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Astros starting pitcher Jarred Cosart took a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Rays Friday night in a 2-1 Astros victory. Ben Zobrist broke it up with a clean single with one out, though it was followed by an inning-ending double play.
Cosart was making his major-league debut against a red-hot Rays team that had won eight in a row and 12 of the last 13.
The final line for the rookie: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. Oh, and W.
The Astros right-hander is just 23 years old and before the game began was slated to be returned to Triple-A immediately after his MLB debut. So it was a spot start from the beginning -- though the Astros will re-evaluate their rotation during the All-Star break -- and Cosart has impressed in a big way.
In the modern era, no pitcher has ever thrown a no-hitter in his big-league debut. Back in 1892, Bumpus Jones threw a no-no in his debut, but that was when the pitcher's mound was only 50 feet away from home plate.
The closest no-no to the start of one's career in the modern era came in 1991 when Wilson Alvarez threw a one in his second career start. So even though Cosart didn't pull of the feat, this was a very notable debut.
Cosart was a 38th-round draft pick out of high school in 2008 by the Phillies, but he increased his stock rather rapidly in the following years, pitching in the 2011 Futures Game and being ranked as a top-50 prospect in all of baseball prior to 2012.
Cosart went to the Astros system along with Jonathan Singleton in the 2011 Hunter Pence trade.
Jarred Cosart takes no-no into seventh in MLB debut - CBSSports-com
Cosart was making his major-league debut against a red-hot Rays team that had won eight in a row and 12 of the last 13.
The final line for the rookie: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K. Oh, and W.
The Astros right-hander is just 23 years old and before the game began was slated to be returned to Triple-A immediately after his MLB debut. So it was a spot start from the beginning -- though the Astros will re-evaluate their rotation during the All-Star break -- and Cosart has impressed in a big way.
In the modern era, no pitcher has ever thrown a no-hitter in his big-league debut. Back in 1892, Bumpus Jones threw a no-no in his debut, but that was when the pitcher's mound was only 50 feet away from home plate.
The closest no-no to the start of one's career in the modern era came in 1991 when Wilson Alvarez threw a one in his second career start. So even though Cosart didn't pull of the feat, this was a very notable debut.
Cosart was a 38th-round draft pick out of high school in 2008 by the Phillies, but he increased his stock rather rapidly in the following years, pitching in the 2011 Futures Game and being ranked as a top-50 prospect in all of baseball prior to 2012.
Cosart went to the Astros system along with Jonathan Singleton in the 2011 Hunter Pence trade.
Jarred Cosart takes no-no into seventh in MLB debut - CBSSports-com
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According to Bill Madden and Teri Thompson of the New York Daily News, Alex Rodriguez's legal team is internally discussing a possible plea deal in the wake of Friday's interview with MLB's investigators regarding the ongoing Biogenesis scandal. It is believed the league broached the subject of settlements during their meetings with Ryan Braun and other players as well.
From the Daily News report:
According to the sources, a 150-game suspension might be the best that could be expected for Rodriguez, who is rehabbing from hip surgery with high Single-A Tampa and was chastised by the Yankees Saturday for failing to report to the team's complex for Friday night's game following a four-and-a-half hour meeting with MLB officials who outlined their case against him.
(snip)
According to another source, Rodriguez's meeting with MLB ended at about 4 p.m., and a clearly shaken Rodriguez then met with MLB Players Association reps for an hour and a half to discuss what had been outlined by MLB officials. When Rodriguez didn't show up at the Yankee complex, GM Brian Cashman then tried to reach the three-time AL MVP, who told him that he “just couldn't make it.”
Meanwhile, an A-Rod spokesman told The News Saturday night in reference to a possible plea deal that “nobody from Alex's team has made any such comments, and as we have said before, we are respecting the process and following the procedures as outlined in the joint agreement."
Under the Joint Drug Agreement, players are suspended 50 games for their first violation, 100 games for the second, and a lifetime ban for the third. A 150-game suspension is not specified in the agreement.
It is believed that MLB, who is working with Biogenesis chief Anthony Bosch, has extensive evidence that A-Rod "committed multiple violations of the Joint Drug Agreement, including acquiring performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch for several years."
“I can see a scenario where if they've got multiple offenses (against A-Rod) that rather than going for his career with an arbitrator, baseball might settle on something like 150 games,” said one of the Daily News' sources. Another said: "The bottom line is (ML😎 wants these guys out of the game ... In (A-Rod's) case, 150 games would sufficiently accomplish that.”
Rodriguez, 37, is working his way back from offseason left hip surgery and has not played this year. He is currently on a minor league rehab assignment that expires one week from Monday. No player is paid during a drug-related suspension. A-Rod still has four years and nearly $100 million remaining on his contract after this season.
Biogenesis, an anti-aging clinic in South Florida, has been under investigation by MLB for potential ties to performance-enhancing drugs. Bosch agreed to cooperate with the investigation after being threatened with a lawsuit.
Report: A-Rod, Braun and others may consider plea deal with MLB - CBSSports-com
From the Daily News report:
According to the sources, a 150-game suspension might be the best that could be expected for Rodriguez, who is rehabbing from hip surgery with high Single-A Tampa and was chastised by the Yankees Saturday for failing to report to the team's complex for Friday night's game following a four-and-a-half hour meeting with MLB officials who outlined their case against him.
(snip)
According to another source, Rodriguez's meeting with MLB ended at about 4 p.m., and a clearly shaken Rodriguez then met with MLB Players Association reps for an hour and a half to discuss what had been outlined by MLB officials. When Rodriguez didn't show up at the Yankee complex, GM Brian Cashman then tried to reach the three-time AL MVP, who told him that he “just couldn't make it.”
Meanwhile, an A-Rod spokesman told The News Saturday night in reference to a possible plea deal that “nobody from Alex's team has made any such comments, and as we have said before, we are respecting the process and following the procedures as outlined in the joint agreement."
Under the Joint Drug Agreement, players are suspended 50 games for their first violation, 100 games for the second, and a lifetime ban for the third. A 150-game suspension is not specified in the agreement.
It is believed that MLB, who is working with Biogenesis chief Anthony Bosch, has extensive evidence that A-Rod "committed multiple violations of the Joint Drug Agreement, including acquiring performance-enhancing drugs from Bosch for several years."
“I can see a scenario where if they've got multiple offenses (against A-Rod) that rather than going for his career with an arbitrator, baseball might settle on something like 150 games,” said one of the Daily News' sources. Another said: "The bottom line is (ML😎 wants these guys out of the game ... In (A-Rod's) case, 150 games would sufficiently accomplish that.”
Rodriguez, 37, is working his way back from offseason left hip surgery and has not played this year. He is currently on a minor league rehab assignment that expires one week from Monday. No player is paid during a drug-related suspension. A-Rod still has four years and nearly $100 million remaining on his contract after this season.
Biogenesis, an anti-aging clinic in South Florida, has been under investigation by MLB for potential ties to performance-enhancing drugs. Bosch agreed to cooperate with the investigation after being threatened with a lawsuit.
Report: A-Rod, Braun and others may consider plea deal with MLB - CBSSports-com
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Yoenis Cespedes might not be an actual All-Star, but he was the undisputed star of the Chevrolet Home Run Derby on Monday night.
Cespedes put on a show for the sold-out Citi Field crowd, banging out 17 home runs in the first round and six in the second, then capping his night with a final-round flourish of nine home runs to edge Bryce Harper and become the first non-All-Star to win the event.
Despite all the curiosity over whether Prince Fielder could become just the second player to win the Derby three times or whether Chris Davis' incredible first half would carry over into this setting, it was Cespedes who stole the spotlight.
"Before I came," Cespedes said, "they asked me if I was going to be nervous because I would be participating in front of possibly 50,000 people. When I was in Cuba, I participated in five Home Run Derbies; it wasn't 50,000 people, but it was 30,000 or 32,000 people and I wasn't nervous." Several of Cespedes' shots went to the third deck of a ballpark with deep dimensions. And even though Harper, who at 20 years and 272 days old nearly became the Derby's youngest winner ever, gave Cespedes a high hurdle to cross in the final round, Cespedes crossed it with ease. With five outs remaining out of his available 10, he won it with an exclamation point -- a 455-foot poke to dead center -- becoming the first right-handed hitter to win the Derby since Vladimir Guerrero in 2007.
Cespedes showed why captain Robinson Cano handpicked him to round out the American League squad. Now in his second season with the A's after defecting from Cuba, Cespedes' batting-practice displays have been the stuff of legend, and on this night he got to show that "sick pop," as David Ortiz called it, to a national audience.
"I asked some guys that were in the All-Star Game, but some of them couldn't," Cano said. "You know what? It's good to give a chance to a guy that didn't make the All-Star Game so he can get the experience. Now he's got a truck. I hope he gives me at least two tires."
Cespedes won a Chevrolet Silverado (the very vehicle he pelted with one of his final round feats of strength), but more important was the $529,000 raised for some worthy causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and MLB Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. Because the AL team, led by Cespedes, edged the NL in homer tally over the first two rounds, Chevrolet and MLB will donate $150,000 to Cano's charity and $100,000 to BGCA in Cano's name. A total of $25,000 will be donated to NL captain David Wright's charity.
Though Wright, the local hero and All-Star ambassador, bowed out after the first round, he was thrilled to see Citi Field shining.
"It really, really was awesome," Wright said. "It's what I remember the playoff atmosphere [at Shea Stadium] being like in 2006."
The ballpark was really buzzing after Cespedes' sensational first round, in which he tied Ortiz (2005) for the third-most homers in a single round. It wasn't the same as Josh Hamilton's 28-homer outburst in the first round at Yankee Stadium in 2008, but it was still pretty special. And Cespedes was one of four first-time Derby participants to advance to the second round, joined by Harper, Davis and Michael Cuddyer. In the second round, Harper, with his father, Ron, serving as his personal pitcher, stepped to the forefront by repeating his eight-homer performance of the first round. Father and son found themselves in a nice -- and touching -- groove.
"I've got to thank my dad for everything he has done for me, all the numerous [batting practices] he's thrown to me," Harper said. "I love him more than anything in this world."
Cespedes, meanwhile, gave himself so much breathing room in the first round that he didn't need a single home run in the second. But he hit six anyway, boosting the charity donation and sealing the AL victory. And though Harper put up a nice fight in the final with eight homers, Cespedes was methodical in besting the Nationals' stud.
"I came off the field saying that's not enough," Harper said. "I thought maybe 12. The way [Cespedes] was swinging the bat that first and second round, he wasn't even trying. It was pretty incredible to watch. He's so strong."
So for Harper, it was close but no crown, bro. The crown went to Yo, and it felt as though a new Derby era had ushered in. Fielder was the king of the Derby after his wins in 2009 and '12, but the king went down in Queens, and room was made for a new face of the Derby.
Cespedes claimed it convincingly and promised to come back for more.
"If I have the opportunity," he said, "to participate again next year, God willing, I will absolutely do so."
Download the official MLB-com Home Run Derby Game, featuring 24 sluggers from the 2010-12 Home Run Derby events. Connect and challenge gamers on the worldwide leaderboards. Available for free on the Apple App Store.
Yoenis Cespedes beats Bryce Harper to claim Derby title | MLB-com: News
Cespedes put on a show for the sold-out Citi Field crowd, banging out 17 home runs in the first round and six in the second, then capping his night with a final-round flourish of nine home runs to edge Bryce Harper and become the first non-All-Star to win the event.
