2007 MLB General News Thread

#11

BJ Ryan Placed on DL

The Toronto Blue Jays placed closer B.J. Ryan on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a sprained elbow elbow, a day after he blew his second save in his last four chances.

Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney on Sunday that he doesn't necessarily believe Ryan blew out his elbow. The Blue Jays medical staff is "leaning more toward a strained tendon," Ricciardi said.

"He's just been sore for a couple of weeks. Our trainers have been watching and monitoring it. We just want to get it checked out."

The worst-case scenario, Ricciardi said, is that Ryan blew out his elbow. "And if that's the case, then we'll adjust."

Ryan, whose latest blown save came in Saturday's 10-7 loss to Detroit, is to be examined by Dr. James Andrews in Alabama on Monday.

The left-hander has two blown saves in five chances this year, after he blew only four saves in 42 opportunities last season.

Setup man Jason Frasor will take over in the closer's role. The Blue Jays called up right-hander Jamie Vermilyea from Triple-A Syracuse to take Ryan's place on the roster. Vermilyea will be used as the long man out of the bullpen.

Source: ESPN

#12

Yanks Pitching Staff Continues To Head to DL

Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano joined fellow Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang on the disabled list Sunday, further depleting New York's already taxed pitching staff.

"Nobody wants that," Mussina said after cutting short his throwing session because of pain in his injured left hamstring. "We don't have a choice. You just find a way to get through it and deal with it. It's unfortunate. ... Nobody's having surgery. A couple of muscle pulls, a strain, we'll be fine."

After a pair of extra-inning games Friday and Saturday against Oakland, the Yankees called up right-hander Chris Britton from Triple-A Scranton to give them a fresh arm in the bullpen for Sunday's series finale against the reigning AL West champion Athletics.

New York manager Joe Torre said the club was discussing a couple of possibilities to take Pavano's turn in the rotation Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium. Left-hander Chase Wright was thought to be the leading candidate to be called up from the minors.

"It's OK," Torre said. "We're above water. That's the main thing. We're holding our own. We're going to get healthy. It's not anything that's going to debilitate anybody for a long time. We have to hang around."

Pavano was scratched Friday from his scheduled start Saturday with tightness in his forearm, while Mussina has a strained hamstring that he injured three batters into the third inning Wednesday in a 5-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins. Mussina tried to throw off the mound Sunday morning but stopped after only seven pitches. Pavano didn't throw his scheduled bullpen.

Mussina was able to do some light running and play catch.

"I can do everything else, it's just getting down the hill trying to stop myself," he said. "It was wearing down. It hasn't been four days yet. I'm not disappointed."

Pavano felt the problem in his pitching arm during his start Monday night and informed the Yankees afterward. He threw seven innings in an 8-2 win over the Minnesota Twins on Monday, giving up six hits and two runs for his first victory since May 22, 2005.

He knows pushing it now might make things worse.

"It's not something that's going to get any better going out there and trying to be a hero," Pavano said. "To take a step back like this is disappointing. It's the right thing to do."

The 38-year-old Mussina, who won 15 games last year for his most victories since getting 17 in 2003, isn't sure whether he will need a rehab start before rejoining the rotation.

"We'll worry about that when the time comes," said Mussina, who will be able to throw on flat ground during his DL stint.

Source: ESPN

#13

Jason Schmidt Heads To DL

The Los Angeles Dodgers placed right-hander Jason Schmidt on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with shoulder inflammation. The move was retroactive to Sunday.

Schmidt had an MRI Monday in Phoenix and there is no timeframe for his return. The team is going to give him a few days off to see if the irritation subsides.

"We are going to give it a few days to let it calm down. Hopefully it's just a short term thing," Dodgers manager Grady Little said.

The Dodgers have not made a corresponding roster move and Little did not name a starter for Thursday at Colorado.

Schmidt, who signed a $47-million, three-year contract last winter, is 1-2 with a 7.36 ERA, and his velocity had dropped in his early-season outings.

Head athletic trainer Stan Conte said that Schmidt reported discomfort after his start against San Diego Saturday.

"It was just a lot more effort for me to get the ball to the plate," Schmidt said. "t wasn't free and easy."

Conte said Schmidt had elbow surgery in 2003 and shoulder surgery in 2000. But Conte said the latest inflammation does not appear to be related to Schmidt's past arm troubles.

"I don't want to be flippant about this, but I think we'll handle it,"Conte said. "Pitchers' shoulders are not an easy situation to predict."

