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I don't know how much sewage has leaked from the pipes at the O.co Coliseum since Bud Selig formed a blue-ribbon panel in 2009 to find a solution for relocating the Oakland A's to San Jose, but the smell apparently hasn't yet reached Park Avenue.
The A's want to move, San Jose wants the A's, but the Giants own territorial rights to Santa Clara County, creating this messy situation that finally led to the city of San Jose suing Major League Baseball over its antitrust exemption that allows it to control the movement of franchises.
If only Al Davis had owned the A's maybe this would have been resolved years ago. But A's owner Lew Wolff has been a good corporate partner to the other franchises, as well as bud to Bud, sacrificing the wealth of his own franchise for the betterment of ... well, I guess, the Giants. The Giants have won two World Series titles in three years and have grown into one of baseball's big-ticket franchises, all because of the A's.
As Maury Brown explains at The Biz of Baseball site:
Based on Major League Baseball’s constitution and by-laws, there are defined physical territories for all 30 of the clubs. The Giants currently control Santa Clara Co. where the A’s are seeking to relocate. At one point the A’s controlled the county but Walter Haas relinquished it in the 1990s when then Giants owner Bob Lurie sought to relocate that team to San Jose. Two referendums for stadium funding failed, and only a last minute effort for a new ballpark in San Francisco saved the Giants from relocation out of the region. Even though the Giants never relocated to San Jose, the rights to Santa Clara Co. were reaffirmed, and they have stayed in the Giants control to this day.
Why do the A's want to move? Santa Clara County has a population of more than 1.7 million and is one of the most affluent counties in the nation. Alameda County has a population of 1.5 million and a median household income $20,000 less than Santa Clara County according to the 2000 census. While the A's have had several periods of success in Oakland, the team has never drawn consistently large crowds, peaking during the Mark McGwire-Jose Canseco era, perhaps not coincidentally when the Raiders were playing in Los Angeles. This year, building off last year's division title, the team is ninth in the AL in attendance, its best ranking since 2005. The team also hasn't earned high local TV ratings; last year, only the Astros and Padres averaged fewer viewers per telecast.
Whether a move to San Jose would improve attendance and TV ratings is only speculation, but as this weekend's embarrassing sewage incident showed, the A's can't exist much longer in their current ballpark.
But it all circles back to the Giants. When Walter Haas surrendered rights, the A's were being generous from their position of strength at the time. They had won four division titles in five seasons from 1988 to 1992, topping 2.2 million fans each season, and reached peak attendance at 2.9 million in 1990. Until the Giants finally moved into AT&T Park in 2000, they had drawn 2.2 million fans once since moving to San Francisco in 1958.
The Giants could simply give the rights to Santa Clara County back to the A's -- having drawn 3 million-plus fans in 11 of 13 seasons at AT&T, their popularity in the Bay Area seems assured -- returning the gift once given them. Plus, many suggest that considering the traffic patterns in the region, it's not like the Giants are drawing legions of fans from San Jose on a daily basis, though Caltrain runs from San Jose almost right up to the Willie Mays statue.
There are, however, baseball fans in San Jose and if they're not attending games in person they may be watching on TV or buying Madison Bumgarner jerseys. Many believe the ultimate goal of the Giants isn't to prevent the A's from moving to San Jose but to eventually kick them out of the region altogether. The Giants opened a team store in Walnut Creek -- A's territory -- in 2011, a symbol of the ultimate goal of Bay Area domination.
Of course, the A's maintain they still hold rights to Santa Clara County. In a press release from March 7, 2012, A's ownership stated:
Of the four two-team markets in MLB, only the Giants and A’s do not share the exact same geographic boundaries. MLB-recorded minutes clearly indicate that the Giants were granted Santa Clara, subject to relocating to the city of Santa Clara. The granting of Santa Clara to the Giants was by agreement with the A’s late owner Walter Haas, who approved the request without compensation. The Giants were unable to obtain a vote to move and the return of Santa Clara to its original status was not formally accomplished.
We are not seeking a move that seeks to alter or in any manner disturb MLB territorial rights. We simply seek an approval to create a new venue that our organization and MLB fully recognizes is needed to eliminate our dependence on revenue sharing, to offer our fans and players a modern ballpark, to move over 35 miles further away from the Giants’ great venue and to establish an exciting competition between the Giants and A’s.
When the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C., Orioles owner Peter Angelos was appeased by giving him rights to Nationals games. The Orioles are majority owners of MASN, the network that televises Nationals games. Not surprisingly, the Nationals, Orioles and MLB are now entangled in a dispute over the rights fees MASN should be paying the Nationals.
Could the Giants be similarly appeased, perhaps by a lump-sum payment? Maybe, but rumors there suggest a fee of at least nine figures would be required -- $100,000,000 (or more) that the A's can't pay or don't have.
So that gets us back to the lawsuit. I have no idea if the suit is viable. FanGraphs' Wendy Thurm -- a former attorney for 18 years -- has an excellent breakdown here. She sums up:
But this is a complicated case with complex issues. I’m just not in
The A's want to move, San Jose wants the A's, but the Giants own territorial rights to Santa Clara County, creating this messy situation that finally led to the city of San Jose suing Major League Baseball over its antitrust exemption that allows it to control the movement of franchises.
If only Al Davis had owned the A's maybe this would have been resolved years ago. But A's owner Lew Wolff has been a good corporate partner to the other franchises, as well as bud to Bud, sacrificing the wealth of his own franchise for the betterment of ... well, I guess, the Giants. The Giants have won two World Series titles in three years and have grown into one of baseball's big-ticket franchises, all because of the A's.
As Maury Brown explains at The Biz of Baseball site:
Based on Major League Baseball’s constitution and by-laws, there are defined physical territories for all 30 of the clubs. The Giants currently control Santa Clara Co. where the A’s are seeking to relocate. At one point the A’s controlled the county but Walter Haas relinquished it in the 1990s when then Giants owner Bob Lurie sought to relocate that team to San Jose. Two referendums for stadium funding failed, and only a last minute effort for a new ballpark in San Francisco saved the Giants from relocation out of the region. Even though the Giants never relocated to San Jose, the rights to Santa Clara Co. were reaffirmed, and they have stayed in the Giants control to this day.
Why do the A's want to move? Santa Clara County has a population of more than 1.7 million and is one of the most affluent counties in the nation. Alameda County has a population of 1.5 million and a median household income $20,000 less than Santa Clara County according to the 2000 census. While the A's have had several periods of success in Oakland, the team has never drawn consistently large crowds, peaking during the Mark McGwire-Jose Canseco era, perhaps not coincidentally when the Raiders were playing in Los Angeles. This year, building off last year's division title, the team is ninth in the AL in attendance, its best ranking since 2005. The team also hasn't earned high local TV ratings; last year, only the Astros and Padres averaged fewer viewers per telecast.
Whether a move to San Jose would improve attendance and TV ratings is only speculation, but as this weekend's embarrassing sewage incident showed, the A's can't exist much longer in their current ballpark.
But it all circles back to the Giants. When Walter Haas surrendered rights, the A's were being generous from their position of strength at the time. They had won four division titles in five seasons from 1988 to 1992, topping 2.2 million fans each season, and reached peak attendance at 2.9 million in 1990. Until the Giants finally moved into AT&T Park in 2000, they had drawn 2.2 million fans once since moving to San Francisco in 1958.
The Giants could simply give the rights to Santa Clara County back to the A's -- having drawn 3 million-plus fans in 11 of 13 seasons at AT&T, their popularity in the Bay Area seems assured -- returning the gift once given them. Plus, many suggest that considering the traffic patterns in the region, it's not like the Giants are drawing legions of fans from San Jose on a daily basis, though Caltrain runs from San Jose almost right up to the Willie Mays statue.
There are, however, baseball fans in San Jose and if they're not attending games in person they may be watching on TV or buying Madison Bumgarner jerseys. Many believe the ultimate goal of the Giants isn't to prevent the A's from moving to San Jose but to eventually kick them out of the region altogether. The Giants opened a team store in Walnut Creek -- A's territory -- in 2011, a symbol of the ultimate goal of Bay Area domination.
Of course, the A's maintain they still hold rights to Santa Clara County. In a press release from March 7, 2012, A's ownership stated:
Of the four two-team markets in MLB, only the Giants and A’s do not share the exact same geographic boundaries. MLB-recorded minutes clearly indicate that the Giants were granted Santa Clara, subject to relocating to the city of Santa Clara. The granting of Santa Clara to the Giants was by agreement with the A’s late owner Walter Haas, who approved the request without compensation. The Giants were unable to obtain a vote to move and the return of Santa Clara to its original status was not formally accomplished.
We are not seeking a move that seeks to alter or in any manner disturb MLB territorial rights. We simply seek an approval to create a new venue that our organization and MLB fully recognizes is needed to eliminate our dependence on revenue sharing, to offer our fans and players a modern ballpark, to move over 35 miles further away from the Giants’ great venue and to establish an exciting competition between the Giants and A’s.
When the Montreal Expos moved to Washington, D.C., Orioles owner Peter Angelos was appeased by giving him rights to Nationals games. The Orioles are majority owners of MASN, the network that televises Nationals games. Not surprisingly, the Nationals, Orioles and MLB are now entangled in a dispute over the rights fees MASN should be paying the Nationals.
Could the Giants be similarly appeased, perhaps by a lump-sum payment? Maybe, but rumors there suggest a fee of at least nine figures would be required -- $100,000,000 (or more) that the A's can't pay or don't have.
So that gets us back to the lawsuit. I have no idea if the suit is viable. FanGraphs' Wendy Thurm -- a former attorney for 18 years -- has an excellent breakdown here. She sums up:
But this is a complicated case with complex issues. I’m just not in
Join:
2006/12/07
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29893
For all the recent talk regarding Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler and the Mets' grand plans for the future, it is worth noting that Jon Niese remains a significant part of that blueprint as well. The Mets committed to Niese last year with a long-term contract, and expect him to be a part of their rotation for years to come.
Niese's short-term future, however, has grown murky. The left-hander left Thursday's 4-3 win over the Braves with left shoulder discomfort, and will fly back to New York for further testing Friday. Though Niese said he has "not really much" concern over the injury, the Mets are nonetheless worried by it.
"There's no question," manager Terry Collins said. "When it bothers you on a night where it's nice and warm, it's a little concerning. I'm a little concerned, yeah."
Grimacing as he delivered his 61st pitch of the night, a changeup to Tyler Pastornicky with one out in the fourth and the Mets trailing, 3-2, Niese left the game following a brief mound conference with Collins, pitching coach Dan Warthen and trainer Ray Ramirez. A Braves team doctor performed preliminary tests on Niese, all of which came up negative. But the Mets will know more following Friday's more thorough examination, which should include an MRI.
Though he did not feel any pain until the Pastornicky at-bat, Niese said his discomfort during that sequence, combined with a noticeable loss in velocity, caused him to call out the training staff.
"It just felt really weak," Niese said of his shoulder.