Despite all the curiosity over whether Prince Fielder could become just the second player to win the Derby three times or whether Chris Davis' incredible first half would carry over into this setting, it was Cespedes who stole the spotlight.
"Before I came," Cespedes said, "they asked me if I was going to be nervous because I would be participating in front of possibly 50,000 people. When I was in Cuba, I participated in five Home Run Derbies; it wasn't 50,000 people, but it was 30,000 or 32,000 people and I wasn't nervous." Several of Cespedes' shots went to the third deck of a ballpark with deep dimensions. And even though Harper, who at 20 years and 272 days old nearly became the Derby's youngest winner ever, gave Cespedes a high hurdle to cross in the final round, Cespedes crossed it with ease. With five outs remaining out of his available 10, he won it with an exclamation point -- a 455-foot poke to dead center -- becoming the first right-handed hitter to win the Derby since Vladimir Guerrero in 2007.
Cespedes showed why captain Robinson Cano handpicked him to round out the American League squad. Now in his second season with the A's after defecting from Cuba, Cespedes' batting-practice displays have been the stuff of legend, and on this night he got to show that "sick pop," as David Ortiz called it, to a national audience.
"I asked some guys that were in the All-Star Game, but some of them couldn't," Cano said. "You know what? It's good to give a chance to a guy that didn't make the All-Star Game so he can get the experience. Now he's got a truck. I hope he gives me at least two tires."
Cespedes won a Chevrolet Silverado (the very vehicle he pelted with one of his final round feats of strength), but more important was the $529,000 raised for some worthy causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and MLB Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program. Because the AL team, led by Cespedes, edged the NL in homer tally over the first two rounds, Chevrolet and MLB will donate $150,000 to Cano's charity and $100,000 to BGCA in Cano's name. A total of $25,000 will be donated to NL captain David Wright's charity.
Though Wright, the local hero and All-Star ambassador, bowed out after the first round, he was thrilled to see Citi Field shining.
"It really, really was awesome," Wright said. "It's what I remember the playoff atmosphere [at Shea Stadium] being like in 2006."
The ballpark was really buzzing after Cespedes' sensational first round, in which he tied Ortiz (2005) for the third-most homers in a single round. It wasn't the same as Josh Hamilton's 28-homer outburst in the first round at Yankee Stadium in 2008, but it was still pretty special. And Cespedes was one of four first-time Derby participants to advance to the second round, joined by Harper, Davis and Michael Cuddyer. In the second round, Harper, with his father, Ron, serving as his personal pitcher, stepped to the forefront by repeating his eight-homer performance of the first round. Father and son found themselves in a nice -- and touching -- groove.
"I've got to thank my dad for everything he has done for me, all the numerous [batting practices] he's thrown to me," Harper said. "I love him more than anything in this world."
Cespedes, meanwhile, gave himself so much breathing room in the first round that he didn't need a single home run in the second. But he hit six anyway, boosting the charity donation and sealing the AL victory. And though Harper put up a nice fight in the final with eight homers, Cespedes was methodical in besting the Nationals' stud.
"I came off the field saying that's not enough," Harper said. "I thought maybe 12. The way [Cespedes] was swinging the bat that first and second round, he wasn't even trying. It was pretty incredible to watch. He's so strong."
So for Harper, it was close but no crown, bro. The crown went to Yo, and it felt as though a new Derby era had ushered in. Fielder was the king of the Derby after his wins in 2009 and '12, but the king went down in Queens, and room was made for a new face of the Derby.
Cespedes claimed it convincingly and promised to come back for more.
"If I have the opportunity," he said, "to participate again next year, God willing, I will absolutely do so."
Download the official MLB-com Home Run Derby Game, featuring 24 sluggers from the 2010-12 Home Run Derby events. Connect and challenge gamers on the worldwide leaderboards. Available for free on the Apple App Store.
Yoenis Cespedes beats Bryce Harper to claim Derby title | MLB-com: News
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Twins president Dave St. Peter and two dozen other members of Minnesota's front office descended upon Citi Field for this year's All-Star Game festivities to get a better feel for the Midsummer Classic, which will be held at Target Field next year.
Twins executives met with members of both Major League Baseball and the New York Mets' staff throughout the week to find out more about what goes into hosting the 2014 All-Star Game. It marks the return of the iconic event to Minnesota for the first time since 1985. "I think the benefit to this is just to reconfirm the significance of the event," St. Peter said. "We have a lot of people who have been through jewel events in baseball, but there are also a number of our people who frankly have not. So it's opened our eyes and the biggest thing is that it helped us develop better relationships with people with Major League Baseball."
St. Peter and the rest of the Twins staffers arrived last week, taking in as many events as possible leading up to Tuesday's All-Star Game, including FanFest, Sunday's Futures Game and Monday's Home Run Derby. Members of the community relations staff also attended many of the charity efforts hosted around New York City throughout the week.
"I remain convinced that people in Minnesota and the upper Midwest have no idea how big this event has gotten," St. Peter said. "I know the people in Major League Baseball are excited about it coming to Minnesota because we have critical mass and a downtown ballpark. We have the ability to do a lot of things within a tight radius, which creates an interesting dynamic."
Target Field is considered one of baseball's crown jewels, with ground being broken on the $545 million stadium on Aug. 20, 2007. It officially opened on April 12, 2010, with 38,145 fans on hand to see the Twins beat the Red Sox, 5-2.
The ballpark, conveniently located in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, currently holds 39,021 fans with 54 private suites, 12 group party suites, as well as popular areas such as the Champions Club, Legends Club and the Budweiser Roof Deck in left field. New drink rail seating was also added in right field near Target Plaza before this season, lowering the official capacity from its original total of 39,504.
"We expect sellouts," St. Peter said about All-Star events next year. "I know there were empty seats here at the Futures Game on Sunday but we don't expect that. We think it'll be like Kansas City without an open seat for three days. We have a small ballpark with limited capacity and a large season-ticket base. So that should help us."
The All-Star Game traditionally has a major effect on the host city's local economy as well, as Commissioner Bud Selig said he estimates the All-Star Game will bring about $75-100 million to the local economy and about $5 million will go to local charities.
"I love the Twin Cities," Selig said. "Great franchise. Great fans. Beautiful ballpark. I'm really looking forward to Minnesota. I have a very soft spot in my heart, maybe because of my relationship with [late owner] Carl Pohlad and the whole Pohlad family. So I'm really looking forward to it.
"I had promised them when they got a new park. But, look, they deserved it. It's a wonderful baseball town. Great tradition. I'm a fan of Minnesota, I really am."
The Twins have been angling to host an All-Star Game since 2008, as it's been a near 30-year wait for the Midsummer Classic to return to the Twin Cities.
In the 1985 All-Star Game, the National League defeated the American League, 6-1, with LaMarr Hoyt winning Most Valuable Player honors for pitching three scoreless innings at the Metrodome, which was the home of the Twins from 1982-09.
That event came 20 years after the '65 Classic at Metropolitan Stadium, the outdoor home of the Twins from 1961-81. The NL won that one, 6-5, despite a two-run homer from hometown favorite and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer, a St. Paul native, was just two years old the last time Minnesota hosted an All-Star Game and said he can't wait for its return next year.
"I think it'll be a great venue with it right downtown," said Mauer, a six-time All-Star. "I think downtown and First Avenue will be buzzing. It will be a lot of fun. Minnesotans will come out. I know that. It'll be a great atmosphere."
Minnesota closer Glen Perkins, who hails from nearby Stillwater, Minn. and was an All-Star for the first time this year, also said he believes Target Field will be a great venue for the event.
"I think we have good fans and it'll be an awesome venue for it," Perkins said. "I think Target Field with the way it's set up will be an awesome spectacle. All our guys are here taking notes and all that."
Target Field already preparing to host All-Star Game in 2014 | MLB-com: News
Twins executives met with members of both Major League Baseball and the New York Mets' staff throughout the week to find out more about what goes into hosting the 2014 All-Star Game. It marks the return of the iconic event to Minnesota for the first time since 1985. "I think the benefit to this is just to reconfirm the significance of the event," St. Peter said. "We have a lot of people who have been through jewel events in baseball, but there are also a number of our people who frankly have not. So it's opened our eyes and the biggest thing is that it helped us develop better relationships with people with Major League Baseball."
St. Peter and the rest of the Twins staffers arrived last week, taking in as many events as possible leading up to Tuesday's All-Star Game, including FanFest, Sunday's Futures Game and Monday's Home Run Derby. Members of the community relations staff also attended many of the charity efforts hosted around New York City throughout the week.
"I remain convinced that people in Minnesota and the upper Midwest have no idea how big this event has gotten," St. Peter said. "I know the people in Major League Baseball are excited about it coming to Minnesota because we have critical mass and a downtown ballpark. We have the ability to do a lot of things within a tight radius, which creates an interesting dynamic."
Target Field is considered one of baseball's crown jewels, with ground being broken on the $545 million stadium on Aug. 20, 2007. It officially opened on April 12, 2010, with 38,145 fans on hand to see the Twins beat the Red Sox, 5-2.
The ballpark, conveniently located in the Warehouse District of downtown Minneapolis, currently holds 39,021 fans with 54 private suites, 12 group party suites, as well as popular areas such as the Champions Club, Legends Club and the Budweiser Roof Deck in left field. New drink rail seating was also added in right field near Target Plaza before this season, lowering the official capacity from its original total of 39,504.
"We expect sellouts," St. Peter said about All-Star events next year. "I know there were empty seats here at the Futures Game on Sunday but we don't expect that. We think it'll be like Kansas City without an open seat for three days. We have a small ballpark with limited capacity and a large season-ticket base. So that should help us."
The All-Star Game traditionally has a major effect on the host city's local economy as well, as Commissioner Bud Selig said he estimates the All-Star Game will bring about $75-100 million to the local economy and about $5 million will go to local charities.
"I love the Twin Cities," Selig said. "Great franchise. Great fans. Beautiful ballpark. I'm really looking forward to Minnesota. I have a very soft spot in my heart, maybe because of my relationship with [late owner] Carl Pohlad and the whole Pohlad family. So I'm really looking forward to it.
"I had promised them when they got a new park. But, look, they deserved it. It's a wonderful baseball town. Great tradition. I'm a fan of Minnesota, I really am."
The Twins have been angling to host an All-Star Game since 2008, as it's been a near 30-year wait for the Midsummer Classic to return to the Twin Cities.
In the 1985 All-Star Game, the National League defeated the American League, 6-1, with LaMarr Hoyt winning Most Valuable Player honors for pitching three scoreless innings at the Metrodome, which was the home of the Twins from 1982-09.
That event came 20 years after the '65 Classic at Metropolitan Stadium, the outdoor home of the Twins from 1961-81. The NL won that one, 6-5, despite a two-run homer from hometown favorite and Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer, a St. Paul native, was just two years old the last time Minnesota hosted an All-Star Game and said he can't wait for its return next year.
"I think it'll be a great venue with it right downtown," said Mauer, a six-time All-Star. "I think downtown and First Avenue will be buzzing. It will be a lot of fun. Minnesotans will come out. I know that. It'll be a great atmosphere."
Minnesota closer Glen Perkins, who hails from nearby Stillwater, Minn. and was an All-Star for the first time this year, also said he believes Target Field will be a great venue for the event.