Schmidt said he was a little surprised when the team placed him on the disabled list. Asked if he agreed with the move, Schmidt said, ``That's a tricky question. I guess in a strange sort of way I would have to be in agreement with it, because if there is light at the end of the tunnel when we come out on the other side of this thing, I can get back to doing what I do best.''

Source: ESPN

#14

Bloody Sock Hoax?

Curt Schilling responded to the controversy over whether his bloody socks were really bloody with a brushback pitch and a $1 million dare.

In his blog, "38pitches.com," Schilling asserted the blood on his socks during the 2004 American League Championship Series and the subsequent World Series was indeed real. He lambasted Baltimore Orioles play-by-play man Gary Thorne for saying on the air that it was paint. He criticized the media for running wild with the story. And he offered to make a $1 million wager, payable to charity, with anyone who wants to scientifically test the bloody sock presently on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"My only real problem is not that Gary Thorne said something stupid and ignorant, which he did, but that without a word being uttered by anyone in our clubhouse this somehow became a major news story," Schilling wrote.

Thorne, during the fifth inning of Wednesday's Orioles-Red Sox game, said on the air he had been told by Boston backup catcher Doug Mirabelli that the blood on Schilling's sock was actually paint. After the game, Mirabelli denied ever saying that, and the Red Sox reacted angrily.

Thursday, Thorne said he had misunderstood Mirabelli.

"He said one thing, and I heard something else. I reported what I heard and what I honestly felt was said," Thorne said. "Having talked with him today, there's no doubt in my mind that's not what he said, that's not what he meant ... I took it as something serious, and it wasn't."

That was little comfort to Schilling, who was not happy with Thorne's explanation.

"So Gary Thorne says that Doug told him the blood was fake. Which even when he's called out he can't admit he lied," Schilling wrote on his blog. "Doug never told Gary Thorne anything. Gary Thorne overheard something and then misreported what he overheard. Not only did he misreport it, he misinterpreted what he misreported."

"So now you have the actual doctor that performed the surgery both times, my teammates and coaches all admitting it was real [as they did two years ago], yet people still want to think otherwise. The sock from Game 2 of the World Series has been in the Hall of Fame for 2 years now, anyone at anytime could have tested it if they truly wanted to know. However if they do that, and realize that the blood is real, what happens to the story? I'm still convinced that the sock from game 6 of the ALCS is in someone that works in the Yankee clubhouse's home."

Schilling had sutures stitched into his right ankle to hold an injured tendon in place so he could pitch in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, and repeated the procedure again in Game 2 of the World Series. In both cases, what appeared to be blood could be seen seeping through Schilling's sock.

Ever since, Schilling has dealt with doubters questioning whether the red stains were really blood. In his blog, he addressed those doubts again.

"It was blood. You can choose to believe whatever you need to, but facts are facts," he wrote. "The 25 guys that were in that locker room, the coaches, they all know it. In the end nothing else really matters. The people that need to believe otherwise are people with their own insecurities and issues."

And for anyone still doubting the veracity of the blood on the socks, Schilling had an astounding offer to end the debate "once and for all," with the proceeds benefitting research to fight Lou Gehrig's disease or the bettor's favorite charity.

"I'll wager one million dollars to the charity of anyone's choice, versus the same amount to ALS. If the blood on the sock is fake, I'll donate a million dollars to that person's charity; if not, they donate that amount to ALS. Any takers?"

Source: ESPN

#15

Former Met Employee Busted in Steroid Scandal

A former employee of the New York Mets has pleaded guilty to distributing steroids and human growth hormone to dozens of major league players between 1995 and 2005, several media outlets are reporting.

Kirk J. Radomski admitted to supplying a variety of drugs, such as HGH, deca-durabolin and testosterone, to players throughout the league and laundering the proceeds of those sales, according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by the New York Daily News, The Washington Post and the San Jose Mercury News.

Radomski, 37, surrendered Friday in U.S. District Court, scene of the BALCO steroid proceedings and prosecutions, and pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance -- anabolic steroids -- and one count of money laundering.

Radomski, who faces up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines, was considered by authorities to be the chief supplier of drugs for baseball players after the feds shut down BALCO in 2003.

"This individual was a major dealer of anabolic steroids and performance-enhancing drugs whose clientele was focused almost exclusively on Major League Baseball players," assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Parrella said. "He operated for approximately a decade."