Niese, 26, skipped a start earlier this month with left shoulder tendinitis, but said recently that he felt the problem was behind him. As recently as Thursday afternoon, Collins affirmed that health was no longer an issue for Niese, whose lengthy injury history never included arm trouble until this year.
"I took off a start last time and I felt great after that," Niese said. "We'll see what the doctors say."
By giving up three runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings, Niese raised his ERA to 4.32 ERA on the year. Though he has consistently downplayed the severity of his shoulder issues, Niese has clearly not been the same pitcher as he was last season, when he set career bests in innings, strikeouts, wins and ERA.
Pitching with a slightly lower average velocity than in years past, Niese has seen his strikeout rate plummet while his walk rate has nearly doubled. As a result, his ERA has spiked.
Injuries may be nothing new to Niese, who never enjoyed a full, healthy season until last year. But trouble tended to steer clear of his left arm; Niese missed time with hamstring injuries and oblique woes, but never a major shoulder or elbow strain.
After undergoing a rhinoplasty reconstruction two winters ago, Niese boasted that he was able to improve his cardiovascular conditioning in an attempt to stay healthy. And it worked -- he responded with the best season of his young career, his first since signing a five-year, $25.5 million contract with enough options to keep him under team control through 2018.
As a result, the Mets named Niese their Opening Day starter this spring, often mentioning him in the same breath with Harvey and Wheeler. Though Niese may not boast the same frontline talent as those two, he is every bit the rotation cog.
"He kind of slides right into that plan that everybody talks about," third baseman David Wright said. "You talk about the electric stuff of both Harvey and Wheeler, but then Niese I think is a front-end type guy that if he's healthy and he's right -- I still think whether it's injuries or just inconsistencies, he's very, very underrated. When he's on, he's as tough as anybody from the left side."
Mets left-hander Jon Niese exits start with shoulder discomfort | MLB-com: News
Niese's short-term future, however, has grown murky. The left-hander left Thursday's 4-3 win over the Braves with left shoulder discomfort, and will fly back to New York for further testing Friday. Though Niese said he has "not really much" concern over the injury, the Mets are nonetheless worried by it.
"There's no question," manager Terry Collins said. "When it bothers you on a night where it's nice and warm, it's a little concerning. I'm a little concerned, yeah."
Grimacing as he delivered his 61st pitch of the night, a changeup to Tyler Pastornicky with one out in the fourth and the Mets trailing, 3-2, Niese left the game following a brief mound conference with Collins, pitching coach Dan Warthen and trainer Ray Ramirez. A Braves team doctor performed preliminary tests on Niese, all of which came up negative. But the Mets will know more following Friday's more thorough examination, which should include an MRI.
Though he did not feel any pain until the Pastornicky at-bat, Niese said his discomfort during that sequence, combined with a noticeable loss in velocity, caused him to call out the training staff.
"It just felt really weak," Niese said of his shoulder.
Niese, 26, skipped a start earlier this month with left shoulder tendinitis, but said recently that he felt the problem was behind him. As recently as Thursday afternoon, Collins affirmed that health was no longer an issue for Niese, whose lengthy injury history never included arm trouble until this year.
"I took off a start last time and I felt great after that," Niese said. "We'll see what the doctors say."
By giving up three runs on eight hits in 3 1/3 innings, Niese raised his ERA to 4.32 ERA on the year. Though he has consistently downplayed the severity of his shoulder issues, Niese has clearly not been the same pitcher as he was last season, when he set career bests in innings, strikeouts, wins and ERA.
Pitching with a slightly lower average velocity than in years past, Niese has seen his strikeout rate plummet while his walk rate has nearly doubled. As a result, his ERA has spiked.
Injuries may be nothing new to Niese, who never enjoyed a full, healthy season until last year. But trouble tended to steer clear of his left arm; Niese missed time with hamstring injuries and oblique woes, but never a major shoulder or elbow strain.
After undergoing a rhinoplasty reconstruction two winters ago, Niese boasted that he was able to improve his cardiovascular conditioning in an attempt to stay healthy. And it worked -- he responded with the best season of his young career, his first since signing a five-year, $25.5 million contract with enough options to keep him under team control through 2018.
As a result, the Mets named Niese their Opening Day starter this spring, often mentioning him in the same breath with Harvey and Wheeler. Though Niese may not boast the same frontline talent as those two, he is every bit the rotation cog.
"He kind of slides right into that plan that everybody talks about," third baseman David Wright said. "You talk about the electric stuff of both Harvey and Wheeler, but then Niese I think is a front-end type guy that if he's healthy and he's right -- I still think whether it's injuries or just inconsistencies, he's very, very underrated. When he's on, he's as tough as anybody from the left side."
Mets left-hander Jon Niese exits start with shoulder discomfort | MLB-com: News
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2006/12/07
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In an escalating game of legal hardball, Major League Baseball has dismissed another defendant from its lawsuit against Biogenesis owner Anthony Bosch, prompting the defendant’s lawyer to claim that MLB is misusing the legal system and bullying his client.
The latest legal skirmish began on June 10, when John C. Lukacs Sr., a Coral Gables attorney who represents now-former defendant Marcelo Albir, filed papers seeking documents related to MLB’s investigation of the now-defunct anti-aging clinic, as well as depositions of MLB officials who have been involved in the investigation into baseball’s latest doping scandal.
The documents — and MLB’s response — have cracked a window on the legal and public-relations strategies employed by baseball attorneys and lawyers representing the defendants. The 20 players linked to Bosch and his anti-aging clinic — including Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun — face suspensions and tattered reputations, and their representatives, too, are watching the legal maneuvering from the sidelines with great interest.
MLB responded to Lukacs’ request for depositions and documents by dismissing Albir from the tortious interference lawsuit it filed on March 22 in Miami-Dade County circuit court. The suit alleges that Bosch and his associates interfered in baseball’s basic agreement with the Players Association by providing banned drugs to players in violation of its drug program.
By dismissing Albir from the suit, MLB lawyers blocked Lukacs’ attempts to gather information through depositions about how baseball is conducting its Biogenesis investigation. MLB, however, didn’t give up its ability to question Albir under oath by dismissing him; he can still be called as a witness in the case. An MLB spokesman declined comment on Thursday.
Albir and Braun were teammates at the University of Miami almost a decade ago; others with ties to Miami include longtime strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins and minor league pitcher Cesar Carrillo, who was suspended for 100 games for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.
According to Braun and his representatives, his name was in Biogenesis documents under “moneys owed” in Bosch’s ledger, which became public in various media reports, because his lawyers used Bosch as a consultant in his successful 2012 appeal of a 50-game drug suspension.
Lukacs told the Daily News that the fight against MLB is far from over, even though his client has been dropped from the lawsuit. The bullying tactics he cites echo those of former University of Miami pitching coach Lazaro (Lazer) Collazo, who told The News earlier this month that MLB investigators intimidated him and his family when they came to his Miami home in March seeking information about Bosch and others linked to Biogenesis. A lawyer representing another defendant, Carlos Acevedo, has also claimed MLB investigators tried to intimidate him, too.
MLB officials have denied the allegations, which are the result of the aggressive approach baseball investigators have adopted to keep banned drugs out of the sport and protect athletes who want to play without risking health and reputations by using performance-enhancing substances — even if it means disciplining Rodriguez, Braun and other stars. MLB investigators do not have the power to issue subpoenas for documents or testimony, so they have had to develop creative methods to battle PEDs — including buying records from Bosch’s associates and using the discovery phase of the lawsuit to obtain documents and depositions.
"It is inappropriate for MLB to use a circuit court action for the collateral purpose of gathering information for its administrative proceedings to discipline major league players," Lukacs said.
“MLB’s investigative tactics are indefensible,” Lukacs said. “We will explore every available legal remedy to address these tactics.”
When asked if he intended to file a lawsuit against MLB or its investigators, Lukacs again said, “We are exploring all legal remedies at this time.”
Another defendant, Paulo da Silveira, was dismissed from the lawsuit in April. His attorney, Emil Infante, told The News at that time that MLB dismissed da Silveira from the suit because baseball attorneys learned that da Silveira was not involved in Bosch’s alleged scheme to supply performance-enhancing drugs to ballplayers.
MLB filed a lawsuit on March 22 in Florida state court that accuses Bosch, the owner of the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic, and several of his associates of “intentional and unjustified tortious interference” with contracts between MLB and its players by providing them with banned substances.
Bosch may also be dismissed from the suit. MLB officials have agreed to drop Bosch from their lawsuit, pay his legal expenses and indemnify him from future litigation if he provides them with credible information. Bosch, as The News first reported, agreed to cooperate with MLB investigators only after Rodriguez refused to give him financial help.
Bosch and his representatives have met in Miami with MLB officials, and a source told The News that he provided them with evidence that could be used to suspend Rodriguez, Braun and other players linked to the clinic.
Bosch won’t be dropped, however, until MLB lawyers and investigators are satisfied that he has given them an honest and complete history of his relationship with Rodriguez and the other players.
Read more: MLB dismisses another defendant from lawsuit filed against Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch and associates - NY Daily News
The latest legal skirmish began on June 10, when John C. Lukacs Sr., a Coral Gables attorney who represents now-former defendant Marcelo Albir, filed papers seeking documents related to MLB’s investigation of the now-defunct anti-aging clinic, as well as depositions of MLB officials who have been involved in the investigation into baseball’s latest doping scandal.
The documents — and MLB’s response — have cracked a window on the legal and public-relations strategies employed by baseball attorneys and lawyers representing the defendants. The 20 players linked to Bosch and his anti-aging clinic — including Alex Rodriguez and Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun — face suspensions and tattered reputations, and their representatives, too, are watching the legal maneuvering from the sidelines with great interest.
MLB responded to Lukacs’ request for depositions and documents by dismissing Albir from the tortious interference lawsuit it filed on March 22 in Miami-Dade County circuit court. The suit alleges that Bosch and his associates interfered in baseball’s basic agreement with the Players Association by providing banned drugs to players in violation of its drug program.
By dismissing Albir from the suit, MLB lawyers blocked Lukacs’ attempts to gather information through depositions about how baseball is conducting its Biogenesis investigation. MLB, however, didn’t give up its ability to question Albir under oath by dismissing him; he can still be called as a witness in the case. An MLB spokesman declined comment on Thursday.
Albir and Braun were teammates at the University of Miami almost a decade ago; others with ties to Miami include longtime strength and conditioning coach Jimmy Goins and minor league pitcher Cesar Carrillo, who was suspended for 100 games for his role in the Biogenesis scandal.
According to Braun and his representatives, his name was in Biogenesis documents under “moneys owed” in Bosch’s ledger, which became public in various media reports, because his lawyers used Bosch as a consultant in his successful 2012 appeal of a 50-game drug suspension.
Lukacs told the Daily News that the fight against MLB is far from over, even though his client has been dropped from the lawsuit. The bullying tactics he cites echo those of former University of Miami pitching coach Lazaro (Lazer) Collazo, who told The News earlier this month that MLB investigators intimidated him and his family when they came to his Miami home in March seeking information about Bosch and others linked to Biogenesis. A lawyer representing another defendant, Carlos Acevedo, has also claimed MLB investigators tried to intimidate him, too.