"I think we have good fans and it'll be an awesome venue for it," Perkins said. "I think Target Field with the way it's set up will be an awesome spectacle. All our guys are here taking notes and all that."
Target Field already preparing to host All-Star Game in 2014 | MLB-com: News
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"Any questions not related to Biogenesis or brain cancer?"
Some in the room chuckled nervously. The rest were silent.
Michael Weiner had brought the room to a standstill, exactly what the head of the players union refuses to allow inoperable brain cancer to do to him. He addressed both subjects Tuesday during an annual All-Star week meeting with the Baseball Writers Association of America — equally straight on and with the thoughtfulness, feistiness and wit that has marked his tenure since 2009 atop sports' most powerful union.
Confined to a wheelchair after recent rapid physical deterioration that has cost him the ability to walk, the use of his right arm and other functions on the right side of his body, Weiner is fully engaged this All-Star week.
"He's a lot braver than I am," said Mets third baseman David Wright, who with former player Nomar Garciaparra and others held up personalized Weiner signs Monday as the stadium rose for a Stand Up 2 Cancer tribute.
"You talk to him, he's sharp, he's still really witty and you can just tell that determination he has," Wright says. "As much as I feel for him, he will not allow you to feel sorry for him. He's truly amazing."
In front of the writers, Weiner explained his treatment, talked about the union's plans for a possible replacement and set the agenda for the day when he took on MLB over players' rights in the investigation of Biogenesis, the Miami clinic linked to possible use of performance enhancing drugs by players. When he said, "It's been a struggle," he was talking about the almost daily contact with MLB about the ramifications of the Biogenesis revelations that could be coming soon.
And he began his remarks by joking, "I understand (Commissioner) Bud (Selig) was on Letterman last night and all the suspensions have been meted out."
Weiner learned last year that he had an inoperable tumor, visiting a doctor after feeling weakness in his right leg and tingling in his hand and foot.
"In June, I experienced a rapid increase in my symptoms," he said. He's moved to an experimental medication and should know within a couple of weeks how much that might help his condition.
With family and colleagues watching, Weiner was equally calm in discussing his health and probably the tensest time in what otherwise has become a smoother and less contentious relationship with MLB during his tenure.
Prevailing over it all is his zest for life that he maintains with, he admits, a slightly different focus.
"We don't know how much time I have," he said. "I don't know if I look at things different. Maybe they just became more important to me consciously going forward.
"I get up in the morning and I feel I'm going to live each day as it comes. I don't take any day for granted. I don't take the next morning for granted. I look for beauty, meaning and joy. If I find beauty, meaning and joy, that's a good day." Weiner says the union is in the process of appointing a deputy executive director. He shot down news reports that his predecessor, Donald Fehr and Gene Orza, Fehr's longtime deputy, would return.
He says a deputy director, a new position, should be filled within a couple of weeks.
"We have an emergency contingency plan that's been in place for several months," Weiner said. "A deputy executive director would succeed me and be voted on the board in November."
The players know the job will be difficult to fill.
"He cares about the game of baseball and he wants everything to be fair," said Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
That's what Weiner was trying to get across Tuesday when, in his discussion of the drug issues, he pointed out players aren't unanimous.
"Some players' initial reaction is just throw the book at (violators)," he said. "We have to explain what rights those players have. At the same time, we have a drug agreement to enforce," an agreement Weiner says he fully supports.
"The inspiration that he is, it's incredible," said Colorado Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer. "To be going through what he is, he'll go fight for what he believes is right. That's an extremely strong person."
Ailing union chief ready to take on MLB
Some in the room chuckled nervously. The rest were silent.
Michael Weiner had brought the room to a standstill, exactly what the head of the players union refuses to allow inoperable brain cancer to do to him. He addressed both subjects Tuesday during an annual All-Star week meeting with the Baseball Writers Association of America — equally straight on and with the thoughtfulness, feistiness and wit that has marked his tenure since 2009 atop sports' most powerful union.
Confined to a wheelchair after recent rapid physical deterioration that has cost him the ability to walk, the use of his right arm and other functions on the right side of his body, Weiner is fully engaged this All-Star week.
"He's a lot braver than I am," said Mets third baseman David Wright, who with former player Nomar Garciaparra and others held up personalized Weiner signs Monday as the stadium rose for a Stand Up 2 Cancer tribute.
"You talk to him, he's sharp, he's still really witty and you can just tell that determination he has," Wright says. "As much as I feel for him, he will not allow you to feel sorry for him. He's truly amazing."
In front of the writers, Weiner explained his treatment, talked about the union's plans for a possible replacement and set the agenda for the day when he took on MLB over players' rights in the investigation of Biogenesis, the Miami clinic linked to possible use of performance enhancing drugs by players. When he said, "It's been a struggle," he was talking about the almost daily contact with MLB about the ramifications of the Biogenesis revelations that could be coming soon.
And he began his remarks by joking, "I understand (Commissioner) Bud (Selig) was on Letterman last night and all the suspensions have been meted out."
Weiner learned last year that he had an inoperable tumor, visiting a doctor after feeling weakness in his right leg and tingling in his hand and foot.
"In June, I experienced a rapid increase in my symptoms," he said. He's moved to an experimental medication and should know within a couple of weeks how much that might help his condition.
With family and colleagues watching, Weiner was equally calm in discussing his health and probably the tensest time in what otherwise has become a smoother and less contentious relationship with MLB during his tenure.
Prevailing over it all is his zest for life that he maintains with, he admits, a slightly different focus.
"We don't know how much time I have," he said. "I don't know if I look at things different. Maybe they just became more important to me consciously going forward.
"I get up in the morning and I feel I'm going to live each day as it comes. I don't take any day for granted. I don't take the next morning for granted. I look for beauty, meaning and joy. If I find beauty, meaning and joy, that's a good day." Weiner says the union is in the process of appointing a deputy executive director. He shot down news reports that his predecessor, Donald Fehr and Gene Orza, Fehr's longtime deputy, would return.
He says a deputy director, a new position, should be filled within a couple of weeks.
"We have an emergency contingency plan that's been in place for several months," Weiner said. "A deputy executive director would succeed me and be voted on the board in November."
The players know the job will be difficult to fill.
"He cares about the game of baseball and he wants everything to be fair," said Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.
That's what Weiner was trying to get across Tuesday when, in his discussion of the drug issues, he pointed out players aren't unanimous.
"Some players' initial reaction is just throw the book at (violators)," he said. "We have to explain what rights those players have. At the same time, we have a drug agreement to enforce," an agreement Weiner says he fully supports.
"The inspiration that he is, it's incredible," said Colorado Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer. "To be going through what he is, he'll go fight for what he believes is right. That's an extremely strong person."
Ailing union chief ready to take on MLB
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Trying to predict MLB trades in July is probably a fool’s errand. Sometimes long-rumored deals come to fruition, sometimes they seem just about done then fall through at the last minute, and sometimes huge moves come without any preceding reports or speculation.
But discussing and dissecting possible trade-deadline deals is one of the great joys of baseball’s July, as fans and media work to decipher which teams will part with young players for immediate help, which will retool for the future and which will stand pat. There will be surprises and disappointments, undoubtedly, and big rumored deals that never happen and small ones that get over-analyzed. For now, let’s take a look at some rumors and needs and look for logical fits.
It’s unlikely any of these trades will happen, but all of them seem to make some sense for the clubs involved. All signs point to Garza getting dealt at the trade deadline: The Cubs aren’t contending and he’s a solid mid-rotation starter with postseason experience. Chicago is said to be looking for a haul similar to the one the Brewers got for Zack Greinke last year, which was headlined by 2013 All-Star Jean Segura and two starting pitching prospects.
It’s impossible to know how teams value their competitors’ prospects, and Polanco is probably a bit better regarded nationally than Segura was at this point last season. But the Pirates have young outfielders performing at the Major League level and the Cubs don’t have a ton in the way of outfield prospects above A-ball.
Polanco, who’s playing well in Double-A, may seem too steep a price for the Pirates to pay for a pitcher of Garza’s caliber. But the Pirates appear to have their best shot at the playoffs in years, and much of their first-half success was based on starting pitching performances that seem unsustainable. Wandy Rodriguez should return to their rotation soon, but adding Garza would fortify the staff and give them more flexibility to limit rookie Gerrit Cole’s innings later in the season.
The Pirates are believed to be looking for help in right field and rumors have swirled around Cubs’ right-fielder Nate Schierholtz, so maybe there’s room for an inter-division trade to expand. This one hinges on a few variables: It assumes that center fielder Matt Kemp will return from the disabled list sometime soon and Carl Crawford won’t hurt himself before that happens, leaving the Dodgers with too many high-priced outfielders for too few spots. And for it to go down, the Mets would have to be confident in gangly converted shortstop Wilmer Flores’ ability to handle the keystone — where he’s played most of the season in Triple-A — and convince the big-spending Dodgers to eat a whole lot of Ethier’s salary.
Both players are enduring down years, but both would stand to upgrade their new teams. Murphy can hit a bit and capably handle three of the four infield positions, including the ones where the Dodgers use struggling Mark Ellis and overperforming Juan Uribe. And he’s a good enough player to save them some face for dealing Ethier, whom they just signed to a big and silly contract extension.
The Mets have no proven Major League outfielders signed past this season, so Ethier — warts and all — would upgrade the club and provide some of the left-handed power they’re still waiting on from Ike Davis. And moving Murphy gives them room to get Flores’ promising bat into their lineup. Citing “one exec,” Jon Heyman of CBSSports-com reports that Dunn might be hard to move in the second-to-last year of a four-year, $56 million contract. But the Big Donkey has been hot of late — he’s got a .984 OPS since the start of June — and would provide the Orioles a power bat to improve their woeful DH situation.
Baltimore designated hitters have hit a league-worst .197 with a puny .643 OPS. Though Dunn has said he prefers playing the field, his bat would bolster the Orioles’ offense and give the generally very aggressive-hitting team at least one very patient hitter.
The Orioles need pitching more than they need offense, but there are a lot of ways to try to outscore opponents. If they could afford to bring on part or all of Dunn’s contract, he’d represent an easy upgrade that costs them nothing more than money. One potential hangup: The Orioles have hot-hitting Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia waiting in the wings in Triple-A.
Matt Garza to the Pirates and other MLB trades that should happen | For The Win
But discussing and dissecting possible trade-deadline deals is one of the great joys of baseball’s July, as fans and media work to decipher which teams will part with young players for immediate help, which will retool for the future and which will stand pat. There will be surprises and disappointments, undoubtedly, and big rumored deals that never happen and small ones that get over-analyzed. For now, let’s take a look at some rumors and needs and look for logical fits.
It’s unlikely any of these trades will happen, but all of them seem to make some sense for the clubs involved. All signs point to Garza getting dealt at the trade deadline: The Cubs aren’t contending and he’s a solid mid-rotation starter with postseason experience. Chicago is said to be looking for a haul similar to the one the Brewers got for Zack Greinke last year, which was headlined by 2013 All-Star Jean Segura and two starting pitching prospects.
It’s impossible to know how teams value their competitors’ prospects, and Polanco is probably a bit better regarded nationally than Segura was at this point last season. But the Pirates have young outfielders performing at the Major League level and the Cubs don’t have a ton in the way of outfield prospects above A-ball.