Radomski, a former Mets batboy who said he also worked as an equipment manager and clubhouse assistant while with the team from 1985-95, reportedly has agreed to cooperate with Major League Baseball's investigation into steroids led by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell.

As part of his plea deal, Radomski agreed to testify at any grand jury proceeding requested by the government and participate in undercover activities under the supervision of law enforcment officials, The Post reported.

Howard Johnson, a Mets infielder in the 1980s and currently the team's first-base coach, remembered Radomski.

"He was a clubhouse kid, one of several, one of the kids that were there," Johnson said before the Mets played at Washington on Friday night.

Former Mets pitcher Ron Darling, now a team broadcaster, said he didn't remember Radomski.

Since federal agents raided BALCO in Burlingame, Calif., in September 2003, Major League Baseball has been trying to come to grips with the specter of steroids on the sport. One-third of the more than 30 athletes subpoenaed to testify in front of a grand jury investigating BALCO were some of baseball's most prominent stars -- Bonds, Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield.

Bonds, who holds baseball's single-season home run record and is within 14 home runs of tying Hank Aaron's career record of 755, was a focal point of the BALCO investigation.

Earlier this year, another drug investigation exploded on the East Coast as federal agents targeted steroid distribution networks in Florida and Alabama that was responsible for Internet sales of performance-enhancing drugs nationwide. Los Angeles Angels center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. has been alleged to be among several athletes listed as customers.

Source: ESPN

#16

Cardinals Reliever Josh Hancock Killed in Car Accident

Josh Hancock, a key member of the bullpen that helped the St. Louis Cardinals win the World Series last season, was killed in a car crash early Sunday.

The Cardinals postponed their home game Sunday night against the Chicago Cubs.

Police said the 29-year-old Hancock was alone in his 2007 Ford Explorer when he struck the rear of a tow truck at 12:35 a.m. The truck was in the left lane assisting another vehicle that was involved in a prior accident, officer Pete Mutter said.

Hancock was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the tow truck, whose name was not released by police, was in the truck at the time of the crash but was not injured.

The medical examiner's office said Sunday morning that an autopsy had been scheduled. The Cardinals and police were expected to make a statement later in the day at Busch Stadium.

"All of baseball today mourns the tragic and untimely death of St. Louis pitcher Josh Hancock," baseball commissioner Bud Selig said. "He was a fine young pitcher, who played an important role on last year's World Series championship team."

Hancock's death is the second of a Cardinals player in less than five years. Pitcher Darryl Kile was found dead in a Chicago hotel room in June 2002. The 33-year-old Kile died of a coronary artery blockage.

"It's terrible, another terrible event," said Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, who was the Colorado hitting coach when Kile was a part of the Rockies' staff in 1998 and 1999. "The young man had done so well last fall and had a promising career. It's just terrible."

Hancock, who pitched three innings of relief in Saturday's 8-1 loss to the Cubs, played for four major league clubs. He went 3-3 with a 4.09 ERA in 62 regular-season appearances for the Cardinals last season and pitched in three postseason games. He was 0-1 with a 3.55 ERA in eight games this season.

Three days before his death, the Cardinals got a scare that some teammates said reminded them of Kile's death -- Hancock overslept and showed up late for a day game in St. Louis. Hancock told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch he thought the starting time was later and didn't get up until the "20th call" from anxious teammates.

"We were all a little nervous," closer Jason Isringhausen said earlier this week. "We don't care if you're late. That happens. We want to know that you're OK."

Hancock made his offseason home in St. Louis. He was the only player to attend the premiere of a DVD documenting the Cardinals' unlikely run to their 10th World Series championship after winning only 83 regular-season games.

Hancock joined the Cardinals in spring training last season after the Cincinnati Reds released him for violating a weight clause in his contract. He had been a starter the previous year with Cincinnati, but missed 133 games because of groin and elbow injuries. He also pitched for Boston and Philadelphia.

Source: ESPN

#17

Rockies Shortstop Turns Unassisted Triple Play

Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki had an unassisted triple play in the seventh inning of the Rockies' game against the Atlanta Braves on Sunday.

After Kelly Johnson and Edgar Renteria reached on singles, Tulowitzki caught Chipper Jones' line drive behind second base. Tulowitzki stepped on the bag to double up Johnson and tagged Renteria for the third out.