MLB officials have denied the allegations, which are the result of the aggressive approach baseball investigators have adopted to keep banned drugs out of the sport and protect athletes who want to play without risking health and reputations by using performance-enhancing substances — even if it means disciplining Rodriguez, Braun and other stars. MLB investigators do not have the power to issue subpoenas for documents or testimony, so they have had to develop creative methods to battle PEDs — including buying records from Bosch’s associates and using the discovery phase of the lawsuit to obtain documents and depositions.
"It is inappropriate for MLB to use a circuit court action for the collateral purpose of gathering information for its administrative proceedings to discipline major league players," Lukacs said.
“MLB’s investigative tactics are indefensible,” Lukacs said. “We will explore every available legal remedy to address these tactics.”
When asked if he intended to file a lawsuit against MLB or its investigators, Lukacs again said, “We are exploring all legal remedies at this time.”
Another defendant, Paulo da Silveira, was dismissed from the lawsuit in April. His attorney, Emil Infante, told The News at that time that MLB dismissed da Silveira from the suit because baseball attorneys learned that da Silveira was not involved in Bosch’s alleged scheme to supply performance-enhancing drugs to ballplayers.
MLB filed a lawsuit on March 22 in Florida state court that accuses Bosch, the owner of the now-defunct Biogenesis clinic, and several of his associates of “intentional and unjustified tortious interference” with contracts between MLB and its players by providing them with banned substances.
Bosch may also be dismissed from the suit. MLB officials have agreed to drop Bosch from their lawsuit, pay his legal expenses and indemnify him from future litigation if he provides them with credible information. Bosch, as The News first reported, agreed to cooperate with MLB investigators only after Rodriguez refused to give him financial help.
Bosch and his representatives have met in Miami with MLB officials, and a source told The News that he provided them with evidence that could be used to suspend Rodriguez, Braun and other players linked to the clinic.
Bosch won’t be dropped, however, until MLB lawyers and investigators are satisfied that he has given them an honest and complete history of his relationship with Rodriguez and the other players.
Read more: MLB dismisses another defendant from lawsuit filed against Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch and associates - NY Daily News
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2006/12/07
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MLB players facing punishment for their alleged connection to the Biogenesis clinic in Miami may face suspensions before the appeals process, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting.
When a player tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug, their suspension is not supposed to be announced until after the appeals process. The MLB Joint Drug Agreement, however, enables the sport to announce suspensions for "just cause" before the appeals process has begun, but only if the allegations have been previously made public from outside sources, according to Rosenthal.
That means Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and other players who have never been suspended for positive tests are not guaranteed the same level of confidentiality that a player who has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug is guaranteed.
These first-time offenders could continue playing while their appeals are being heard. Players like Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Bartolo Colon and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal, who have been previously suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, could not play during the appeals process.
MLB cannot suspend a player twice for the same offense, so Cabrera, Colon and/or Grandal may not face suspensions if they used and tested positive for the drugs from the Biogenesis clinic.
Biogenesis scandal: MLB players could face suspension before appeal - SBNation-com
When a player tests positive for a performance-enhancing drug, their suspension is not supposed to be announced until after the appeals process. The MLB Joint Drug Agreement, however, enables the sport to announce suspensions for "just cause" before the appeals process has begun, but only if the allegations have been previously made public from outside sources, according to Rosenthal.
That means Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez and other players who have never been suspended for positive tests are not guaranteed the same level of confidentiality that a player who has tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug is guaranteed.
These first-time offenders could continue playing while their appeals are being heard. Players like Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Melky Cabrera, Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Bartolo Colon and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal, who have been previously suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, could not play during the appeals process.
MLB cannot suspend a player twice for the same offense, so Cabrera, Colon and/or Grandal may not face suspensions if they used and tested positive for the drugs from the Biogenesis clinic.
Biogenesis scandal: MLB players could face suspension before appeal - SBNation-com
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2006/12/07
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Edwin Encarnacion hit his 21st home run of the season as the Toronto Blue Jays extended their winning streak to 11 games with a 13-5 rout of the Baltimore Orioles.
Encarnacion and JP Arencibia had three hits apiece, with the Blue Jays storming into a 9-0 lead inside three innings.
Playing at designated hitter, Encarnacion crossed for the first run when Arencibia was hit by a Freddy Garcia pitch, and he added a home run in the second to make it 4-0.
Five more runs came in the third, by when Garcia had been pulled from the game, with Encarnacion adding third and fourth RBI with a double off reliever T.J. McFarland.
Baltimore briefly threatened a rally in the sixth and seventh but four more runs came for the Blue Jays in the bottom of the seventh to put a seal on the game, three of those coming thanks to a Jose Bautista double.
They now sit five games behind the Boston Red Sox, who crumbled to a 7-5 defeat by Detroit, and there was also defeat for the New York Yankees, who went down 3-1 to Tampa Bay, for whom James Loney hit a match-winning two-run single.
Matt Harvey was on Cy Young form for the New York Mets with six innings of shutout ball in their 8-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Harvey improved his record to 7-1 on the season and also batted in only his second run of the season with a fifth-inning double.
Ryan Sweeney helped the Chicago Cubs to a 14-6 win over the Houston Astros with six RBI on three hits, one of which was a home run off Wade LeBlanc.
And there was an incredible win for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who kept their National League Central hopes alive with a 10-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels in 10 innings.
They rallied from 5-1 and 6-3 deficits to level the game at 6-6 in the top of the ninth inning, and there was more drama in extra innings.
Singles from Russ Martin and Travis Snider plated four runs for the Pirates but they had to hold on for dear life when the Angels replied with three runs in the bottom of the inning before closer Jason Grilli finally put the game to bed.
MLB: Toronto make it 11 wins on the trot with rout of Baltimore | Sky Sports
Encarnacion and JP Arencibia had three hits apiece, with the Blue Jays storming into a 9-0 lead inside three innings.
Playing at designated hitter, Encarnacion crossed for the first run when Arencibia was hit by a Freddy Garcia pitch, and he added a home run in the second to make it 4-0.
Five more runs came in the third, by when Garcia had been pulled from the game, with Encarnacion adding third and fourth RBI with a double off reliever T.J. McFarland.
Baltimore briefly threatened a rally in the sixth and seventh but four more runs came for the Blue Jays in the bottom of the seventh to put a seal on the game, three of those coming thanks to a Jose Bautista double.
They now sit five games behind the Boston Red Sox, who crumbled to a 7-5 defeat by Detroit, and there was also defeat for the New York Yankees, who went down 3-1 to Tampa Bay, for whom James Loney hit a match-winning two-run single.
Matt Harvey was on Cy Young form for the New York Mets with six innings of shutout ball in their 8-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Harvey improved his record to 7-1 on the season and also batted in only his second run of the season with a fifth-inning double.
Ryan Sweeney helped the Chicago Cubs to a 14-6 win over the Houston Astros with six RBI on three hits, one of which was a home run off Wade LeBlanc.
And there was an incredible win for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who kept their National League Central hopes alive with a 10-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels in 10 innings.
They rallied from 5-1 and 6-3 deficits to level the game at 6-6 in the top of the ninth inning, and there was more drama in extra innings.
Singles from Russ Martin and Travis Snider plated four runs for the Pirates but they had to hold on for dear life when the Angels replied with three runs in the bottom of the inning before closer Jason Grilli finally put the game to bed.
MLB: Toronto make it 11 wins on the trot with rout of Baltimore | Sky Sports
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UCLA coach John Savage said Sunday it took him about 30 games to grow accustomed to his team's nerve-wracking style of play.
Now Savage and the Bruins are one win away from making all those close games worth it.
The Bruins once again were solid, methodical and nail-biting on Monday night, as they beat Mississippi State, 3-1, in Game 1 of the College World Series finals at TD Ameritrade Park.
A victory Tuesday in Game 2 of the best-of-three series at 8 p.m. ET would give the Bruins their first national championship.
"It was kind of a Bruin game," Savage said. "And at the end of the night we were fortunate to come out of it with the win."
Right-hander Adam Plutko -- the Indians' 11th-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft -- delivered another fine outing, the Bruins took advantage of two Mississippi State miscues and UCLA's defense and bullpen were clutch in the victory.
UCLA got on the board in the first when the game's second batter, Kevin Kramer, reached on a strikeout after swinging at Bulldogs righty Trevor Fitts' wild pitch in the dirt. Right fielder Eric Filia doubled and shortstop Pat Valaika followed with a single to plate Kramer.
The Bruins added two in the fourth when, with left fielder Brenton Allen (20th, Nationals) on first, center fielder Brian Carroll bunted. Bulldogs catcher Nick Ammirati's throw to first got by Wes Rea -- whom Carroll collided with in a scary scene that ended with both players being OK -- to put runners at the corners. Carroll swiped second before Filia lined a two-out, two-run single to right.
"Getting that first run in the first inning really set the tone for our offense," said Valaika, the Rockies' ninth-round pick. "It's such a great pitching staff and defense. We don't really have to score that many runs."
With the offense's job done, UCLA's defense and bullpen closed the Bruins' victory.
Sophomore closer Dave Berg allowed consecutive two-out singles in the bottom of the ninth but induced a flyout and comebacker to end the game.
Berg's outing followed an impressive double play in the seventh when Mississippi State's Demarcus Henderson hit a bouncer up the middle that was fielded by second baseman Cody Regis. Regis flipped the ball to Valaika from his glove as the Bruins eventually escaped the inning unscathed.
A double play also erased a hit batter in the eighth, while Filia made the play of the game in the fifth with a leaping catch at the right-field warning track to rob Ammirati of extra bases.
"Our defense has been our key to our success in our postseason run," Savage said. "I think any pitcher in our program will tell you that we rely on our defense and tonight I think our bullpen did a good job of doing that."
That all secured the victory for Plutko, who retired the first 10 batters before facing his lone jam in the fourth. Mississippi State third baseman Adam Detz and second baseman Brett Pirtle each singled, giving the Bulldogs two on with two out. Plutko then hit Rea to load the bases before issuing issuing a two-out walk to C.T. Bradford to score Detz.
Trey Porter to lined out to right to end Mississippi State's threat and Plutko -- who tossed 30 pitches in the fourth -- remained in the game until a leadoff single in the seventh. The junior righty allowed that lone run on four hits and walked one and struck out two.
"He was elevating, and we were just doing so much at the plate," Pirtle said. "He didn't have anything overpowering. He was leaving it up and we just did too much."
Mississippi State also got a great performance from left-hander Chad Girodo (ninth, Blue Jays). The Bulldogs, true to form, went to their bullpen early -- bringing in Girodo mid-count with one on and one out in the second. He got out of the jam and worked 7 2/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs on three hits while striking out nine.