Polanco, who’s playing well in Double-A, may seem too steep a price for the Pirates to pay for a pitcher of Garza’s caliber. But the Pirates appear to have their best shot at the playoffs in years, and much of their first-half success was based on starting pitching performances that seem unsustainable. Wandy Rodriguez should return to their rotation soon, but adding Garza would fortify the staff and give them more flexibility to limit rookie Gerrit Cole’s innings later in the season.
The Pirates are believed to be looking for help in right field and rumors have swirled around Cubs’ right-fielder Nate Schierholtz, so maybe there’s room for an inter-division trade to expand. This one hinges on a few variables: It assumes that center fielder Matt Kemp will return from the disabled list sometime soon and Carl Crawford won’t hurt himself before that happens, leaving the Dodgers with too many high-priced outfielders for too few spots. And for it to go down, the Mets would have to be confident in gangly converted shortstop Wilmer Flores’ ability to handle the keystone — where he’s played most of the season in Triple-A — and convince the big-spending Dodgers to eat a whole lot of Ethier’s salary.
Both players are enduring down years, but both would stand to upgrade their new teams. Murphy can hit a bit and capably handle three of the four infield positions, including the ones where the Dodgers use struggling Mark Ellis and overperforming Juan Uribe. And he’s a good enough player to save them some face for dealing Ethier, whom they just signed to a big and silly contract extension.
The Mets have no proven Major League outfielders signed past this season, so Ethier — warts and all — would upgrade the club and provide some of the left-handed power they’re still waiting on from Ike Davis. And moving Murphy gives them room to get Flores’ promising bat into their lineup. Citing “one exec,” Jon Heyman of CBSSports-com reports that Dunn might be hard to move in the second-to-last year of a four-year, $56 million contract. But the Big Donkey has been hot of late — he’s got a .984 OPS since the start of June — and would provide the Orioles a power bat to improve their woeful DH situation.
Baltimore designated hitters have hit a league-worst .197 with a puny .643 OPS. Though Dunn has said he prefers playing the field, his bat would bolster the Orioles’ offense and give the generally very aggressive-hitting team at least one very patient hitter.
The Orioles need pitching more than they need offense, but there are a lot of ways to try to outscore opponents. If they could afford to bring on part or all of Dunn’s contract, he’d represent an easy upgrade that costs them nothing more than money. One potential hangup: The Orioles have hot-hitting Cuban outfielder Henry Urrutia waiting in the wings in Triple-A.
Matt Garza to the Pirates and other MLB trades that should happen | For The Win
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Brandon Barnes earned a spot in franchise lore on Friday night even more exclusive than the Astros' extensive no-hit club, as he notched the eighth cycle in team history.
The center fielder barely beat out a double in the eighth inning, putting an historic tint to a night in which he went 5-for-5, scored three runs and drove in two during Houston's 10-7 loss to Seattle.
"It's the top moment [of my career so far]," Barnes said. "I was just thankful to do it in front of my wife. That was an awesome moment."
He's the first Astros player to hit for the cycle since Luke Scott did it in reverse order as a rookie against the D-backs in 2006, when he needed an extra-inning affair to provide one extra opportunity at the dish.
The last Astros right-handed hitter to accomplish the feat was Craig Biggio, who pulled it off against the Rockies in April 2002.
That's lofty company for Barnes, who is still a rookie and has only been a full-time starter in center for the last two months.
He's swung a hot-and-cold bat all year, garnering notoriety more for his highlight-reel catches in the spacious Minute Maid outfield than for wielding a prodigious bat.
"I'm not worried on how I'm perceived about whether I'm a defensive player or offensive guy," Barnes said. "I just do everything in my capability to play hard and good things can come out there. That's how nights like tonight happen."
He won't have to worry about perception after Friday's performance. He took Seattle starter Joe Saunders deep for a no-doubt solo home run over the 404-foot sign in left-center field during the second inning to kickstart the quest for one of baseball's rare hitting feats.
Barnes erased the ever-difficult triple off the cycle checklist in the fourth, lining a ball into the right-field gap that plated a run.
A single in the sixth put a palpable buzz into the home crowd, but it burned out quickly when the Mariners smashed a three-run blast to nab a 9-3 lead in the eighth.
Still, in the Houston dugout, everyone knew. No-hitters and near misses are treated with reverential shunning among baseball folks and Barnes' attempt at a cycle was no different.
Teammates were careful with their words and silence surrounded Barnes more than praise in the dugout, but the scoreboard couldn't be ignored.
By the time he stepped to the plate with a man on first and no outs in the eighth inning, there was no denying the stakes, as his hits were splattered across the Minute Maid jumbotron for all to see. Home run, triple, single. Only a two-bagger's absence tantalizingly teased those awaiting history.
"I don't think it's anything you talk about, but everyone was aware of the potential for [a cycle] in the dugout," manager Bo Porter said. "Normally, the triple is the hardest one, so when he was able to get that one, you knew he had a chance."
As soon as Barnes slapped a 1-1 pitch down the first-base line, the crowd volume immediately ascended to a fever pitch almost as if the Astros had just clinched a postseason win.
But two bases wasn't a sure thing, as Seattle right fielder Michael Saunders expertly played the carom off the foul-territory fence and launched a one-hopper that beat Barnes to the base.
"When it was there, I had to go for it," Barnes said. "I just was excited I had the opportunity in front of me. I wanted to win, too, so I was stretching first for the team and because we needed runs."
The wiry 27-year-old narrowly dodged the high tag, drawing animated fist pumps from Barnes and a standing ovation from the Minute Maid crowd.
"I was aware that I needed that [double]," Barnes said. "So I said a little prayer before I went up there. I was grateful for what I'd done already, and I decided to make it fun."
For good measure, Barnes added an infield single in the ninth, completing a wholly unique night at the dish.
"That's what you call living right," Porter said.
He's the first Astros player to hit for the cycle against an American League team and just the second player in franchise history to complete his cycle with a double.
It's a rare club that Barnes joins, with Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Cesar Cedeno, who did it twice, among the other Astros to claim the cycle.
Barnes may not be the latest "Killer B" in an Houston uniform, but he was an honorary member for at least one night.
"Those guys are Hall-of-Famers in my book, and to be able to be associated with them in that aspect, it's a blessing and I'm thankful for that," Barnes said.
It's an even rarer feat than the no-hitter in club records, as Barnes made it eight cycles against ten Houston no-nos.
It's not even technically Barnes' first cycle as a pro, given that he hit for one with Class A Lancaster in June of 2010.
This one meant a little more, with Barnes joining an exclusive group of under 300 players in Major-League history who have managed four unique hits during a single game.
"That there's a great feat," said Porter. "It's obviously something that doesn't happen in our game every day. To accomplish it in a big league game is pretty impressive and it couldn't happen to a better guy.
"When you talk about accomplishments like the cycle, you may have seen it done before or talk about it amongst yourselves, but it's not often you have the opportunity. You may square the ball up so well, you end up getting three doubles. To Brandon's credit, he put together three really good at-bats and then put himself in position for this huge accomplishment."
Barnes records eighth cycle in Astros history | MLB-com: News
The center fielder barely beat out a double in the eighth inning, putting an historic tint to a night in which he went 5-for-5, scored three runs and drove in two during Houston's 10-7 loss to Seattle.
"It's the top moment [of my career so far]," Barnes said. "I was just thankful to do it in front of my wife. That was an awesome moment."
He's the first Astros player to hit for the cycle since Luke Scott did it in reverse order as a rookie against the D-backs in 2006, when he needed an extra-inning affair to provide one extra opportunity at the dish.
The last Astros right-handed hitter to accomplish the feat was Craig Biggio, who pulled it off against the Rockies in April 2002.
That's lofty company for Barnes, who is still a rookie and has only been a full-time starter in center for the last two months.
He's swung a hot-and-cold bat all year, garnering notoriety more for his highlight-reel catches in the spacious Minute Maid outfield than for wielding a prodigious bat.
"I'm not worried on how I'm perceived about whether I'm a defensive player or offensive guy," Barnes said. "I just do everything in my capability to play hard and good things can come out there. That's how nights like tonight happen."
He won't have to worry about perception after Friday's performance. He took Seattle starter Joe Saunders deep for a no-doubt solo home run over the 404-foot sign in left-center field during the second inning to kickstart the quest for one of baseball's rare hitting feats.
Barnes erased the ever-difficult triple off the cycle checklist in the fourth, lining a ball into the right-field gap that plated a run.
A single in the sixth put a palpable buzz into the home crowd, but it burned out quickly when the Mariners smashed a three-run blast to nab a 9-3 lead in the eighth.
Still, in the Houston dugout, everyone knew. No-hitters and near misses are treated with reverential shunning among baseball folks and Barnes' attempt at a cycle was no different.
Teammates were careful with their words and silence surrounded Barnes more than praise in the dugout, but the scoreboard couldn't be ignored.
By the time he stepped to the plate with a man on first and no outs in the eighth inning, there was no denying the stakes, as his hits were splattered across the Minute Maid jumbotron for all to see. Home run, triple, single. Only a two-bagger's absence tantalizingly teased those awaiting history.
"I don't think it's anything you talk about, but everyone was aware of the potential for [a cycle] in the dugout," manager Bo Porter said. "Normally, the triple is the hardest one, so when he was able to get that one, you knew he had a chance."
As soon as Barnes slapped a 1-1 pitch down the first-base line, the crowd volume immediately ascended to a fever pitch almost as if the Astros had just clinched a postseason win.
But two bases wasn't a sure thing, as Seattle right fielder Michael Saunders expertly played the carom off the foul-territory fence and launched a one-hopper that beat Barnes to the base.
"When it was there, I had to go for it," Barnes said. "I just was excited I had the opportunity in front of me. I wanted to win, too, so I was stretching first for the team and because we needed runs."
The wiry 27-year-old narrowly dodged the high tag, drawing animated fist pumps from Barnes and a standing ovation from the Minute Maid crowd.
"I was aware that I needed that [double]," Barnes said. "So I said a little prayer before I went up there. I was grateful for what I'd done already, and I decided to make it fun."
For good measure, Barnes added an infield single in the ninth, completing a wholly unique night at the dish.
"That's what you call living right," Porter said.
He's the first Astros player to hit for the cycle against an American League team and just the second player in franchise history to complete his cycle with a double.
It's a rare club that Barnes joins, with Biggio, Jeff Bagwell and Cesar Cedeno, who did it twice, among the other Astros to claim the cycle.
Barnes may not be the latest "Killer B" in an Houston uniform, but he was an honorary member for at least one night.
"Those guys are Hall-of-Famers in my book, and to be able to be associated with them in that aspect, it's a blessing and I'm thankful for that," Barnes said.
It's an even rarer feat than the no-hitter in club records, as Barnes made it eight cycles against ten Houston no-nos.
It's not even technically Barnes' first cycle as a pro, given that he hit for one with Class A Lancaster in June of 2010.
This one meant a little more, with Barnes joining an exclusive group of under 300 players in Major-League history who have managed four unique hits during a single game.
"That there's a great feat," said Porter. "It's obviously something that doesn't happen in our game every day. To accomplish it in a big league game is pretty impressive and it couldn't happen to a better guy.
"When you talk about accomplishments like the cycle, you may have seen it done before or talk about it amongst yourselves, but it's not often you have the opportunity. You may square the ball up so well, you end up getting three doubles. To Brandon's credit, he put together three really good at-bats and then put himself in position for this huge accomplishment."
