rallies and hold onto late-inning leads.
If the axe hanging over Sam Perlozzo's head is going to fall, as the speculation grows stronger that it will, it might as well fall sooner than later. No, it isn't all his fault. It never is all the manager's fault. But no one can, or should, survive pushing every wrong button for such an extended period of time, even if it's become increasingly obvious that he doesn't have many buttons to push.
Danys Baez is one of his buttons, and when he pushed it in the eighth inning today at RFK, after the tying run came to the plate with one out, it practically detonated in his face. Again.
The misadventures on the mound -- that is, the expensive bodies populating it -- are sucking the life out of this team, if the non-clutch hitting hasn't already. The sad totals from today: 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, most of them while Erik Bedard was trying to hang onto a one-run lead; 10 runners stranded, five by Aubrey Huff alone, including the last runner of the day, the tying run, in the ninth, on the first pitch.
Nor can Perlozzo survive the lack of support he's getting in the clubhouse. Somebody, anybody with clout, needed to have the manager's back today, or any time in the last week. Someone in uniform could have shouted down the shouting for Perlozzo's scalp after the Boston debacle; someone could have soothed the fans' wrath in the week since then, speaking up the way some key New York Yankees have publicly stepped up for Joe Torre as their season circles the drain.
Instead, the silence was defeaning, the mood grim, nobody even giving much credence to the idea that the Orioles can shrug this off, bounce back, go get 'em next time. Miguel Tejada offered a little bit of that. It wasn't convincing.
It was hard to experience that, especially a day after Perlozzo expressed his support for the struggling, scuffling, yet still sinking players. "I love them to death," he said.
When they don't seem to love you back, though, it's time to pull the plug.
Whether it's because the mishandling of the mess of a bullpen is doing him in or because the players have just tuned him out, it seems painfully apparent that he can't wring anything else out of this roster. The public can pick apart his strategy and philosophies, even his loyalties (he's "still got faith" in the battered Baez) all day and night, but nothing can sink a manager faster than indifference from his players, on and off the field.
This one today was brutal, yet it was as if you could see it coming a mile away. Did anyone breathe a sigh of relief when Bedard handed his seven-inning, three-hit, 12-strikeout gem and his 3-1 lead over to the Kerosene Kids in the bullpen? Even Bedard? Even Perlozzo?
The weekend began with the overriding sense that a sweep of the Nationals, the worst team in the National League, with the skimpiest offense and a pitching staff taped together, would buy Perlozzo some time. They got two of three, which sounds pretty good, until you phrase it as "two straight, then an epic gag job capped by a big hit from Nook Logan." Yes, that Nook Logan.
When you attach that loss to the five-game skid the Orioles brought into this series, which included the Fenway collapse and the two come-from-ahead defeats in Toronto, it puts them back where they started. A team of dead men walking and a fan base that passed "impatient" long ago and is headed toward "rebellious," one that surely won't give the Orioles a warm welcome home at Camden Yards Tuesday.
A sweep of the Nats, Perlozzo said after the game, "would've been nice. It would've been very nice, I'm not going to deny that. It's something we can take into the off day [an exhibition in Cooperstown] and go into Tuesday ready to go."
It would have been momentum. It comes and goes, and for this team, it went really fast. Now, the wrong kind of momentum is going strong. The kind that smells of desperation, of making change for the sake of change, of dumping one guy because it's easier than dumping 25, of risking a move that might not work anyway if the players' hearts have been lost for good.
The kind of change that stinks for Perlozzo, who had wanted this job for a long, long time.
It smells so bad around the Orioles now, though, that this is the only change they can make.