"Gosh, it doesn't happen a lot when you punch out 12 guys and your guys strike out twice," Mississippi State coach John Cohen said. "They made the most of their opportunities."
UCLA claims first game of College World Series finals at Omaha | MLB-com: News
Now Savage and the Bruins are one win away from making all those close games worth it.
The Bruins once again were solid, methodical and nail-biting on Monday night, as they beat Mississippi State, 3-1, in Game 1 of the College World Series finals at TD Ameritrade Park.
A victory Tuesday in Game 2 of the best-of-three series at 8 p.m. ET would give the Bruins their first national championship.
"It was kind of a Bruin game," Savage said. "And at the end of the night we were fortunate to come out of it with the win."
Right-hander Adam Plutko -- the Indians' 11th-round pick in the 2013 First-Year Player Draft -- delivered another fine outing, the Bruins took advantage of two Mississippi State miscues and UCLA's defense and bullpen were clutch in the victory.
UCLA got on the board in the first when the game's second batter, Kevin Kramer, reached on a strikeout after swinging at Bulldogs righty Trevor Fitts' wild pitch in the dirt. Right fielder Eric Filia doubled and shortstop Pat Valaika followed with a single to plate Kramer.
The Bruins added two in the fourth when, with left fielder Brenton Allen (20th, Nationals) on first, center fielder Brian Carroll bunted. Bulldogs catcher Nick Ammirati's throw to first got by Wes Rea -- whom Carroll collided with in a scary scene that ended with both players being OK -- to put runners at the corners. Carroll swiped second before Filia lined a two-out, two-run single to right.
"Getting that first run in the first inning really set the tone for our offense," said Valaika, the Rockies' ninth-round pick. "It's such a great pitching staff and defense. We don't really have to score that many runs."
With the offense's job done, UCLA's defense and bullpen closed the Bruins' victory.
Sophomore closer Dave Berg allowed consecutive two-out singles in the bottom of the ninth but induced a flyout and comebacker to end the game.
Berg's outing followed an impressive double play in the seventh when Mississippi State's Demarcus Henderson hit a bouncer up the middle that was fielded by second baseman Cody Regis. Regis flipped the ball to Valaika from his glove as the Bruins eventually escaped the inning unscathed.
A double play also erased a hit batter in the eighth, while Filia made the play of the game in the fifth with a leaping catch at the right-field warning track to rob Ammirati of extra bases.
"Our defense has been our key to our success in our postseason run," Savage said. "I think any pitcher in our program will tell you that we rely on our defense and tonight I think our bullpen did a good job of doing that."
That all secured the victory for Plutko, who retired the first 10 batters before facing his lone jam in the fourth. Mississippi State third baseman Adam Detz and second baseman Brett Pirtle each singled, giving the Bulldogs two on with two out. Plutko then hit Rea to load the bases before issuing issuing a two-out walk to C.T. Bradford to score Detz.
Trey Porter to lined out to right to end Mississippi State's threat and Plutko -- who tossed 30 pitches in the fourth -- remained in the game until a leadoff single in the seventh. The junior righty allowed that lone run on four hits and walked one and struck out two.
"He was elevating, and we were just doing so much at the plate," Pirtle said. "He didn't have anything overpowering. He was leaving it up and we just did too much."
Mississippi State also got a great performance from left-hander Chad Girodo (ninth, Blue Jays). The Bulldogs, true to form, went to their bullpen early -- bringing in Girodo mid-count with one on and one out in the second. He got out of the jam and worked 7 2/3 innings, allowing two unearned runs on three hits while striking out nine.
"Gosh, it doesn't happen a lot when you punch out 12 guys and your guys strike out twice," Mississippi State coach John Cohen said. "They made the most of their opportunities."
UCLA claims first game of College World Series finals at Omaha | MLB-com: News
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During the Mariners game Sunday against the Chicago Cubs, Safeco Field will fly the rainbow Pride flag, said Adam McRoberts, spokesman for Seattle Out & Proud.
It will make Major League Baseball history as the first MLB team to publicly fly the Pride flag at a game.
The Mariners game coincides with the 39th annual Seattle Pride Parade, which is celebrating “Equality: Passed, Present & Future.”
“We’re thrilled to have so much community support in Seattle and greatly appreciate the leadership from the Mariners in promoting equality and acceptance in professional sports,” said McRoberts.
“We’re part of this community. Our fans are a reflection of our community. We thought this was an appropriate gesture on a day that is very meaningful to the LGBT community,” said Rebecca Hale, Mariners director of public information.
Read more: Mariners to set MLB history by flying gay Pride flag for game Sunday | Q13 FOX News
It will make Major League Baseball history as the first MLB team to publicly fly the Pride flag at a game.
The Mariners game coincides with the 39th annual Seattle Pride Parade, which is celebrating “Equality: Passed, Present & Future.”
“We’re thrilled to have so much community support in Seattle and greatly appreciate the leadership from the Mariners in promoting equality and acceptance in professional sports,” said McRoberts.
“We’re part of this community. Our fans are a reflection of our community. We thought this was an appropriate gesture on a day that is very meaningful to the LGBT community,” said Rebecca Hale, Mariners director of public information.
Read more: Mariners to set MLB history by flying gay Pride flag for game Sunday | Q13 FOX News
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Byron Buxton is baseball's next big thing.
No, that's not the newest ad campaign from Samsung to promote one of their phones. It's not a Brock Lesnar clone set to dominate the WWE either. Buxton has enjoyed a metoric rise in 2013 that not only has him on top of the Minnesota Twins' farm system.
He's also regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball.
The proof is everywhere just one year after Buxton was selected with the second-overall pick in last June's MLB entry draft. Bleacher Report's Mike Rosenbaum listed him as Major League Baseball's second-best prospect behind Oscar Tarvares of the St. Louis Cardinals in his June post-draft rankings.
It's a lofty status for a 19-year-old, but his performance at Low-A Cedar Rapids backs it up. In 68 games with the Kernels, he dominated the Midwest League to the tune of a .341/.431/.553 line with 33 extra-base hits (eight home runs), and 32 stolen bases in 44 attempts.
The performance has left analysts gasping for words to describe Buxton as Baseball Prospectus' Jason Parks relayed a message from one scout via Twitter on June 3:
MLB: Is Minnesota Twins Phenom Prospect Byron Buxton Baseball's Next Mike Trout? | Bleacher Report
No, that's not the newest ad campaign from Samsung to promote one of their phones. It's not a Brock Lesnar clone set to dominate the WWE either. Buxton has enjoyed a metoric rise in 2013 that not only has him on top of the Minnesota Twins' farm system.
He's also regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball.
The proof is everywhere just one year after Buxton was selected with the second-overall pick in last June's MLB entry draft. Bleacher Report's Mike Rosenbaum listed him as Major League Baseball's second-best prospect behind Oscar Tarvares of the St. Louis Cardinals in his June post-draft rankings.
It's a lofty status for a 19-year-old, but his performance at Low-A Cedar Rapids backs it up. In 68 games with the Kernels, he dominated the Midwest League to the tune of a .341/.431/.553 line with 33 extra-base hits (eight home runs), and 32 stolen bases in 44 attempts.
The performance has left analysts gasping for words to describe Buxton as Baseball Prospectus' Jason Parks relayed a message from one scout via Twitter on June 3:
MLB: Is Minnesota Twins Phenom Prospect Byron Buxton Baseball's Next Mike Trout? | Bleacher Report
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In the more than two decades Bud Selig has been Commissioner of Major League Baseball, the landscape has been dramatically transformed. There is labor peace and, not coincidentally, record attendance and revenues. New stadiums have sprouted. Wild Cards and Interleague Play have been introduced. The World Baseball Classic has made baseball a global industry.
And none of that had anything to do with why Selig was at the St. Regis Hotel on Thursday night to accept the B'nai B'rith International 2013 Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
The Commissioner talks often about the sport's role as a social institution. And it's not just words. There are Urban Youth Academies and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. There is Stand Up 2 Cancer, not to mention the Mother's Day breast cancer and Father's Day prostate cancer initiatives and skin cancer awareness.
There are programs to support veterans and the Boys & Girls Clubs. There is rapid response to natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy. The Commissioner's Community Initiative. The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation. P.L.A.Y (promoting active lifestyles for kids). Lou Gehrig's Disease research. And so much more.
That's why Selig was honored before an audience of baseball dignitaries including pioneer Jackie Robinson's daughter, Sharon, and former Yankees manager Joe Torre, now MLB's executive vice-president of baseball operations.
"The words of Jackie Robinson remind us that a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives," Selig said. "Our game serves as a common bond for millions of fans, giving us a unique platform that enables us to touch our communities in significant ways. In the memory of Jackie Robinson, we honestly strive to make an impact on our fans and the causes they care about."
In a 15-minute acceptance speech, Selig quoted not only Robinson but former President Woodrow Wilson, playwright George Bernard Shaw, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Disney. The common theme was taken from the 20th President: To whom much is given, much is expected.
"The last decade has represented a Golden Age for this sport. In turn, that prosperity has created a remarkable opportunity for us to support organizations in the name of the betterment of our society. Major League Baseball is honored that our game is in a position to make an impact on the lives of others. Make no mistake, we are grateful for that distinction every single day," he explained.
"President Wilson said, 'You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable to make the world live more happily, with greater vision with a clear spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world and you impoverish yourself if you forget that.'
"We use our platforms to promote diversity and tolerance and to raise awareness on issues that demand our attention. We respond to crises and disasters ... knowing we have the influence to set an example for others. Baseball instills life values. Sportsmanship. The importance of day in and day out effort. We are living up to our stature as a social institution with many important responsibilities away from our green fields and blue skies."
Robinson, accompanied by her mother Rachel, and Torre made the introductory comments.
"Baseball remains our society's foremost common thread," Sharon Robinson said. "And the Commissioner has made the most of his chance to make a difference through its hallowed stature. I'm so pleased that his cognizance of the game's potential to be a force for good, has led to such a strong spirit of service and breadth of activities that have helped the lives of others. He has impressed on all 30 Major League clubs that their most remarkable opportunity is not on the diamond but within their communities and in the lives of the fans who support them."
Torre noted that Major League Baseball has been a strong supporter of his Safe at Home Foundation, which deals with domestic violence.
"The work he has done with baseball, through baseball, honoring our children, our veterans, battling cancer, victims of disaster. There are so many efforts that baseball has been a part of and supported," he said.
Allan J. Jacobs, president of B'nai B'rith, said Selig "has made the great game of baseball synonymous with care and compassion." The inscription on the award references "outstanding commitment to community service and philanthropic leadership."
That's why Selig was honored Thursday night.
Selig honored with humanitarian award | MLB-com: News
And none of that had anything to do with why Selig was at the St. Regis Hotel on Thursday night to accept the B'nai B'rith International 2013 Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
The Commissioner talks often about the sport's role as a social institution. And it's not just words. There are Urban Youth Academies and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. There is Stand Up 2 Cancer, not to mention the Mother's Day breast cancer and Father's Day prostate cancer initiatives and skin cancer awareness.