Barnes records eighth cycle in Astros history | MLB-com: News
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2006/12/07
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What do you hear broadcasters saying more and more this season?
“He swings and misses, strike three!” “He takes a called third strike.”
If you want contact, 2013 is not for you. The season is taking on a similar pattern. Strikeouts are on the rise, and there are an abundance of theories as to why.
General managers, managers, and coaches were asked, what’s up? The GM of one prominent American League team said it’s clear that “the strike zone is wider.”
There appears to be no directive from Major League Baseball for umpires to call more strikes. But if you watch games on TV and see the strike zone box, you are seeing pitches out of the zone being called strikes. It may be as simple as what the GM said, but there are other interesting ideas out there. A couple of Red Sox hitters have also said there are a lot of pitches out of the zone being called strikes.
In addition to an increase in strikeouts, there were 40 shutouts in the first 428 games this season (9.3 percent). The highest rate of shutouts came in 2010, when there were 329 in 4,860 games (6.8 percent).
ESPN analyst Curt Schilling said, “There are more power arms than I’ve ever seen before. Ever.”
Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus offers no firm data on the subject, but a theory that “teams seem to be rushing young hitters to the majors in an effort to save payroll.”
Marlins bench coach Rob Leary echoes that sentiment, saying, “There are a lot of hitters in Major League Baseball who are just cutting their teeth and may not be ready.”
A special assistant to a National League GM said bluntly, “It’s steroids. It’s no secret that players took steroids to improve their strength and vision. As players begin to get off the stuff because of the tougher penalties, hitters can’t wait as long to swing. They’re getting fooled on pitches that just a few years ago they’d be able to wait on and at least foul off.”
A longtime AL scout feels there’s too much emphasis on seeing more pitches per at-bat.
“It’s the in vogue stat now — pitches per at-bat — and I think it’s really screwing up hitters,” he said. “Because hitters are taking so many pitches, they’re getting down in the count, 0-2, 1-2, and major league pitchers are able to exploit that. Instead of going up there with a solid, aggressive approach, they take so many pitches they’re getting themselves in pitchers’ counts and striking out more as a result.”
An NL scout said, “I think there’s an overload of data with some of these younger players. It starts at the minor league level, and instead of going up there and just seeing the ball and hitting it, it’s preached to them to make the pitcher pitch. Yeah, he’s pitching, and the hitter is going back to the bench with his tail between his legs.”
Orioles GM Dan Duquette said, “There are a lot of power arms, but hitters are not making the proper adjustments with two strikes.”
Some attribute it to cold weather all over the country, and therefore the pitchers have the early advantage. Another AL scout said, “There are more all-or-nothing-at-all hitters out there. Guys are swinging for the fences so there’s less contact being made.”
A couple of our scouts were blaming the hitting coaches.
“So many ideas out there,” said one. “These coaches change jobs year to year and hitters are just being saturated with new ideas and new ways of doing things that they never just get back to what got them to the big leagues.”
How many times have we heard a hitter say, “Just getting back to the way I used to hit.” Then why did you ever change it to begin with? There are opposing theories of hitting out there, for sure. There always have been. The in-vogue method is to stay back with your hands and back leg and move forward. Some hitting coaches think this is backward, pointing to the fact that some of the great hitters, such as Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks, were out front with all of their movements.
“Stay back . . . and watch the ball get past you and put yourself in a bad hitting position,” said one hitting coach who preaches the “out-front” method.
And, of course, the high strikeout totals could be mere coincidence. The Red Sox won a nine-inning game last week in which they struck out 16 times. The Tigers won a 14-inning game in which they struck out 21 times against the Mariners.
Aaron was mortified if he struck out 100 times in a season. There used to be pride. The Astros have data that suggests that when the count is 3-2, it’s better to take the pitch because the percentages are greater for a walk.
An out is an out. Does it really matter if it’s a strikeout?
“Keeping the ball in play creates the possibility of creating runs,” said Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is trying to reduce his strikeout total. “Good things can happen if you’re making contact.”
True, and good things happen if you’re hitting home runs, like Indians slugger Mark Reynolds does. He may break every strikeout record, but he hits a lot of home runs. He’ll take the tradeoff.
ROAD TO SOMEWHERE
Astros vets have a way out
One of the great benefits of playing for the Astros if you’re a veteran is that you get to showcase yourself for a possible trade at the deadline. Carlos Pena, Erik Bedard, and Bud Norris are prominent veterans who could perform well enough to escape a tough situation.
Norris could be the No. 1 guy on contenders’ wish lists (along with the Cubs’ Matt Garza if he shows he’s healthy and productive), according to an AL general manager. Norris, who is only 28, has added a changeup to his repertoire, which makes him even more valuable. The Astros are going to cash in big time on Norris, who is considered a No. 3 starter by most baseball people.
Teams will likely line up if Norris has a good first half. So far, the results have been mixed, but teams know what Norris is and what he isn’t. It’s nearly impossible to deal for a No. 1 starter, so Norris will be in demand.
Bedard is a lefthander
“He swings and misses, strike three!” “He takes a called third strike.”
If you want contact, 2013 is not for you. The season is taking on a similar pattern. Strikeouts are on the rise, and there are an abundance of theories as to why.
General managers, managers, and coaches were asked, what’s up? The GM of one prominent American League team said it’s clear that “the strike zone is wider.”
There appears to be no directive from Major League Baseball for umpires to call more strikes. But if you watch games on TV and see the strike zone box, you are seeing pitches out of the zone being called strikes. It may be as simple as what the GM said, but there are other interesting ideas out there. A couple of Red Sox hitters have also said there are a lot of pitches out of the zone being called strikes.
In addition to an increase in strikeouts, there were 40 shutouts in the first 428 games this season (9.3 percent). The highest rate of shutouts came in 2010, when there were 329 in 4,860 games (6.8 percent).
ESPN analyst Curt Schilling said, “There are more power arms than I’ve ever seen before. Ever.”
Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus offers no firm data on the subject, but a theory that “teams seem to be rushing young hitters to the majors in an effort to save payroll.”
Marlins bench coach Rob Leary echoes that sentiment, saying, “There are a lot of hitters in Major League Baseball who are just cutting their teeth and may not be ready.”
A special assistant to a National League GM said bluntly, “It’s steroids. It’s no secret that players took steroids to improve their strength and vision. As players begin to get off the stuff because of the tougher penalties, hitters can’t wait as long to swing. They’re getting fooled on pitches that just a few years ago they’d be able to wait on and at least foul off.”
A longtime AL scout feels there’s too much emphasis on seeing more pitches per at-bat.
“It’s the in vogue stat now — pitches per at-bat — and I think it’s really screwing up hitters,” he said. “Because hitters are taking so many pitches, they’re getting down in the count, 0-2, 1-2, and major league pitchers are able to exploit that. Instead of going up there with a solid, aggressive approach, they take so many pitches they’re getting themselves in pitchers’ counts and striking out more as a result.”
An NL scout said, “I think there’s an overload of data with some of these younger players. It starts at the minor league level, and instead of going up there and just seeing the ball and hitting it, it’s preached to them to make the pitcher pitch. Yeah, he’s pitching, and the hitter is going back to the bench with his tail between his legs.”
Orioles GM Dan Duquette said, “There are a lot of power arms, but hitters are not making the proper adjustments with two strikes.”
Some attribute it to cold weather all over the country, and therefore the pitchers have the early advantage. Another AL scout said, “There are more all-or-nothing-at-all hitters out there. Guys are swinging for the fences so there’s less contact being made.”
A couple of our scouts were blaming the hitting coaches.
“So many ideas out there,” said one. “These coaches change jobs year to year and hitters are just being saturated with new ideas and new ways of doing things that they never just get back to what got them to the big leagues.”
How many times have we heard a hitter say, “Just getting back to the way I used to hit.” Then why did you ever change it to begin with? There are opposing theories of hitting out there, for sure. There always have been. The in-vogue method is to stay back with your hands and back leg and move forward. Some hitting coaches think this is backward, pointing to the fact that some of the great hitters, such as Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks, were out front with all of their movements.
“Stay back . . . and watch the ball get past you and put yourself in a bad hitting position,” said one hitting coach who preaches the “out-front” method.
And, of course, the high strikeout totals could be mere coincidence. The Red Sox won a nine-inning game last week in which they struck out 16 times. The Tigers won a 14-inning game in which they struck out 21 times against the Mariners.
Aaron was mortified if he struck out 100 times in a season. There used to be pride. The Astros have data that suggests that when the count is 3-2, it’s better to take the pitch because the percentages are greater for a walk.
An out is an out. Does it really matter if it’s a strikeout?
“Keeping the ball in play creates the possibility of creating runs,” said Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who is trying to reduce his strikeout total. “Good things can happen if you’re making contact.”
True, and good things happen if you’re hitting home runs, like Indians slugger Mark Reynolds does. He may break every strikeout record, but he hits a lot of home runs. He’ll take the tradeoff.
ROAD TO SOMEWHERE
Astros vets have a way out
One of the great benefits of playing for the Astros if you’re a veteran is that you get to showcase yourself for a possible trade at the deadline. Carlos Pena, Erik Bedard, and Bud Norris are prominent veterans who could perform well enough to escape a tough situation.
Norris could be the No. 1 guy on contenders’ wish lists (along with the Cubs’ Matt Garza if he shows he’s healthy and productive), according to an AL general manager. Norris, who is only 28, has added a changeup to his repertoire, which makes him even more valuable. The Astros are going to cash in big time on Norris, who is considered a No. 3 starter by most baseball people.
Teams will likely line up if Norris has a good first half. So far, the results have been mixed, but teams know what Norris is and what he isn’t. It’s nearly impossible to deal for a No. 1 starter, so Norris will be in demand.
Bedard is a lefthander
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2006/12/07
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Trivia question: Which active Major Leaguer owns the highest career batting average?
Take your time … there's no rush to respond.
Maybe you guessed Miguel Cabrera, the owner of back-to-back American League batting crowns.
Perhaps you went with Albert Pujols. Sure, his Anaheim tenure hasn't always been peachy, but his stats across 11 seasons with St. Louis can compete with almost anyone's in baseball history.
Derek Jeter, the lone active player with more than 3,000 hits? Ichiro Suzuki, perhaps?
Nope, nope, nope and nope. None of the aforementioned answers is correct. The right reply would have been Twins catcher Joe Mauer, the career .323 hitter who on Monday helped 21-year-old Joe Catarelli advance one step closer to the Beat the Streak $5.6 million grand prize.
A resident of Commack, N.Y., and an aspiring police officer, Catarelli had a great deal riding on Mauer's bat Monday night, which he entered 71.9 percent of the way (41 picks out of 57) to millionaire status. The Minnesota catcher wasted no time helping Catarelli reach 42 consecutive correct picks, as he lined a single to right in his first at-bat of the night. The matchup looked good entering the contest, for sure, with the Minnesota star facing Angels starter Joe Blanton, against whom he entered play with a lifetime .360 average (9-for-25).
"My decision tonight on picking Joe Mauer was I felt he has a great track record against Joe Blanton," Catarelli said after the catcher collected the streak-extending single. "I also looked at it where Blanton has a high ERA, and [the] righty-lefty matchup was a good fit. Not only that, but I looked at Mauer's game from Sunday and [saw] that he was 0-for-4. The whole month of July, Joe Mauer never went back-to-back games with no hits."