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Post by jumbo on May 21, 2007 7:51:09 GMT -5
Will Sox choose Lowell over A-Rod? Posted: Monday May 21, 2007 07:15AM ET Three weeks ago, it seemed A-Rod's next stop might very well be Boston. Instead of angling to add A-Rod to the mix, it may be time to talk contract with their incumbent third baseman, Mike Lowell. Lowell has said many times that he likes it in Boston and wants to stay, and it's hard to imagine that the Sox won't find a way to keep him.--Boston Herald
White Sox tired of Pierzynski's act? Posted: Monday May 21, 2007 07:19AM ET While Ozzie Guillen and A.J. Pierzynski eventually hugged it out, and Pierzynski added to his growing legend with a grand slam on Sunday, it appears some of Pierzynski's teammates are tired of his act. Pitcher Mark Buehrle said Pierzynski's remarks to North showed little respect to backup catcher Toby Hall. --Chicago Tribune
Too many Angels in outfield? Posted: Monday May 21, 2007 07:01AM ET Garret Anderson accelerated his rehabilitation from a hip injury, running wind sprints before Sunday's game, and Manager Mike Scioscia said the left fielder "is feeling much better -- he's getting closer every day." In Anderson's absence, Reggie Willits has emerged as such a productive leadoff batter and proficient left fielder that Scioscia will have little choice but to keep Willits in the lineup when Anderson is activated. Which leaves Anderson where? --Los Angeles Times
Ankiel's pitcher-hitter switch working Posted: Monday May 21, 2007 06:16AM ET After rocketing through the minor leagues as an up-and-coming pitcher -- and crashing and burning in the 2000 postseason -- Rick Ankiel is trying to make it back to the majors by hitting rockets. The former Cardinals' mound phenom is progressing toward a return by putting up solid offensive statistics as an outfielder with the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds. --Tennessean
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Post by jumbo on May 21, 2007 11:57:14 GMT -5
Let's make a deal Seven trades that need to happen before the deadline Posted: Monday May 21, 2007 10:15AM; Updated: Monday May 21, 2007 10:51AM There are still two months to go before the trade deadline. But I'm already envisioning some deals that need to be made. Here are a few that come to mind: 1. Scott Rolen to the Dodgers Los Angeles is desperately seeking additional power, and Rolen fits the bill. Ned Colletti, one of the game's more aggressive GMs, has looked just about everywhere for power, which is the glaring weakness on an otherwise well-balanced team. Colletti recently said he wasn't going after Blue Jays third baseman Troy Glaus. But he hasn't denied interest in Rolen. The Cardinals have not yet signaled they're ready to throw in the towel, but if things continue to go south, it would make sense to trade Rolen, who has an uneasy relationship with manager Tony La Russa and would have some market value despite his awful start (.215). (Rolen has three years and $36 million remaining on his contract after this season.) The Dodgers have prospects to trade, including a third baseman, Andy LaRoche, plus young pitchers. 2. Garrett Atkins and Todd Helton to the Angels Owner Arte Moreno is still itching to do something "major'' and this would qualify, especially with Helton recapturing his swing early this year (.360 batting average, .472 on-base percentage). Reports indicate the Angels have inquired about Atkins, who isn't as untouchable as one might think. The Rockies' top minor-league prospect is third baseman Ian Stewart. Rockies people always liked the idea of dealing with the Angels regarding Helton because LA of A has plenty of prospects. The Rockies would have to offset the $87 million remaining on Helton's contract by about $35 million or so, but they'd be happy to consider Casey Kotchman, Erick Aybar, Mike Mathis or any number of Angels prospects in exchange. Helton has a no-trade clause, but the chance to win in Anaheim is probably enough to entice him to waive his veto powers, as he did when Boston showed interest this winter. 3. Chad Cordero to the Indians Cleveland looks like it has a decent shot at a playoff spot, even from the ultra-tough AL Central. But to get there, they'll need a closer better than Joe Borowski, who's toting an 8.44 ERA (though he does have 13 saves in 15 tries). The Indians revamped their bullpen this winter, but other AL contenders have much more established and dominating ninth-inning men (i.e. Francisco Rodriguez, Jonathan Papelbon, Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan and even Bobby Jenks). Cordero has a lot of guts, but there's some concern as to whether his stuff would be short in the AL. It doesn't help that he's off to a slow start, with only five saves in nine opportunities. Nationals GM Jim Bowden likely will ask for the moon, anyway, so Cleveland may have to look elsewhere. But it does need to look somewhere. 4. Ken Griffey Jr. to the White Sox Griffey didn't shown any willingness to go to New York when the opportunity materialized. But maybe Chicago's more to his liking. It's a nice city with a nice team that still should have a chance, something that has eluded the Reds regularly. It's finally time to thrown in the towel on the great Griffey trade to his hometown team, an annual albatross for the also-running Reds. The White Sox have been hurt by the injury to Jim Thome and could use the left-handed power Griffey provides. Griffey (eight homers, 26 RBIs, .297) is having a fine year. But he'd be much better off having the DH option, which could limit his own well-known propensity for pain. 5. Troy Glaus to the Tigers Helton would also be a natural fit for Detroit, which isn't getting much from first base, where the beloved Sean Casey (winner of SI's poll for Friendliest Player) has struggled. Helton might be a better fit as a left-handed hitter and natural first baseman, but Glaus (eight homers, 21 RBIs, .307) would help, as well. 6. Al Reyes to the Brewers Milwaukee would like some bullpen fortification, and this ex-Brewer certainly would do the trick. He's come out of nowhere to go 12 for 12 in saves with a 1.31 ERA. A far cry from his mop-up days in Milwaukee, when the Brewers were an AL also ran, not an NL Central contender. 