There are programs to support veterans and the Boys & Girls Clubs. There is rapid response to natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy. The Commissioner's Community Initiative. The Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation. P.L.A.Y (promoting active lifestyles for kids). Lou Gehrig's Disease research. And so much more.
That's why Selig was honored before an audience of baseball dignitaries including pioneer Jackie Robinson's daughter, Sharon, and former Yankees manager Joe Torre, now MLB's executive vice-president of baseball operations.
"The words of Jackie Robinson remind us that a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives," Selig said. "Our game serves as a common bond for millions of fans, giving us a unique platform that enables us to touch our communities in significant ways. In the memory of Jackie Robinson, we honestly strive to make an impact on our fans and the causes they care about."
In a 15-minute acceptance speech, Selig quoted not only Robinson but former President Woodrow Wilson, playwright George Bernard Shaw, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Walt Disney. The common theme was taken from the 20th President: To whom much is given, much is expected.
"The last decade has represented a Golden Age for this sport. In turn, that prosperity has created a remarkable opportunity for us to support organizations in the name of the betterment of our society. Major League Baseball is honored that our game is in a position to make an impact on the lives of others. Make no mistake, we are grateful for that distinction every single day," he explained.
"President Wilson said, 'You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable to make the world live more happily, with greater vision with a clear spirit of hope and achievement. You are here to enrich the world and you impoverish yourself if you forget that.'
"We use our platforms to promote diversity and tolerance and to raise awareness on issues that demand our attention. We respond to crises and disasters ... knowing we have the influence to set an example for others. Baseball instills life values. Sportsmanship. The importance of day in and day out effort. We are living up to our stature as a social institution with many important responsibilities away from our green fields and blue skies."
Robinson, accompanied by her mother Rachel, and Torre made the introductory comments.
"Baseball remains our society's foremost common thread," Sharon Robinson said. "And the Commissioner has made the most of his chance to make a difference through its hallowed stature. I'm so pleased that his cognizance of the game's potential to be a force for good, has led to such a strong spirit of service and breadth of activities that have helped the lives of others. He has impressed on all 30 Major League clubs that their most remarkable opportunity is not on the diamond but within their communities and in the lives of the fans who support them."
Torre noted that Major League Baseball has been a strong supporter of his Safe at Home Foundation, which deals with domestic violence.
"The work he has done with baseball, through baseball, honoring our children, our veterans, battling cancer, victims of disaster. There are so many efforts that baseball has been a part of and supported," he said.
Allan J. Jacobs, president of B'nai B'rith, said Selig "has made the great game of baseball synonymous with care and compassion." The inscription on the award references "outstanding commitment to community service and philanthropic leadership."
That's why Selig was honored Thursday night.
Selig honored with humanitarian award | MLB-com: News
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Justin Miller, a pitcher for four teams during a major league career that spanned seven seasons, has been found dead. He was 35.
Miller's death was confirmed Friday by his agent, Matt Sosnick. Miller's body was found Wednesday night, but the cause of death hadn't been released by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Miller pitched for the Blue Jays, Marlins, Giants and Dodgers from 2002 to 2010. He had a career record of 24-14 in 216 games.
The California native lived in Palm Harbor since 2002.
Miller's death was confirmed Friday by his agent, Matt Sosnick. Miller's body was found Wednesday night, but the cause of death hadn't been released by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.
Miller pitched for the Blue Jays, Marlins, Giants and Dodgers from 2002 to 2010. He had a career record of 24-14 in 216 games.
The California native lived in Palm Harbor since 2002.
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Orioles closer Jim Johnson picked up the 100th save of his career Sunday night, shutting the door on the Yankees in a 4-2 victory to complete a three-game home sweep.
It was his Major League-leading 28th save of the season, after he converted 51 of 54 chances a year ago.
Johnson, not normally one to acknowledge his own numbers, said this one is an exception.
"Yeah, I think that's cool," Johnson said. "I usually don't get caught up in stuff like that, but that was pretty cool. Never would have thought."
Johnson is frequently understated about his own accomplishments, and he held true to form Sunday.
"It's a stat that's more reflective of how the team plays," Johnson said. "You've got to give credit to everybody that's been a part of it."
Manager Buck Showalter has used Johnson in 41 contests through the team's first 83 games this season and said he's looked for ways to rest his closer. Showalter doesn't often publicly play up milestones, either.
"I don't think Jimmy dwells on those things," Showalter said of the career milestone. "We were finally able to give him some rest [Friday and Saturday]. He was a lot crisper tonight … And with the off-day tomorrow, he should be in good shape."
Jim Johnson records 100th save in Orioles' victory over Yankees | MLB-com: News
It was his Major League-leading 28th save of the season, after he converted 51 of 54 chances a year ago.
Johnson, not normally one to acknowledge his own numbers, said this one is an exception.
"Yeah, I think that's cool," Johnson said. "I usually don't get caught up in stuff like that, but that was pretty cool. Never would have thought."
Johnson is frequently understated about his own accomplishments, and he held true to form Sunday.
"It's a stat that's more reflective of how the team plays," Johnson said. "You've got to give credit to everybody that's been a part of it."
Manager Buck Showalter has used Johnson in 41 contests through the team's first 83 games this season and said he's looked for ways to rest his closer. Showalter doesn't often publicly play up milestones, either.
"I don't think Jimmy dwells on those things," Showalter said of the career milestone. "We were finally able to give him some rest [Friday and Saturday]. He was a lot crisper tonight … And with the off-day tomorrow, he should be in good shape."
Jim Johnson records 100th save in Orioles' victory over Yankees | MLB-com: News
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Andy Pettitte is the Yankees' new strikeout king.
Pettitte tied and passed Hall of Famer and fellow left-hander Whitey Ford during his start on Monday against the Twins, and now stands alone atop the franchise's all-time strikeouts list.
Pettitte tied Ford's lifetime total with his 1,957th punchout in a Yankees uniform, a swinging strikeout of Twins center fielder Clete Thomas in the second inning. He then passed Ford with career strikeout No. 1,958, fanning Justin Morneau in the fifth inning.
The left-hander mentioned it is hard to fathom that no other Yankee has thrown more strikeouts than him.
"It's cool," Pettitte said. "I feel very honored to be able to be with this organization for so long and it's very special."
Those were Pettitte's only two strikeouts of the night, as he left after five-plus innings with the Twins leading, 4-3. He allowed four runs on six hits and four walks, laboring through a three-run, 42-pitch first inning. The Yankees rallied late for a 10-4 victory.
Pettitte did note he was disappointed with his outing overall, but to get it with a win -- Joe Girardi's 600th Major League managerial win -- made it that much more special.
"That makes it nice, that's for sure. Joe was able to get his 600th win also," Pettitte said. "That's good stuff. I feel very fortunate to be able to be around as long as I have and to be able to be mentioned with Whitey's name is obviously always an honor."
Ford held the top spot on the Yankees' strikeout leaderboard for nearly 50 years as he passed Red Ruffing for the franchise lead on Sept. 9, 1963. Nicknamed "The Chairman of the Board," he pitched 16 seasons with the Yankees, compiling a lifetime record of 236-106 with a 2.75 ERA in 3,170 1/3 innings spanning 498 big league games (438 starts). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974.
Pettitte is in his 18th big league season, having pitched for the Yankees from 1995 to 2003 before spending three seasons with the Astros. Pettitte returned to New York in 2007 and announced his retirement after the 2010 season, only to come out of retirement in 2012. He surpassed Ford's mark in his 2,697th inning of work as a Yankee.
"When you think about some of the names he's passed in his career it's really, truly amazing," Girardi said. "Andy's been a great pitcher for a long time and I think we're all very happy for him and just proud to know him."
Due to discrepancies in historical record-keeping, accounts of Ford's career strikeout total differ. The Elias Sports Bureau is the official statistician of Major League Baseball and recognizes Ford as having 1,957 strikeouts, while other sources -- including MLB-com -- credit Ford with 1,956 strikeouts.
Andy Pettitte passes Whitey Ford for most strikeouts in Yankees history | MLB-com: News
Pettitte tied and passed Hall of Famer and fellow left-hander Whitey Ford during his start on Monday against the Twins, and now stands alone atop the franchise's all-time strikeouts list.
Pettitte tied Ford's lifetime total with his 1,957th punchout in a Yankees uniform, a swinging strikeout of Twins center fielder Clete Thomas in the second inning. He then passed Ford with career strikeout No. 1,958, fanning Justin Morneau in the fifth inning.
The left-hander mentioned it is hard to fathom that no other Yankee has thrown more strikeouts than him.
"It's cool," Pettitte said. "I feel very honored to be able to be with this organization for so long and it's very special."
Those were Pettitte's only two strikeouts of the night, as he left after five-plus innings with the Twins leading, 4-3. He allowed four runs on six hits and four walks, laboring through a three-run, 42-pitch first inning. The Yankees rallied late for a 10-4 victory.
Pettitte did note he was disappointed with his outing overall, but to get it with a win -- Joe Girardi's 600th Major League managerial win -- made it that much more special.
"That makes it nice, that's for sure. Joe was able to get his 600th win also," Pettitte said. "That's good stuff. I feel very fortunate to be able to be around as long as I have and to be able to be mentioned with Whitey's name is obviously always an honor."
Ford held the top spot on the Yankees' strikeout leaderboard for nearly 50 years as he passed Red Ruffing for the franchise lead on Sept. 9, 1963. Nicknamed "The Chairman of the Board," he pitched 16 seasons with the Yankees, compiling a lifetime record of 236-106 with a 2.75 ERA in 3,170 1/3 innings spanning 498 big league games (438 starts). He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1974.
Pettitte is in his 18th big league season, having pitched for the Yankees from 1995 to 2003 before spending three seasons with the Astros. Pettitte returned to New York in 2007 and announced his retirement after the 2010 season, only to come out of retirement in 2012. He surpassed Ford's mark in his 2,697th inning of work as a Yankee.
"When you think about some of the names he's passed in his career it's really, truly amazing," Girardi said. "Andy's been a great pitcher for a long time and I think we're all very happy for him and just proud to know him."
Due to discrepancies in historical record-keeping, accounts of Ford's career strikeout total differ. The Elias Sports Bureau is the official statistician of Major League Baseball and recognizes Ford as having 1,957 strikeouts, while other sources -- including MLB-com -- credit Ford with 1,956 strikeouts.
Andy Pettitte passes Whitey Ford for most strikeouts in Yankees history | MLB-com: News
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A Major League Baseball umpire was recently dismissed for what was believed to be the first known drug ouster among umps, two people familiar with the situation have told The Associated Press.
MLB announced on June 14 that Brian Runge was no longer on the staff and that a Triple-A umpire had been promoted, but didn't give a reason. Only once since 2000 had such a change been made in midseason, and that was because of an injury.
The two people said Runge failed at least one drug test, then reached an agreement so he could remain on the umpire roster. When he failed to comply with those terms, he was released.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because MLB didn't publicly say why Runge was gone.