That Mauer was the trivia answer and Catarelli's pick shouldn't come as a surprise, not with the 2009 AL MVP having three batting titles on his résumé. No catcher in baseball history has as many, in case you were curious.
Although Mauer appears to be a sound BTS selection for any given game, Catarelli chose him Monday in lieu of his typical go-to guys.
"During my current streak, I had a strategy going into it that I would pick Miguel Cabrera and [Angels outfielder] Mike Trout, mostly because I feel like you can never go wrong with both of those guys," Catarelli said.
One would struggle to find a flaw with that plan, not with Cabrera leading the Major Leagues with a .359 average heading into Monday's action. Trout, whose .321 average ranks in the top 10, has been hitting in Cabrera fashion, batting .358 since the start of June.
But his success aside, Catarelli didn't get an article penned about him simply by picking top players. No, the ardent Mets fan deserves more credit than that. Because to excel in BTS, it's not just about whom you pick, but when you pick them.
"If I saw Cabrera go 0-for-4 [on a day] when I picked a guy like [Yankees second baseman Robinson] Cano, I would make sure I'd pick [Cabrera the following day because] you never really see Cabrera go 0-fer in two days," Catarelli said.
A look at last year's AL Triple Crown winner's game logs buttresses Catarelli's logic a great deal; Cabrera has gone hitless in just 17 of 97 games this season, with back-to-back 0-fers occurring just twice.
Coincidentally, Catarelli called on Cabrera during the first half of the third baseman's initial mini-skid, way back on June 12, when his current BTS run was just five picks old. The streak was saved, however, by a Mulligan Feature that was added to the BTS rules in 2012. The Mulligan Feature is a one-time streak savior that can be used early on, specifically on runs that are between five and nine picks long.
Beat the Streak participants try to establish a virtual hitting streak by picking one or two big leaguers per day, with their streaks continuing as long as their selections collect at least one hit that day. In 13-plus seasons of BTS play, no one has matched Joe DiMaggio's magic hitting streak of 56, set in 1941. To win the $5.6 million grand prize, one must surpass Joe D.'s record streak.
Although he is still 15 successful selections away from earning a life-changing payday, Catarelli told MLB-com that his BTS experience "feels great."
"I'm a little nervous, as well, because I could really use the money," he added. "When I decided to play, I felt like this is going to be a tough thing to do, but now that I'm actually at 42, I'm getting anxious."
Fans this year have been chasing the 57 mark in a more aggressive fashion than ever. You can, too -- for free, no less. And best of all, participating takes just seconds a day. Not a bad deal considering the millions of reasons to play.
Joe Mauer advances Beat the Streak mark to 42 games | MLB-com: News
Take your time … there's no rush to respond.
Maybe you guessed Miguel Cabrera, the owner of back-to-back American League batting crowns.
Perhaps you went with Albert Pujols. Sure, his Anaheim tenure hasn't always been peachy, but his stats across 11 seasons with St. Louis can compete with almost anyone's in baseball history.
Derek Jeter, the lone active player with more than 3,000 hits? Ichiro Suzuki, perhaps?
Nope, nope, nope and nope. None of the aforementioned answers is correct. The right reply would have been Twins catcher Joe Mauer, the career .323 hitter who on Monday helped 21-year-old Joe Catarelli advance one step closer to the Beat the Streak $5.6 million grand prize.
A resident of Commack, N.Y., and an aspiring police officer, Catarelli had a great deal riding on Mauer's bat Monday night, which he entered 71.9 percent of the way (41 picks out of 57) to millionaire status. The Minnesota catcher wasted no time helping Catarelli reach 42 consecutive correct picks, as he lined a single to right in his first at-bat of the night. The matchup looked good entering the contest, for sure, with the Minnesota star facing Angels starter Joe Blanton, against whom he entered play with a lifetime .360 average (9-for-25).
"My decision tonight on picking Joe Mauer was I felt he has a great track record against Joe Blanton," Catarelli said after the catcher collected the streak-extending single. "I also looked at it where Blanton has a high ERA, and [the] righty-lefty matchup was a good fit. Not only that, but I looked at Mauer's game from Sunday and [saw] that he was 0-for-4. The whole month of July, Joe Mauer never went back-to-back games with no hits."
That Mauer was the trivia answer and Catarelli's pick shouldn't come as a surprise, not with the 2009 AL MVP having three batting titles on his résumé. No catcher in baseball history has as many, in case you were curious.
Although Mauer appears to be a sound BTS selection for any given game, Catarelli chose him Monday in lieu of his typical go-to guys.
"During my current streak, I had a strategy going into it that I would pick Miguel Cabrera and [Angels outfielder] Mike Trout, mostly because I feel like you can never go wrong with both of those guys," Catarelli said.
One would struggle to find a flaw with that plan, not with Cabrera leading the Major Leagues with a .359 average heading into Monday's action. Trout, whose .321 average ranks in the top 10, has been hitting in Cabrera fashion, batting .358 since the start of June.
But his success aside, Catarelli didn't get an article penned about him simply by picking top players. No, the ardent Mets fan deserves more credit than that. Because to excel in BTS, it's not just about whom you pick, but when you pick them.
"If I saw Cabrera go 0-for-4 [on a day] when I picked a guy like [Yankees second baseman Robinson] Cano, I would make sure I'd pick [Cabrera the following day because] you never really see Cabrera go 0-fer in two days," Catarelli said.
A look at last year's AL Triple Crown winner's game logs buttresses Catarelli's logic a great deal; Cabrera has gone hitless in just 17 of 97 games this season, with back-to-back 0-fers occurring just twice.
Coincidentally, Catarelli called on Cabrera during the first half of the third baseman's initial mini-skid, way back on June 12, when his current BTS run was just five picks old. The streak was saved, however, by a Mulligan Feature that was added to the BTS rules in 2012. The Mulligan Feature is a one-time streak savior that can be used early on, specifically on runs that are between five and nine picks long.
Beat the Streak participants try to establish a virtual hitting streak by picking one or two big leaguers per day, with their streaks continuing as long as their selections collect at least one hit that day. In 13-plus seasons of BTS play, no one has matched Joe DiMaggio's magic hitting streak of 56, set in 1941. To win the $5.6 million grand prize, one must surpass Joe D.'s record streak.
Although he is still 15 successful selections away from earning a life-changing payday, Catarelli told MLB-com that his BTS experience "feels great."
"I'm a little nervous, as well, because I could really use the money," he added. "When I decided to play, I felt like this is going to be a tough thing to do, but now that I'm actually at 42, I'm getting anxious."
Fans this year have been chasing the 57 mark in a more aggressive fashion than ever. You can, too -- for free, no less. And best of all, participating takes just seconds a day. Not a bad deal considering the millions of reasons to play.
Joe Mauer advances Beat the Streak mark to 42 games | MLB-com: News
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Will Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez take the quiet and compliant approach when MLB inevitably attempts to discipline him for his role in the Biogenesis scandal? A pair of recent reports suggests that his response will be quiet different from Ryan Braun, who recently negotiated a 65-game ban with MLB. ........A lifetime suspension ... Considering A-Rod has never before been disciplined for PED use, this would be a bold play by MLB. A lifetime ban, of course, is the "third strike" penalty laid out in the Joint Drug Agreement, but this would surely be a "non-analytic positive" (i.e., a suspension in response to something other than a failed drug test), and as such A-Rod would be permitted a vigorous appeal.
And speaking of a "vigorous appeal," A-Rod, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, is gearing up for just that. Nightengale writes:
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has no intention of negotiating a settlement with Major League Baseball, two persons close to Rodriguez told USA TODAY Sports, and currently plans to appeal any potential suspension.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, while Rodriguez continues to seek counsel from his legal team.
Major League Baseball is prepared to suspend Rodriguez at least 100 games, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation, for his role with Biogenesis, alleged lies about past performance-enhancing drug use and possible interference in the investigation.
None of this should be terribly surprising. CBSSports-com's Jon Heyman reported not long ago that MLB has designs on a lengthy suspension for A-Rod, and the evidence against Rodriguez is reportedly more damning than what was wielded, to great effect, against Braun. Rodriguez, of course, also has more financial "skin in the game" than does even Braun, and a suspension of 100 games or more would cost Rodriguez quite a bit of money, even by his well-heeled standards.
It's difficult to lay out any certainties without knowing exactly what MLB has on A-Rod, but at this point it seems likely that Rodriguez is heading for a suspension substantially greater than what Braun agreed to. A lifetime ban, though, seems unlikely (unless Rodriguez -- at age 37, in a pattern of decline and without a good hip to his name -- earns a suspension that becomes a de facto lifetime banishment).
I also wouldn't dismiss out of hand the possibility that an agreement could still be reached. Just as MLB's lifetime-ban saber-rattling is probably at heart a negotiating tactic, so is Rodriguez's leaked unwillingness to negotiate. Even the prospect of negotiating is itself a negotiation.
With that said, the safe bet is that once this plays out MLB is going to be left pining for Braun's sense of capitulation, and A-Rod is going to be left pining for Braun's eventual punishment.
Will MLB push for lifetime ban for A-Rod? - CBSSports-com
And speaking of a "vigorous appeal," A-Rod, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, is gearing up for just that. Nightengale writes:
New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez has no intention of negotiating a settlement with Major League Baseball, two persons close to Rodriguez told USA TODAY Sports, and currently plans to appeal any potential suspension.
The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, while Rodriguez continues to seek counsel from his legal team.
Major League Baseball is prepared to suspend Rodriguez at least 100 games, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation, for his role with Biogenesis, alleged lies about past performance-enhancing drug use and possible interference in the investigation.
None of this should be terribly surprising. CBSSports-com's Jon Heyman reported not long ago that MLB has designs on a lengthy suspension for A-Rod, and the evidence against Rodriguez is reportedly more damning than what was wielded, to great effect, against Braun. Rodriguez, of course, also has more financial "skin in the game" than does even Braun, and a suspension of 100 games or more would cost Rodriguez quite a bit of money, even by his well-heeled standards.
It's difficult to lay out any certainties without knowing exactly what MLB has on A-Rod, but at this point it seems likely that Rodriguez is heading for a suspension substantially greater than what Braun agreed to. A lifetime ban, though, seems unlikely (unless Rodriguez -- at age 37, in a pattern of decline and without a good hip to his name -- earns a suspension that becomes a de facto lifetime banishment).
I also wouldn't dismiss out of hand the possibility that an agreement could still be reached. Just as MLB's lifetime-ban saber-rattling is probably at heart a negotiating tactic, so is Rodriguez's leaked unwillingness to negotiate. Even the prospect of negotiating is itself a negotiation.
With that said, the safe bet is that once this plays out MLB is going to be left pining for Braun's sense of capitulation, and A-Rod is going to be left pining for Braun's eventual punishment.
Will MLB push for lifetime ban for A-Rod? - CBSSports-com
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When Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio learned his franchise player had accepted a season-ending suspension, he was not angry.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since Ryan Braun admitted to violations of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Attanasio expressed a different emotion.
"I'm sad," he said. "When I thought about Milwaukee baseball, this is not what I envisioned. But I recognize also that this organization is bigger than anyone, certainly bigger than me. ... I think we will work together to ride through the difficult times so we can enjoy some good times -- and there will be good times again." Will Braun be part of those good times?