It was the 13th unassisted triple play in major league history and first since Rafael Furcal of the Braves did it on Sept. 10, 2003, against the Cardinals.

It was the second triple play in the Rockies' 13-year history. The first happened April 10, 2003, against St. Louis.

Source: Sports Illustrated

#18

Yankees Fire Conditioning Coach After Yet Another Injury

The Yankees fired first-year strength and conditioning coach Marty Miller on Wednesday, on the heels of yet another hamstring injury to one of its players.

Right-hander Philip Hughes was throwing a no-hitting against the Rangers on Tuesday when he went down with a hamstring injury that will sideline him four to six weeks. In addition to Hughes, pitchers Chien-Ming Wang and Mike Mussina and outfielders Hideki Matsui and Johnny Damon also have missed time this season due to muscle pulls and strains.

Cashman, who hired Miller last offseason to replace Jeff Mangold, made the determination on Wednesday morning. Cashman called George Steinbrenner, who signed off on the decision.

Though the rash of similar injuries possibly could be explained by bad luck, Cashman determined that cause and effect could not be ruled out. Sources say Miller's methods were not popular with the Yankees, and the players were in near-revolt over the situation. Miller's approach included a de-emphasis of running as a way to build leg strength.

Source: Sports Illustrated

***It's about fucking time. This guy was horrible***

#19

Reports Say Josh Hancock was Drunk at Time of Crash

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Josh Hancock was drunk and talking on his cell phone at the time of his fatal accident, and marijuana was found in the sport utility vehicle he was driving.

Medical examiner Michael Graham said at a news conference Friday that the 29-year-old reliever was dead "within seconds" from head injuries in the crash early Sunday on Interstate 64 in St. Louis. His vehicle hit the back of a tow truck parked on the highway to assist a driver from a previous accident.

"There is nothing at all that could have been done for him," Graham said.

Hancock's blood-alcohol level was 0.157, nearly twice Missouri's legal limit of 0.08, Graham said.

Police chief Joe Mokwa said 8.55 grams of marijuana and a glass pipe used to smoke marijuana were found in the rented Ford Explorer. Toxicology tests to determine if drugs were in his system had not been completed.

"I think there was an expectation that alcohol was involved, so I'm not sure what was said today is going to make [Hancock's family] feel worse or suffer more or feel differently about Josh," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said at a news conference at Busch Stadium. "The marijuana part, I don't know how to answer that part."

An accident reconstruction team determined Hancock was traveling 68 mph in a 55 mph zone when his SUV struck the back of a flatbed tow truck stopped in a driving lane. Mokwa said there was no evidence Hancock tried to stop. He did swerve, but too late to avoid the collision.

Hancock was not wearing a seat belt, but Graham said the belt would not have prevented his death.

"I think it's probably a wakeup call to everybody," general manager Walt Jocketty said at a news conference at Busch Stadium. "The one thing they have to understand is they're not invincible. They have to conduct themselves and make better decisions. Unfortunately, Josh didn't make very good decisions that night."

Jocketty and La Russa both acknowledged the Cardinals continue to provide alcohol to players after games but said use of alcohol in the clubhouse has diminished over the years. Jocketty said the team will "examine and discuss" its policy.

Three days before the fatal wreck, Hancock was involved in another accident. The front bumper of his SUV was torn off in a crash with a tractor-trailer that happened at 5:30 a.m. on April 26 in Sauget, Ill., when Hancock moved forward into an intersection to make a left turn.

Hancock's death marked the second time in five years the Cardinals have mourned the loss of a teammate. Pitcher Darryl Kile was found dead in his Chicago hotel room in 2002. Kile, 33, died of a coronary artery blockage.

Source: ESPN

#20

Clemens To Play For the Yankees

Roger Clemens returned to the New York Yankees, making a dramatic announcement to fans from the owner's box during Sunday's game against the Seattle Mariners.

At the end of the seventh-inning stretch, Yankees public address announcer Bob Sheppard told fans to turn their attention to the box, where Clemens was standing with a microphone. As the video scoreboard in right-center televised Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner made the announcement himself.

"It's a privilege to be back," he said.

Clemens agreed to a minor league contract and most likely will join the Yankees after several weeks getting into shape.

Clemens, who is close friends with Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte, said Pettitte is going to be upset with him because he kept the news quiet. The two talked as recently as Saturday night and Clemens didn't share the news.

"It's time to go to work," Clemens said. "I've got a lot of work to do, to get back up here."

Source: ESPN