It could not be independently determined by the AP what drug was involved.
Joe West, president of the World Umpires Association — the union representing umps — declined comment Tuesday.
The AP was unable to contact Runge through the union or other umpires.
Like players, umpires are subject to random drug tests. Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal all missed time this season because of drug suspensions imposed last year. In addition, 26 players have been suspended this year under the minor league drug program.
The 43-year-old Runge didn't work in the majors after last Aug. 30 while dealing with a knee injury. He called spring training games this year and later did several Triple-A games, but hadn't been back in the big leagues during the regular season.
Runge joined the MLB umpiring staff in 1999. He worked playoffs three times and last year's All-Star game.
He is a member of MLB's first three-generation family of umpires. Grandfather Ed was an American League umpire from 1954-70 and worked the World Series three times; father Paul called National League games from 1973-97 and did the World Series four times before becoming the NL's executive director of umpires.
Brian Runge was behind the plate for a pair of no-hitters last year — Philip Humber's perfect game and the combo effort by six Seattle pitchers. He also was at third base for Matt Cain's perfect game last season.
Chris Conroy was promoted from Triple-A last month to take Runge's spot on the MLB umpiring staff. Conroy had worked 267 regular-season games in the majors as a fill-in since 2010 before being hired permanently.
AP sources: MLB umpire let go after drug violation
MLB announced on June 14 that Brian Runge was no longer on the staff and that a Triple-A umpire had been promoted, but didn't give a reason. Only once since 2000 had such a change been made in midseason, and that was because of an injury.
The two people said Runge failed at least one drug test, then reached an agreement so he could remain on the umpire roster. When he failed to comply with those terms, he was released.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because MLB didn't publicly say why Runge was gone.
It could not be independently determined by the AP what drug was involved.
Joe West, president of the World Umpires Association — the union representing umps — declined comment Tuesday.
The AP was unable to contact Runge through the union or other umpires.
Like players, umpires are subject to random drug tests. Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz and San Diego catcher Yasmani Grandal all missed time this season because of drug suspensions imposed last year. In addition, 26 players have been suspended this year under the minor league drug program.
The 43-year-old Runge didn't work in the majors after last Aug. 30 while dealing with a knee injury. He called spring training games this year and later did several Triple-A games, but hadn't been back in the big leagues during the regular season.
Runge joined the MLB umpiring staff in 1999. He worked playoffs three times and last year's All-Star game.
He is a member of MLB's first three-generation family of umpires. Grandfather Ed was an American League umpire from 1954-70 and worked the World Series three times; father Paul called National League games from 1973-97 and did the World Series four times before becoming the NL's executive director of umpires.
Brian Runge was behind the plate for a pair of no-hitters last year — Philip Humber's perfect game and the combo effort by six Seattle pitchers. He also was at third base for Matt Cain's perfect game last season.
Chris Conroy was promoted from Triple-A last month to take Runge's spot on the MLB umpiring staff. Conroy had worked 267 regular-season games in the majors as a fill-in since 2010 before being hired permanently.
AP sources: MLB umpire let go after drug violation
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His name is Porter Fischer, and six months ago, few people had ever heard of him.
But Fischer, who lives in a sprawling house in Pinecrest, just might one day be remembered as the man who blew up Major League Baseball.
Fischer is on the verge of hammering out a “whistleblower” deal with the commissioner of baseball to give up the mother lode of computer and written records that he claims shows the names of big-name players who have been using steroids and other banned substances since 2009.
Fischer worked at Biogenesis, the now defunct Coral Gables anti-aging clinic at the center of baseball’s latest doping crisis. He purportedly snatched the clinic’s records because he was angry that the clinic’s owner, Anthony Bosch, owed him $4,000.
So he leaked some of the records to the Miami New Times, which published them in January, setting off a firestorm that threatens the careers of various players and the legitimacy of the national pastime.
Among the athletes named in the clinic’s records: ballplayers Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Yasmani Grandal, Ryan Braun, Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and Jhonny Peralta; tennis player Wayne Odesnik and boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa.
The players have denied taking any banned substances. If it can be proven they did so, MLB plans to suspend them for at least 50 games.Fischer, who described the MLB to the New Times as “the biggest scumbags on earth,’’ has apparently changed his tune.
Fischer’s attorney, Raymond Rafool, said Wednesday he met with MLB representative in his Miami office on Tuesday and while no deal was finalized, they plan to continue discussions in an effort to come to some kind of an agreement. The pact would include compensation, but nowhere near the $1 million rumored in other media reports, including the gossip and entertainment site TMZ, Rafool said.
“There has been no money discussed at all,’’ he said. “But obviously, like in all whistleblower cases, there is some form of compensation, but we don’t have a specific number in mind.’’
Rafool said that since the story broke, his client has been chased in his car at high speeds, seen suspicious activity at his home and even received death threats. A box of his documents was stolen from his car in March, his lawyer said, but he still has a great deal of credible evidence to offer the MLB.
“These are players who have been using performance enhancing drugs — from fighters to basketball to tennis and baseball — since 2009,’’ Rafool said. “Had my client not stepped forward and blown this thing up who knows how long this would have continued?”
But buying documents and paying witnesses to make their case could be problematic for MLB, according to legal experts.
“There is clearly nothing illegal about it, and companies do it all the time,’’ said Howard Wasserman, professor of law at Florida International University’s School of Law. “But it is widely recognized as ethically questionable. There is an ‘ick’ factor to it.’’
Fischer had been offered as much as $125,000 by MLB several months ago, but when he hesitated, hoping for more money, he lost his leverage. Bosch, broke and being sued by MLB, decided to make a deal baseball officials to implicate the players in exchange for representation against possible player lawsuits, personal protection and payment of all his expenses. That made Fischer less valuable, even though his lawyer insists his documentation is more credible.
Others have tried to buy Fischer’s information, although Rafool would not comment on other offers. It was widely reported that Bosch tried unsuccessfully to sell his documents to Alex Rodriguez, although Rodriguez’s representatives have denied that.
MLB, which is suing Bosch and a number of his partners in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, contends that the clinic knowingly sold players performance enhancing drugs, thereby inducing them to violate the rules of their collective bargaining agreement. Alex Rodriguez’s cousin, Yuri Sucart, who is named in the records posted by New Times, and two of Bosch’s partners have filed motions to have the suit thrown out.
Read more here: MLB in talks to buy Miami ‘whistleblower’s’ stash of drug records - Inside Baseball - MiamiHerald-com
But Fischer, who lives in a sprawling house in Pinecrest, just might one day be remembered as the man who blew up Major League Baseball.
Fischer is on the verge of hammering out a “whistleblower” deal with the commissioner of baseball to give up the mother lode of computer and written records that he claims shows the names of big-name players who have been using steroids and other banned substances since 2009.
Fischer worked at Biogenesis, the now defunct Coral Gables anti-aging clinic at the center of baseball’s latest doping crisis. He purportedly snatched the clinic’s records because he was angry that the clinic’s owner, Anthony Bosch, owed him $4,000.
So he leaked some of the records to the Miami New Times, which published them in January, setting off a firestorm that threatens the careers of various players and the legitimacy of the national pastime.
Among the athletes named in the clinic’s records: ballplayers Alex Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez, Nelson Cruz, Yasmani Grandal, Ryan Braun, Melky Cabrera, Bartolo Colon and Jhonny Peralta; tennis player Wayne Odesnik and boxer Yuriorkis Gamboa.
The players have denied taking any banned substances. If it can be proven they did so, MLB plans to suspend them for at least 50 games.Fischer, who described the MLB to the New Times as “the biggest scumbags on earth,’’ has apparently changed his tune.
Fischer’s attorney, Raymond Rafool, said Wednesday he met with MLB representative in his Miami office on Tuesday and while no deal was finalized, they plan to continue discussions in an effort to come to some kind of an agreement. The pact would include compensation, but nowhere near the $1 million rumored in other media reports, including the gossip and entertainment site TMZ, Rafool said.
“There has been no money discussed at all,’’ he said. “But obviously, like in all whistleblower cases, there is some form of compensation, but we don’t have a specific number in mind.’’
Rafool said that since the story broke, his client has been chased in his car at high speeds, seen suspicious activity at his home and even received death threats. A box of his documents was stolen from his car in March, his lawyer said, but he still has a great deal of credible evidence to offer the MLB.
“These are players who have been using performance enhancing drugs — from fighters to basketball to tennis and baseball — since 2009,’’ Rafool said. “Had my client not stepped forward and blown this thing up who knows how long this would have continued?”
But buying documents and paying witnesses to make their case could be problematic for MLB, according to legal experts.
“There is clearly nothing illegal about it, and companies do it all the time,’’ said Howard Wasserman, professor of law at Florida International University’s School of Law. “But it is widely recognized as ethically questionable. There is an ‘ick’ factor to it.’’
Fischer had been offered as much as $125,000 by MLB several months ago, but when he hesitated, hoping for more money, he lost his leverage. Bosch, broke and being sued by MLB, decided to make a deal baseball officials to implicate the players in exchange for representation against possible player lawsuits, personal protection and payment of all his expenses. That made Fischer less valuable, even though his lawyer insists his documentation is more credible.
Others have tried to buy Fischer’s information, although Rafool would not comment on other offers. It was widely reported that Bosch tried unsuccessfully to sell his documents to Alex Rodriguez, although Rodriguez’s representatives have denied that.
MLB, which is suing Bosch and a number of his partners in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, contends that the clinic knowingly sold players performance enhancing drugs, thereby inducing them to violate the rules of their collective bargaining agreement. Alex Rodriguez’s cousin, Yuri Sucart, who is named in the records posted by New Times, and two of Bosch’s partners have filed motions to have the suit thrown out.
Read more here: MLB in talks to buy Miami ‘whistleblower’s’ stash of drug records - Inside Baseball - MiamiHerald-com
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2006/12/07
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Time is running out in this year's round of All-Star voting, but there is still a chance for fans to make a last-minute impact on a number of down-to-the-wire finishes.
Among the races still very much up for grabs as of the last balloting update on Tuesday are the starting outfield spots in each league, as well as a number of other positions in the National League, including catcher, first base, second base and third base. In the most closely-contested American League battle, Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista held a slight edge for the third and final starting outfield spot as of the latest update. With Mike Trout of the Angels and Baltimore's Adam Jones holding down the top two outfield spots, Bautista sat just narrowly ahead of Jones' teammate Nick Markakis, and Tigers veteran Torii Hunter. Nelson Cruz of the Rangers and a third Orioles outfielder, Nate McLouth, were also within striking distance.
Moving to the Senior Circuit, the outfield race is just as tight. St. Louis' Carlos Beltran remained the top vote-getter among outfielders with more than two million votes than any other outfielder, but there is a logjam behind Beltran.