"You know, he is under contract with us," Attanasio said, referring to a club-record deal that runs through 2020. "I know there is a lot of commentary now. Right now, the full expectation is to keep him, and the full expectation is that he is going to do the right things, he is going to say the right things and he is going to put in a lot of hard work to get back into folks' good graces.
"That is going to take some time. It's not like we are going to be at Opening Day next year and we're going to be through this. We are not going to be through this."
Attanasio briefly met in person with Braun on Wednesday in Milwaukee, just as details were beginning to emerge about the transgressions that triggered Braun's 65-game suspension on Monday.
Citing anonymous sources, ESPN-com investigative reporter T.J. Quinn reported that Braun's relationship with Tony Bosch and Biogenesis began during the summer of 2011, several months before the October drug test which would trigger Braun's long battle with MLB.
Quinn said via Twitter that his sources alleged Braun "was on a performance-enhancing-drug regimen for high-end clients," and posted an image, allegedly in Bosch's handwriting, of an example of that regimen. It included mint- or cherry-flavored lozenges containing testosterone that a user would place under his tongue.
Throughout July 2011, Braun was dealing with a left calf strain suffered on an eighth-inning groundout in Minnesota on July 2, 2011. The next morning, Braun was named a starting outfielder on the National League All-Star team -- the league's leading vote-getter -- but he would miss the Midsummer Classic because of his injury.
Braun rejoined the Brewers' lineup on July 14 of that year and batted .346 in his final 67 regular-season games, with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. He then hit .405 with nine extra-base hits in the postseason, including a 3-for-4 performance in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the D-backs. It was after that game that Braun submitted a urine sample that allegedly showed elevated levels of synthetic testosterone, triggering a 50-game suspension, which Braun successfully appealed by questioning the chain of custody of his sample.
On Monday, Braun was suspended for the remainder of 2013 and the postseason. He said in a statement released by MLB, "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
Attanasio intends to participate in Braun's pending public-relations effort.
"I've told Ryan that I would like to take a more active role in talking to him going forward, and he is very accepting of that," Attanasio said. "He wants to do the right thing at this point going forward. This was a first step, by coming forward and agreeing to a penalty and being the first player to do that. That is a first step, and it is a baby step, but it is a step in the right direction."
Even as he addressed reporters in an impromptu news conference held during the seventh inning of the Brewers' 3-1 win over the Padres on Wednesday, Attanasio, like other Brewers officials and all of Braun's teammates, did not know the details of Braun's violations.
Privately, some of Braun's longtime teammates say they want answers after supporting him so vocally over the past year and a half. Attanasio said he believed a thorough public explanation should be the first step of Braun's quest for redemption.
"I think he has to get to the point where he can actually speak about this," Attanasio said. "Major League Baseball is in the midst of an ongoing investigation. ... He is cooperating in such a way that he is going to let them conclude or get further into the investigation before he talks."
While Attanasio and other Brewers fans wait for their explanation, club officials are already working behind the scenes to patch relationships with sponsors and season-ticket holders.
"I'm reminded in times like this that we're an organization of 25-plus players," Attanasio said. "The two players who were All-Stars this year were Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez, and we've got a bunch of guys out there tonight working really hard to win a game. It kind of makes me proud for what the organization is and who plays for the organization.
"That said, Ryan obviously was the best player on our team, so we miss him."
How does a player restore credibility after a year and a half of lying about being associated with PEDs?
"I don't think there is a road map for that," Attanasio said, "but as you point out, there was a year and a half between when this all started and now, so this is going to take time. I told Ryan that this is going to take time. No matter now open, honest, truthful, sincere he is in the next press conference, that is one step in what is going to be [many]. It is going to take time. Everyone will know when, if he gets over that threshold, that he has gotten over it, because the community will be in a position that they can embrace him again. …
"This community trusted Ryan, so I understand how this community is reacting as negatively as [it is] ... because it was so trusting, and it's had its trust betrayed. We'll all feel it together when it's working again."
[url=mlb-mlb-com/news/a
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday for the first time since Ryan Braun admitted to violations of Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Attanasio expressed a different emotion.
"I'm sad," he said. "When I thought about Milwaukee baseball, this is not what I envisioned. But I recognize also that this organization is bigger than anyone, certainly bigger than me. ... I think we will work together to ride through the difficult times so we can enjoy some good times -- and there will be good times again." Will Braun be part of those good times?
"You know, he is under contract with us," Attanasio said, referring to a club-record deal that runs through 2020. "I know there is a lot of commentary now. Right now, the full expectation is to keep him, and the full expectation is that he is going to do the right things, he is going to say the right things and he is going to put in a lot of hard work to get back into folks' good graces.
"That is going to take some time. It's not like we are going to be at Opening Day next year and we're going to be through this. We are not going to be through this."
Attanasio briefly met in person with Braun on Wednesday in Milwaukee, just as details were beginning to emerge about the transgressions that triggered Braun's 65-game suspension on Monday.
Citing anonymous sources, ESPN-com investigative reporter T.J. Quinn reported that Braun's relationship with Tony Bosch and Biogenesis began during the summer of 2011, several months before the October drug test which would trigger Braun's long battle with MLB.
Quinn said via Twitter that his sources alleged Braun "was on a performance-enhancing-drug regimen for high-end clients," and posted an image, allegedly in Bosch's handwriting, of an example of that regimen. It included mint- or cherry-flavored lozenges containing testosterone that a user would place under his tongue.
Throughout July 2011, Braun was dealing with a left calf strain suffered on an eighth-inning groundout in Minnesota on July 2, 2011. The next morning, Braun was named a starting outfielder on the National League All-Star team -- the league's leading vote-getter -- but he would miss the Midsummer Classic because of his injury.
Braun rejoined the Brewers' lineup on July 14 of that year and batted .346 in his final 67 regular-season games, with 17 home runs and 49 RBIs. He then hit .405 with nine extra-base hits in the postseason, including a 3-for-4 performance in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the D-backs. It was after that game that Braun submitted a urine sample that allegedly showed elevated levels of synthetic testosterone, triggering a 50-game suspension, which Braun successfully appealed by questioning the chain of custody of his sample.
On Monday, Braun was suspended for the remainder of 2013 and the postseason. He said in a statement released by MLB, "I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions."
Attanasio intends to participate in Braun's pending public-relations effort.
"I've told Ryan that I would like to take a more active role in talking to him going forward, and he is very accepting of that," Attanasio said. "He wants to do the right thing at this point going forward. This was a first step, by coming forward and agreeing to a penalty and being the first player to do that. That is a first step, and it is a baby step, but it is a step in the right direction."
Even as he addressed reporters in an impromptu news conference held during the seventh inning of the Brewers' 3-1 win over the Padres on Wednesday, Attanasio, like other Brewers officials and all of Braun's teammates, did not know the details of Braun's violations.
Privately, some of Braun's longtime teammates say they want answers after supporting him so vocally over the past year and a half. Attanasio said he believed a thorough public explanation should be the first step of Braun's quest for redemption.
"I think he has to get to the point where he can actually speak about this," Attanasio said. "Major League Baseball is in the midst of an ongoing investigation. ... He is cooperating in such a way that he is going to let them conclude or get further into the investigation before he talks."
While Attanasio and other Brewers fans wait for their explanation, club officials are already working behind the scenes to patch relationships with sponsors and season-ticket holders.
"I'm reminded in times like this that we're an organization of 25-plus players," Attanasio said. "The two players who were All-Stars this year were Jean Segura and Carlos Gomez, and we've got a bunch of guys out there tonight working really hard to win a game. It kind of makes me proud for what the organization is and who plays for the organization.
"That said, Ryan obviously was the best player on our team, so we miss him."
How does a player restore credibility after a year and a half of lying about being associated with PEDs?
"I don't think there is a road map for that," Attanasio said, "but as you point out, there was a year and a half between when this all started and now, so this is going to take time. I told Ryan that this is going to take time. No matter now open, honest, truthful, sincere he is in the next press conference, that is one step in what is going to be [many]. It is going to take time. Everyone will know when, if he gets over that threshold, that he has gotten over it, because the community will be in a position that they can embrace him again. …
"This community trusted Ryan, so I understand how this community is reacting as negatively as [it is] ... because it was so trusting, and it's had its trust betrayed. We'll all feel it together when it's working again."
[url=mlb-mlb-com/news/a
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A former Major League Baseball player went on TV today and admitted to using steroids. The reason our baseball media haven't collapsed onto the national fainting couch is either that Buster Olney is still down there, rolling around and making whimpering noises about Ryan Braun, or that the player in question is Robert Fick.
On Good Day L.A. this morning, Fick said he used steroids twice during his career in order to recover from shoulder injury. Fick, an agent now, was a utility guy for 10 seasons, finishing his career in 2007 with a .258/.328/.405 batting line and 69 home runs. You haven't exactly been robbed of your innocence today. But this is actually important. My guess is that the harder MLB bird-dogs the juicers, the more you'll see guys like Fick emerge, shrugging and saying, yeah, we did this shit, too—a reminder that steroids were a systemic issue involving all kinds of ballplayers, not just an evil indulgence of an elite class of bad apples.
Former MLB Scrub Admits Steroid Use
On Good Day L.A. this morning, Fick said he used steroids twice during his career in order to recover from shoulder injury. Fick, an agent now, was a utility guy for 10 seasons, finishing his career in 2007 with a .258/.328/.405 batting line and 69 home runs. You haven't exactly been robbed of your innocence today. But this is actually important. My guess is that the harder MLB bird-dogs the juicers, the more you'll see guys like Fick emerge, shrugging and saying, yeah, we did this shit, too—a reminder that steroids were a systemic issue involving all kinds of ballplayers, not just an evil indulgence of an elite class of bad apples.
Former MLB Scrub Admits Steroid Use
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Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon is not shy about expressing his views and he had plenty to say following Philadelphia's eighth straight loss on Sunday.
Papelbon said the team needs changes from the top down to get back to being a perennial contender.
"It's going to take, in my opinion, a lot," Papelbon said, according to MLB-com. "And in my opinion, I think it's going to have to be something very similar to what the Red Sox went through a couple years ago. From top to bottom."
In November of 2011, Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies. With the team now a season-high seven games under. 500, the closer sounded frustrated.
"I definitely didn't come here for this," he said, according to MLB-com.
Papelbon was asked by reporters on Sunday if he wanted to be traded.
"No, I would like to stay here. But if I'm going to have to put up with this year after year, then no, I don't want to be here. Why would you? Why would anybody?"
The Detroit Tigers are among the teams that have been linked as a possible suitor for Papelbon, but Fox Sports-com's Jon Morosi reported that there was nothing brewing between Detroit and Philadelphia.
MLB trade rumors: Jonathan Papelbon says Phillies need changes from the top down - MLB - Sporting News
Papelbon said the team needs changes from the top down to get back to being a perennial contender.
"It's going to take, in my opinion, a lot," Papelbon said, according to MLB-com. "And in my opinion, I think it's going to have to be something very similar to what the Red Sox went through a couple years ago. From top to bottom."
In November of 2011, Papelbon signed a four-year, $50 million deal with the Phillies. With the team now a season-high seven games under. 500, the closer sounded frustrated.
"I definitely didn't come here for this," he said, according to MLB-com.
Papelbon was asked by reporters on Sunday if he wanted to be traded.
"No, I would like to stay here. But if I'm going to have to put up with this year after year, then no, I don't want to be here. Why would you? Why would anybody?"