7. Jon Rauch to the Red Sox Boston's bullpen can't be this good, can it? Rauch, a solid setup man (2-0. 3.70), is wasted in Washington, and the 6-foot-11 right-hander would enhance the Red Sox's relief crew. Drug failure stats: Seattle leads According to Major League Baseball's list of 174 failed drug tests, which was obtained by SI.com, the Mariners organization has the most failed tests: 13 since 2005, the first year negative test results brought suspensions. The Mets' organization is second with 10 failed tests, followed by Texas with nine and Oakland, San Francisco, San Diego, the Cubs and Yankees with eight apiece. Every organization has had at least one failure. But the award for the fewest failures goes to Houston and Boston, with just one apiece, followed by Milwaukee and Florida, with two each, and Detroit, Tampa Bay and Washington with three failures. One revelation from the testing has been the surprising prevalence of usage among pitchers compared to hitters. Pitchers have accounted for 97 failures to 77 for all position players. Only 16 tests were failed by major leaguers; minor leaguers accounted for the remaining 158. The last two years, when failures were separated into drug-type categories, 45 failures were due to performance-enhancing drugs, nine to drugs of abuse and one for a failure to test. Around the Majors • Word is, there's some behind-the-scenes complaining in the Rangers clubhouse about new manager Ron Washington. • Just as Cleveland's Mike Hargrove and Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel appear to have come off the hot seat, New York's Joe Torre, Baltimore's Sam Perlozzo and Cincinnati's Jerry Narron appear to be on it now. And Clint Hurdle, who must have pictures of somebody, should be, too. • Roger Clemens is hustling to appear soon. But you have to wonder whether even his speeded-up schedule will be too late for the mostly moribund Yankees. Maybe Clemens will help the Yankees rocket up to third place. • I noticed Jason Giambi hasn't apologized for that fat contract of his. • Craig Biggio is one whose Hall-of-Fame hat is obvious. His only request should be that the hat be as dirty as the one he played in. • I love Ozzie Guillen. But he's got to clean up his language -- and stay away from talk radio. To call in and yell and swear at a radio host over the decision to start Toby Hall over A.J. Pierzynski should be beneath a major-league manager, especially one with a ring. That said, as long as he wins, that type of behavior will only be seen as colorful. • Padres people credit Greg Maddux, in part, for Jake Peavy's resurrection this season. Peavy is 5-1 with a 1.64 ERA after going 11-14 with a 4.09 ERA in 2006. • The Tigers were thrilled to get some revenge with an interleague sweep of the Cardinals this week. But they might also have gained a feeling of loss for what might have been, as they were the better team heading into last year's Fall Classic. Find this article at: sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/jon_heyman/05/21/monday.scoop/index.html
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Post by jumbo on May 22, 2007 11:07:34 GMT -5
Rays to draft Vandy pitcher? Posted: Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:59AM ET Vanderbilt pitcher David Price is on the Devil Rays' list with their first pick in next month's draft. Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said both Georgia Tech C Matt Wieters and Cypress High (Calif.) 3B Josh Vitters are in the mix.--St. Petersburg Times
Rockies' manager in danger? Posted: Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:56AM ET Manager Clint Hurdle is the most likely candidate to pay with his job if the Rockeis don't turn it around in reasonably short order.--Rocky Mountain News
Clemens to decide MLB return Posted: Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:54AM ET Joe Torre said it's up to Roger Clemens to decide if tomorrow night's start for Trenton (Double-A) is his last in the minors. "It will be his last if he says it is," Torre said. Barring injury, the 44-year-old Clemens will start for the Yankees in Toronto next week. If they keep him on four days' rest, that would be Monday.--New York Post
Secrets to Myers' success Posted: Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:53AM ET Phillies pitcher Brett Myers has a new diet, a new contract, a new role on the team and has gone through marriage counseling with his wife, Kim, after he was arrested and charged with assault in Boston last summer when witnesses told the authorities he had hit her in the face and pulled her hair.--New York Times
Scout: Manny hesitating at plate Posted: Tuesday May 22, 2007 11:50AM ET Manny Ramirez had a pregame visitor in the clubhouse: Joe DeLuca, the scout who signed Ramirez to his first professional contract after he was drafted No. 1 by the Indians in 1991. DeLuca expressed surprise at the "hesitation" he has seen in Ramirez at the plate this season. With two strikeouts last night, Ramirez has fanned 32 times this season -- 19 times looking.--Boston Globe
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