As of the latest update, Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez had moved into second with 2,928,606 votes. He has plenty of company, though, with Atlanta's Justin Upton nipping at his heels and Nationals phenom Bryce Harper not far behind in fourth. A number of other outfielders remained in close contention for the final starting spot, including the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, Pirates' Andrew McCutchen, Giants' Hunter Pence and Brewers' Ryan Braun.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB-com and all 30 club sites -- online or via a mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com Ballot until Thursday, July 4, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fans may submit 25 online ballots during the voting period but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, fans must be logged into an MLB-com account when submitting any online ballot. To obtain an MLB-com account, visit MLB-com: The Official Site of Major League Baseball and register in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB-com account. The outfield is far from the only place where the voting is coming down to the last minute in the NL. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina remained the top overall vote-getter in the league as of the most recent release, but Buster Posey of the Giants remained in hot pursuit of the starting nod behind the plate.
Moving around the infield, Reds slugger Joey Votto maintained a slim lead over hot-hitting D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and Votto's teammate Brandon Phillips is attempting to hold off both Matt Carpenter of the Cards and Marco Scutaro of the Giants at second base.
Mets third baseman David Wright had started to widen his lead over San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval, as he looks to nail down the starting spot at the hot corner, with the Midsummer Classic taking place in his home stadium. Wright is hoping to avoid a repeat of last season, when Sandoval used a significant late surge in the voting to overtake Wright for the starting role.
Though originally scheduled for July 7, the 2013 rosters will now be unveiled Saturday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. ET on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell. The show will be televised nationally on FOX.
Fans can also once again participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league whom they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2013 Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 15.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB-com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16. Come to MLB-com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.
The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame-com.
Final push: All-Star voting ends tonight | MLB-com: News
Among the races still very much up for grabs as of the last balloting update on Tuesday are the starting outfield spots in each league, as well as a number of other positions in the National League, including catcher, first base, second base and third base. In the most closely-contested American League battle, Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista held a slight edge for the third and final starting outfield spot as of the latest update. With Mike Trout of the Angels and Baltimore's Adam Jones holding down the top two outfield spots, Bautista sat just narrowly ahead of Jones' teammate Nick Markakis, and Tigers veteran Torii Hunter. Nelson Cruz of the Rangers and a third Orioles outfielder, Nate McLouth, were also within striking distance.
Moving to the Senior Circuit, the outfield race is just as tight. St. Louis' Carlos Beltran remained the top vote-getter among outfielders with more than two million votes than any other outfielder, but there is a logjam behind Beltran.
As of the latest update, Rockies slugger Carlos Gonzalez had moved into second with 2,928,606 votes. He has plenty of company, though, with Atlanta's Justin Upton nipping at his heels and Nationals phenom Bryce Harper not far behind in fourth. A number of other outfielders remained in close contention for the final starting spot, including the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, Pirates' Andrew McCutchen, Giants' Hunter Pence and Brewers' Ryan Braun.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB-com and all 30 club sites -- online or via a mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com Ballot until Thursday, July 4, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fans may submit 25 online ballots during the voting period but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, fans must be logged into an MLB-com account when submitting any online ballot. To obtain an MLB-com account, visit MLB-com: The Official Site of Major League Baseball and register in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB-com account. The outfield is far from the only place where the voting is coming down to the last minute in the NL. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina remained the top overall vote-getter in the league as of the most recent release, but Buster Posey of the Giants remained in hot pursuit of the starting nod behind the plate.
Moving around the infield, Reds slugger Joey Votto maintained a slim lead over hot-hitting D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, and Votto's teammate Brandon Phillips is attempting to hold off both Matt Carpenter of the Cards and Marco Scutaro of the Giants at second base.
Mets third baseman David Wright had started to widen his lead over San Francisco's Pablo Sandoval, as he looks to nail down the starting spot at the hot corner, with the Midsummer Classic taking place in his home stadium. Wright is hoping to avoid a repeat of last season, when Sandoval used a significant late surge in the voting to overtake Wright for the starting role.
Though originally scheduled for July 7, the 2013 rosters will now be unveiled Saturday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m. ET on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell. The show will be televised nationally on FOX.
Fans can also once again participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league whom they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2013 Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 15.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB-com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
The 2013 All-Star Game will be played at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16. Come to MLB-com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.
The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame-com.
Final push: All-Star voting ends tonight | MLB-com: News
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All the votes have been cast for the 2013 All-Star Game's starting spots, and the baseball world now awaits Saturday evening's announcement of the final tallies. The All-Stars will be unveiled at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Taco Bell, televised nationally on FOX and in Canada on Sportsnet.
Voting concluded at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday for the eight position players in each league, as well as the American League's designated hitter. The winners will represent the two leagues in the All-Star Game at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16.
As of the most recent voting updates announced earlier this week, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was the National League's leading vote-getter with 5,093,645. Meanwhile, Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera led all of Major League Baseball with 5,844,165 votes.
The tightest races in each league appear to be for the final outfield spot. In an AL East showdown, Toronto's Jose Bautista led Baltimore's Nick Markakis by fewer than 150,000 votes, with Mike Trout and Adam Jones leading the pack among AL outfielders.
The race for the NL's final two starting outfield spots was even tighter, as Carlos Gonzalez, Justin Upton and Bryce Harper were separated by a total of 26,213 votes. As of Monday, Harper was the odd man out.
The wait for the news of the NL's starting second base spot is also sure to be tense, as the Reds' Brandon Phillips hopes to hold off late charges from the Cardinals' Matt Carpenter and the Giants' Marco Scutaro.
From Saturday until Thursday, be sure to return to MLB-com and cast your 2013 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by freecreditscore-com for the final player for each League's All-Star roster.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB-com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
Come to MLB-com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities. The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame-com.
AL, NL All-Star rosters set for Saturday reveal on FOX | MLB-com: News
Voting concluded at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday for the eight position players in each league, as well as the American League's designated hitter. The winners will represent the two leagues in the All-Star Game at Citi Field on Tuesday, July 16.
As of the most recent voting updates announced earlier this week, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was the National League's leading vote-getter with 5,093,645. Meanwhile, Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera led all of Major League Baseball with 5,844,165 votes.
The tightest races in each league appear to be for the final outfield spot. In an AL East showdown, Toronto's Jose Bautista led Baltimore's Nick Markakis by fewer than 150,000 votes, with Mike Trout and Adam Jones leading the pack among AL outfielders.
The race for the NL's final two starting outfield spots was even tighter, as Carlos Gonzalez, Justin Upton and Bryce Harper were separated by a total of 26,213 votes. As of Monday, Harper was the odd man out.
The wait for the news of the NL's starting second base spot is also sure to be tense, as the Reds' Brandon Phillips hopes to hold off late charges from the Cardinals' Matt Carpenter and the Giants' Marco Scutaro.
From Saturday until Thursday, be sure to return to MLB-com and cast your 2013 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by freecreditscore-com for the final player for each League's All-Star roster.
And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB-com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB-com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.
Come to MLB-com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities. The 84th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame-com.
AL, NL All-Star rosters set for Saturday reveal on FOX | MLB-com: News
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When Bruce Bochy had his say, Everth Cabrera was an All-Star.
Despite reported ties to the Miami-based Biogenesis clinic, the San Diego Padres shortstop was the lone player from his team selected to the National League All-Star team. Cabrera learned he'd made the NL squad after the Padres' 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals, and after dedicating the selection to his family, he didn't shy away from discussing the Biogenesis report.
"No baseball player or any athlete in any sport needs substances or anything bad to be what he can be," Cabrera said in a Spanish-language interview. "You need passion, time, sacrifice and focus on what you want."
Cabrera is one of four players who made the All-Star Game despite a reported link to the Biogenesis scandal, joining Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz and Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Baseball's investigation into the clinic that it suspects of distributing performance-enhancing drugs to players continues, and those implicated could face fines and suspensions.
Cruz and Peralta were elected as a result of American League player balloting. Bochy, the San Francisco Giants and NL manager, selected Cabrera, and Colon was picked by American League and Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
Like Cruz and Colon, Cabrera has denied involvement with the clinic, a position he vehemently repeated after Saturday's game.
"From my heart, I say 'no,' " Cabrera said of the reported link. "I use 'no' as motivation. When someone tries to block me, I keep going forward."
After leading the NL with 44 steals last year, Cabrera already has a league-best 31 this season. But for the first time in his five-year career, he has shined as a hitter as well. His .300 batting average is well above any previous performance and is rounded out by a .988 fielding percentage. "Most deserving player on our team," Padres manager Bud Black said. "I know that the NL manager, who I spoke to, is excited to have Cabby on the team."
Cabrera recognizes why people might make a connection to performance-enhancing drugs, but he cited months of hard work alongside his increasing comfort with the Padres organization and an immense desire to represent his country at the All-Star Game as reasons for his increasing success.
"It's a lot of little things," he said. "That's what the fans don't see."
While the All-Star Game is still more than a week away, Cabrera admitted that he was already nervous. He joked that he would bring a Nicaraguan flag and wear it as he rounded the bases, but then became more serious as he discussed how little time ballplayers spend at their prime.
"You never know if it's going to be the last (All-Star Game) of your career," he said. "I don't want it to be my last time. Now it's a bigger responsibility."
The shortstop added that while the controversy of the Biogenesis report motivates him, it's something he thinks about every time he takes the field. And he continues to play with the specter of a possible suspension looming.
"If it happens," he said, "there's nothing I can do. They'll decide, but I'll keep doing my job. It's not going to bring down the authenticity of what I did."
But until Major League Baseball completes its investigation and possible punishments are imposed, Cabrera remains emotional and thankful for the fans who made Saturday one of the best days of his life.
"I feel happier than when I was called up to the big leagues," Cabrera said. "It's the reward of the work you do as a baseball player."
For Everth Cabrera, MLB probe can't erase All-Star pride
Despite reported ties to the Miami-based Biogenesis clinic, the San Diego Padres shortstop was the lone player from his team selected to the National League All-Star team. Cabrera learned he'd made the NL squad after the Padres' 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals, and after dedicating the selection to his family, he didn't shy away from discussing the Biogenesis report.
"No baseball player or any athlete in any sport needs substances or anything bad to be what he can be," Cabrera said in a Spanish-language interview. "You need passion, time, sacrifice and focus on what you want."
Cabrera is one of four players who made the All-Star Game despite a reported link to the Biogenesis scandal, joining Oakland pitcher Bartolo Colon, Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz and Detroit Tigers shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Baseball's investigation into the clinic that it suspects of distributing performance-enhancing drugs to players continues, and those implicated could face fines and suspensions.
Cruz and Peralta were elected as a result of American League player balloting. Bochy, the San Francisco Giants and NL manager, selected Cabrera, and Colon was picked by American League and Tigers manager Jim Leyland.
Like Cruz and Colon, Cabrera has denied involvement with the clinic, a position he vehemently repeated after Saturday's game.
"From my heart, I say 'no,' " Cabrera said of the reported link. "I use 'no' as motivation. When someone tries to block me, I keep going forward."
After leading the NL with 44 steals last year, Cabrera already has a league-best 31 this season. But for the first time in his five-year career, he has shined as a hitter as well. His .300 batting average is well above any previous performance and is rounded out by a .988 fielding percentage. "Most deserving player on our team," Padres manager Bud Black said. "I know that the NL manager, who I spoke to, is excited to have Cabby on the team."
Cabrera recognizes why people might make a connection to performance-enhancing drugs, but he cited months of hard work alongside his increasing comfort with the Padres organization and an immense desire to represent his country at the All-Star Game as reasons for his increasing success.
"It's a lot of little things," he said. "That's what the fans don't see."
While the All-Star Game is still more than a week away, Cabrera admitted that he was already nervous. He joked that he would bring a Nicaraguan flag and wear it as he rounded the bases, but then became more serious as he discussed how little time ballplayers spend at their prime.
"You never know if it's going to be the last (All-Star Game) of your career," he said. "I don't want it to be my last time. Now it's a bigger responsibility."
The shortstop added that while the controversy of the Biogenesis report motivates him, it's something he thinks about every time he takes the field. And he continues to play with the specter of a possible suspension looming.
"If it happens," he said, "there's nothing I can do. They'll decide, but I'll keep doing my job. It's not going to bring down the authenticity of what I did."
But until Major League Baseball completes its investigation and possible punishments are imposed, Cabrera remains emotional and thankful for the fans who made Saturday one of the best days of his life.
"I feel happier than when I was called up to the big leagues," Cabrera said. "It's the reward of the work you do as a baseball player."
For Everth Cabrera, MLB probe can't erase All-Star pride
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The 2013 MLB All-Star Game is not until July 16, but with roster announcements coming this past Saturday night, attention has already been turned to this year's Midsummer Classic.
The debate on who should make the team leading up to rosters being announced pales in comparison to the outrage over who was snubbed once the rosters had been announced.
As teams push toward the July trade deadline, there have already been a handful of notable deals, with the Orioles picking up Cubs right-hander Scott Feldman and the Dodgers dealing for Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco.
Before we turn our full attention to the trade deadline, though, this week's power rankings give a look at how each team's fanbase looks from an All-Star standpoint, including who was named to the roster and any snubbed players who deserved a spot.
So here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to check back here each week for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.
Pictures: MLB Power Rankings: Final Pre-All-Star Break Update | Bleacher Report
The debate on who should make the team leading up to rosters being announced pales in comparison to the outrage over who was snubbed once the rosters had been announced.
As teams push toward the July trade deadline, there have already been a handful of notable deals, with the Orioles picking up Cubs right-hander Scott Feldman and the Dodgers dealing for Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco.
Before we turn our full attention to the trade deadline, though, this week's power rankings give a look at how each team's fanbase looks from an All-Star standpoint, including who was named to the roster and any snubbed players who deserved a spot.
So here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to check back here each week for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.
Pictures: MLB Power Rankings: Final Pre-All-Star Break Update | Bleacher Report
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Milwaukee Brewers star Ryan Braun, who has repeatedly denied using performance-enhancing drugs, refused to answer questions during a recent meeting with Major League Baseball about his connection to Tony Bosch and the Biogenesis clinic in Miami, sources told "Outside the Lines."
The meeting took place June 29, a source said, and is one of several that MLB has conducted with players connected to the clinic. A source said New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has not been interviewed, but a meeting is expected to take place within the week.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPNNewYork-com that Rodriguez will meet with MLB on Friday but said the injured slugger likely will refuse to answer questions. The source also told ESPNNewYork-com that 10 players already have met with MLB but have refused to answer questions.
Commissioner Bud Selig's office is expected to suspend Braun and Rodriguez, along with as many as 20 players sometime after next week's All-Star break, for their roles in the Biogenesis case, several sources told "Outside the Lines." As OTL reported, MLB started building cases against the players last month after Bosch agreed to cooperate with investigators.
The question is the length of the suspensions.
Sources said the commissioner's office was considering 100-game bans for Braun and Rodriguez, the punishment for a second offense, even though neither player was previously suspended for violating MLB's drug policy.
The argument, one source said, would be that they -- and possibly other players -- committed multiple offenses by receiving performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch and by lying about it.
Bosch's attorneys have met repeatedly with MLB officials over the past month, turning over numerous documents to substantiate his connection to the players named in company documents, sources have said.
While sources would not detail what Bosch has turned over, he was expected to provide phone, text, email and other records.
Representatives of Braun could not be reached Tuesday by ESPN.
Rodriguez, playing in minor league games as part of his rehab from offseason hip surgery, told reporters Tuesday that he is unaware of his scheduled meeting with MLB.
"Not that I know of, and if I knew, I couldn't share with you guys," Rodriguez said. "We've been fully instructed to not comment on that case."
Rodriguez did acknowledge the scope of the investigation, however.
"There's a lot of players involved, I know that," he said.
Ryan Braun refused to answer MLB's questions about Biogenesis clinic, sources say - ESPN
The meeting took place June 29, a source said, and is one of several that MLB has conducted with players connected to the clinic. A source said New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has not been interviewed, but a meeting is expected to take place within the week.
A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPNNewYork-com that Rodriguez will meet with MLB on Friday but said the injured slugger likely will refuse to answer questions. The source also told ESPNNewYork-com that 10 players already have met with MLB but have refused to answer questions.
Commissioner Bud Selig's office is expected to suspend Braun and Rodriguez, along with as many as 20 players sometime after next week's All-Star break, for their roles in the Biogenesis case, several sources told "Outside the Lines." As OTL reported, MLB started building cases against the players last month after Bosch agreed to cooperate with investigators.
The question is the length of the suspensions.
Sources said the commissioner's office was considering 100-game bans for Braun and Rodriguez, the punishment for a second offense, even though neither player was previously suspended for violating MLB's drug policy.
The argument, one source said, would be that they -- and possibly other players -- committed multiple offenses by receiving performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch and by lying about it.
Bosch's attorneys have met repeatedly with MLB officials over the past month, turning over numerous documents to substantiate his connection to the players named in company documents, sources have said.
While sources would not detail what Bosch has turned over, he was expected to provide phone, text, email and other records.
Representatives of Braun could not be reached Tuesday by ESPN.
Rodriguez, playing in minor league games as part of his rehab from offseason hip surgery, told reporters Tuesday that he is unaware of his scheduled meeting with MLB.
"Not that I know of, and if I knew, I couldn't share with you guys," Rodriguez said. "We've been fully instructed to not comment on that case."
Rodriguez did acknowledge the scope of the investigation, however.
"There's a lot of players involved, I know that," he said.
Ryan Braun refused to answer MLB's questions about Biogenesis clinic, sources say - ESPN
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He wakes up just before impact.
The real thing is a nightmare scenario that happens a couple times a season in the major leagues.
"Guys are bigger now and hitting the ball harder and we're throwing the ball harder and when a guy hits one right on the screws bad things can happen," Pestano said.
Most recently, it happened Saturday night in Florida.
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Alex Cobb took a nasty shot off his head from the bat of Kansas City's Eric Hosmer. That was the second time this season everyone in the stadium at a Rays game held their breath. In early May, on the very same mound, Toronto left-hander J.A. Happ took a nasty shot off his head.
Happ won't return until July — at the soonest. There's no timetable for Cobb yet, though he's home from the hospital.
In the meantime, baseball is left to figure out how to protect pitchers before one gets hurt in a more serious way.
It's not just a player's health and livelihood at stake. Teams also lose money when their players are on the disabled list. While Major League Baseball has been auditioning various types of equipment to protect pitchers, nothing has made the cut yet. Any gear would have to stay in place during the violent, whole-body motion of pitching, not hinder its effectiveness and, of course, effectively protect their heads in event of an impact.
"I really hope something gets done because it's time to act," Royals pitcher Bruce Chen said. "I know it will probably take a couple of years to get it done, but let's do it. Too many guys are getting hurt."
Every pitcher knows that any pitch could result in a ball flying 100 mph or more right back at his head. Not all of them agree that something must be done.
"No one's forcing you to play this game, and we're not children," Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzija said. "We're playing big league baseball with grown men, so that's the risk you take when you play this game."
Samardzija played major college football as a wide receiver at Notre Dame before he went into professional baseball, so he knows about danger in sports, and is familiar with wearing a lot more protective equipment than he does on the mound.
He is adamantly against requiring pitchers to wear anything more than they do now.
"Absolutely not. No. This game's been played the way it's been played for a long time," he said. "And when you sign up to play this game, no one's forcing you to play. No one's pulling you out there to do it. You're choosing to do it. It's what we love to do and obviously when you choose to play you take the risks that come with doing it."
Each major league game has at least a couple hundred pitches thrown. And there are more than 2,500 games a season. Out of all those games and all those pitches, no more than a few have a pitcher getting hit in the head.
The rarity of those occurrences is such that most pitchers put it completely out of mind — out of necessity, if nothing else.
"If you think about it while you're out there, you're not going to get your job done," said Chris Jakubauskas, who was hit by a line drive early in the 2010 season.
He sustained a concussion but recovered fully and is now in the Cleveland minor league organization, trying to return to the big leagues. He has more immediate problems than something that statistically improbable. "When you take into account how many balls are put in play every single year," Jakubauskas said. "The risk is there, if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, you just hope you're in a place where you can protect yourself a little bit."
Of the more than a dozen pitchers and managers The Associated Press interviewed for this story, the one thing they all emphasized was just how much bad luck it takes to be hit in the head.
Sure, when a player gets hit, everyone notices, but the vast majority of balls put into play come nowhere near hurting anyone. And even the close calls emphasize how unlikely it is for a pitcher's head and a batted ball to wind up in the same place in such a way that the pitcher is unable to turn or get his glove up.
"That ball's not big, so for that ball to hit me right there, the percentage of chance of that happening to me is not worth doing all the headgear," Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt said. "Unless you have to, I'm for that. That's just your livelihood, I'm not going to die. I'm not going to do it."
Reds starter Mat Latos, meanwhile, actually calculated some chances. "Let's see. You have five starters. No, wait, you have, what, 12 pitchers on a team? Do the math," he said, pulling out his phone to use the calculator function.
"You have 360 pitchers ... and two have been hit in the head. It happens. It's a terrible thing. When guys like Happ and Cobb get hit in the head, you feel terrible. It's not because they're your teammate or your friend. You feel terrible."
Nevertheless, Latos was skeptical of mandating safety improvements.
"It is what it is," he said. "You know comebackers can happen."
And they will continue to do so. The question is what can be done to prevent these rare but dangerous incidents.
Helmets? Protective cap liners? A protective screen, like in batting practice? All of these have been suggested. None have been acclaimed in baseball. Neither by rookies or veterans.
"I'm not going to overreact to that because I'm not real sure a guy can pitch with a helmet to be honest with you," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I can't imagine a pitcher out there pitching with an ear flap on. ... I hate to sound cold about it because I don't mean to, but I'm not sure that'll work."
Ideally, baseball won't have to find out.
"Hopefully it doesn't get to the point where there is a mandate to wear something," Pestano said. "Because that would mean something tragic has happened."
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