The Detroit Tigers are among the teams that have been linked as a possible suitor for Papelbon, but Fox Sports-com's Jon Morosi reported that there was nothing brewing between Detroit and Philadelphia.
MLB trade rumors: Jonathan Papelbon says Phillies need changes from the top down - MLB - Sporting News
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Major League Baseball may try to suspend Alex Rodriguez under its collective bargaining agreement instead of its drug rules, which would eliminate any chance of delaying a penalty until after the case goes to an arbitrator, The Associated Press has learned.
Rodriguez has never been disciplined for a drug offense, and a first offender under baseball's Joint Drug Agreement is entitled to an automatic stay if the players' association files a grievance -- meaning the penalty is put on hold until after an arbitrator rules.
While use of banned performance-enhancing substances falls under the drug agreement, MLB may argue other alleged violations are punishable under the labor contract, a person familiar with management's deliberations told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Taking that action would prevent the New York Yankees third baseman from returning to the field, even if he recovers from a quadriceps injury cited by the team as the reason for keeping him on the disabled list.
And merely threatening to use that provision might give MLB leverage to force a deal.
The Yankees expect Rodriguez to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, of attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and of not being truthful with MLB in the past when he discussed his relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea, who pleaded guilty two years ago to a federal charge of bringing unapproved drugs into the United States from Canada.
Four years ago, Rodriguez admitted using PEDs while with Texas from 2001-03. He has repeatedly denied using them since.
Baseball has been investigating Rodriguez and other players since a January report in the Miami New Times alleging they received PEDs from Biogenesis of America, a closed anti-aging clinic on Florida.
"We're still involved in the process of preparing for an eventual appeal in this matter," Rodriguez's lawyer, David Cornwell, said Monday on ESPN New York Radio. "My understanding is that the next step that is going to be taken is that the players' association and baseball will meet to discuss the investigation and baseball's focus on particular players. So we'll see how that process plays out. But at this point my understanding or my expectation is that we're going to be working through the process towards an appeal."
Cornwell did not return an email seeking comment.
Aside from the drug agreement, there is no automatic stay for suspensions under baseball's labor contract. Rodriguez could be punished under Article XII B of the Basic Agreement, which states: "Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law."
If suspended under that section, Rodriguez would serve the penalty while a grievance is litigated before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz -- unless the union asks for a stay and the arbitrator grants one, which would be unusual under the grievance procedure. And baseball could always try to punish A-Rod on drug violations later.
It would be difficult for Selig to remove the arbitrator from the process. A provision in Article XI gives the commissioner permission to rule instead of the arbitrator on a complaint "involving the preservation of the integrity of, or the maintenance of public confidence in, the game of baseball."
But a letter from Selig that is Attachment 1 states: "I understand that the players' association has expressed concern that the commissioner might take some action pursuant to Article XI (A) (1) (b) of the Basic Agreement which could negate rights of players under the new Basic Agreement. While I have difficulty seeing that this is a real problem, I am quite willing to assure the association that the commissioner will take no such action."
Cornwell would not respond to a report in the New York Daily News on Monday that said baseball Commissioner Bud Selig would not pursue a lifetime ban if Rodriguez accepted a suspension through 2014.
"There's been all sorts of reports, all sorts of sources and all sorts of breaking news and breathless coverage, and I don't feel any need to respond to any of it," Cornwell told ESPN.
In announcing Ryan Braun's 65-game suspension last week, MLB cited violations of both the labor contract and drug agreement.
A person familiar with that deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized, said 50 games of the penalty for the 2011 NL MVP were connected to Biogenesis. The additional 15 games stemmed from the Milwaukee outfielder's actions during the grievance that overturned his October 2011 positive test for testosterone.
Cornwell represented Braun in the 2012 hearing before arbitrator Shyam Das but said he was not involved in Braun's agreement to be suspended.
Rodriguez, who turned 38 Saturday, has not played this season following hip surgery in January. The three-time AL MVP, fifth on the career list with 647 home runs, appeared to be on the verge of rejoining New York on July 22, but the Yankees said a day earlier that an MRI revealed a strained quadriceps.
Rodriguez pushed to be activated last Friday, but the Yankees said he wouldn't even resume a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment until Aug. 1. Rodriguez then went on a New York radio station to criticize the team's decision.
The Miami New Times story was prompted by information provided by Porter Fischer, an ex-Biogenesis employee.
"What's been made public are various documents that a disgruntled ex-employee of Bogenesis allegedly stole. I would imagine we'll spend time talking with the arbitrators about the documents and things of that nature, their authenticity, their relevancy, the reliability," Cornwell told ESPN.
Gary Smith, a spokesman for Porter Fischer, responded in an email: "Cornwell can get in line with many others
Rodriguez has never been disciplined for a drug offense, and a first offender under baseball's Joint Drug Agreement is entitled to an automatic stay if the players' association files a grievance -- meaning the penalty is put on hold until after an arbitrator rules.
While use of banned performance-enhancing substances falls under the drug agreement, MLB may argue other alleged violations are punishable under the labor contract, a person familiar with management's deliberations told the AP, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Taking that action would prevent the New York Yankees third baseman from returning to the field, even if he recovers from a quadriceps injury cited by the team as the reason for keeping him on the disabled list.
And merely threatening to use that provision might give MLB leverage to force a deal.
The Yankees expect Rodriguez to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, of attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and of not being truthful with MLB in the past when he discussed his relationship with Dr. Anthony Galea, who pleaded guilty two years ago to a federal charge of bringing unapproved drugs into the United States from Canada.
Four years ago, Rodriguez admitted using PEDs while with Texas from 2001-03. He has repeatedly denied using them since.
Baseball has been investigating Rodriguez and other players since a January report in the Miami New Times alleging they received PEDs from Biogenesis of America, a closed anti-aging clinic on Florida.
"We're still involved in the process of preparing for an eventual appeal in this matter," Rodriguez's lawyer, David Cornwell, said Monday on ESPN New York Radio. "My understanding is that the next step that is going to be taken is that the players' association and baseball will meet to discuss the investigation and baseball's focus on particular players. So we'll see how that process plays out. But at this point my understanding or my expectation is that we're going to be working through the process towards an appeal."
Cornwell did not return an email seeking comment.
Aside from the drug agreement, there is no automatic stay for suspensions under baseball's labor contract. Rodriguez could be punished under Article XII B of the Basic Agreement, which states: "Players may be disciplined for just cause for conduct that is materially detrimental or materially prejudicial to the best interests of baseball including, but not limited to, engaging in conduct in violation of federal, state or local law."
If suspended under that section, Rodriguez would serve the penalty while a grievance is litigated before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz -- unless the union asks for a stay and the arbitrator grants one, which would be unusual under the grievance procedure. And baseball could always try to punish A-Rod on drug violations later.
It would be difficult for Selig to remove the arbitrator from the process. A provision in Article XI gives the commissioner permission to rule instead of the arbitrator on a complaint "involving the preservation of the integrity of, or the maintenance of public confidence in, the game of baseball."
But a letter from Selig that is Attachment 1 states: "I understand that the players' association has expressed concern that the commissioner might take some action pursuant to Article XI (A) (1) (b) of the Basic Agreement which could negate rights of players under the new Basic Agreement. While I have difficulty seeing that this is a real problem, I am quite willing to assure the association that the commissioner will take no such action."
Cornwell would not respond to a report in the New York Daily News on Monday that said baseball Commissioner Bud Selig would not pursue a lifetime ban if Rodriguez accepted a suspension through 2014.
"There's been all sorts of reports, all sorts of sources and all sorts of breaking news and breathless coverage, and I don't feel any need to respond to any of it," Cornwell told ESPN.
In announcing Ryan Braun's 65-game suspension last week, MLB cited violations of both the labor contract and drug agreement.
A person familiar with that deal, speaking on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized, said 50 games of the penalty for the 2011 NL MVP were connected to Biogenesis. The additional 15 games stemmed from the Milwaukee outfielder's actions during the grievance that overturned his October 2011 positive test for testosterone.
Cornwell represented Braun in the 2012 hearing before arbitrator Shyam Das but said he was not involved in Braun's agreement to be suspended.
Rodriguez, who turned 38 Saturday, has not played this season following hip surgery in January. The three-time AL MVP, fifth on the career list with 647 home runs, appeared to be on the verge of rejoining New York on July 22, but the Yankees said a day earlier that an MRI revealed a strained quadriceps.
Rodriguez pushed to be activated last Friday, but the Yankees said he wouldn't even resume a minor league injury rehabilitation assignment until Aug. 1. Rodriguez then went on a New York radio station to criticize the team's decision.
The Miami New Times story was prompted by information provided by Porter Fischer, an ex-Biogenesis employee.
"What's been made public are various documents that a disgruntled ex-employee of Bogenesis allegedly stole. I would imagine we'll spend time talking with the arbitrators about the documents and things of that nature, their authenticity, their relevancy, the reliability," Cornwell told ESPN.
Gary Smith, a spokesman for Porter Fischer, responded in an email: "Cornwell can get in line with many others
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Injured New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez and Major League Baseball are negotiating a deal that would result in a lengthy suspension instead of a permanent ban, ESPN reported Wednesday night.
According to the "Outside the Lines" report, a source familiar with the discussions said representatives for the three-time AL Most Valuable Player and 14-time All-Star are talking with league officials.
The ESPN story said some baseball officials want the 38-year-old Rodriguez to be banned for life. Until now, his attorney has said he will fight any suspension or ban.
The network also reported that Rodriguez has been shown the evidence against him, including documentation that Rodriguez coerced a witness in MLB's performance-enhancing drugs investigation.
Those allegations claim Rodriguez had ties with the now-closed anti-aging Biogenesis clinic in Florida and its founder, Anthony Bosch.
Rodriguez or Pujols: Whose contract is worse?
In an interview with CNN earlier this month, the player denied any plea negotiations and didn't say whether he would fight an adverse decision
Rodriguez, now recovering from an injury, is considered one of the game's greatest sluggers. He has 647 home runs -- the fifth most-ever -- in 19 seasons. In 2009, he had an outstanding postseason in helping the Yankees win their most recent World Series title.
He holds the largest contract ever in American sports, signing with the Yankees in 2007 for $275 million over 10 years.
He has admitted in the past to using performance-enhancing drugs, but he also has denied taking any after 2003. He has never been suspended by the league for a drug violation. Rodriguez is supposed to take part in a practice game at the Yankees training facility in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.
The Biogenesis scandal has already to have ensnared one star: 2011 National League MVP and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.
Earlier this month Braun was suspended without pay for the rest of this season for violating the league's drug policy, baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced.
Report: Alex Rodriguez, MLB negotiating suspension deal - CNN-com
According to the "Outside the Lines" report, a source familiar with the discussions said representatives for the three-time AL Most Valuable Player and 14-time All-Star are talking with league officials.
The ESPN story said some baseball officials want the 38-year-old Rodriguez to be banned for life. Until now, his attorney has said he will fight any suspension or ban.
The network also reported that Rodriguez has been shown the evidence against him, including documentation that Rodriguez coerced a witness in MLB's performance-enhancing drugs investigation.
Those allegations claim Rodriguez had ties with the now-closed anti-aging Biogenesis clinic in Florida and its founder, Anthony Bosch.
Rodriguez or Pujols: Whose contract is worse?
In an interview with CNN earlier this month, the player denied any plea negotiations and didn't say whether he would fight an adverse decision
Rodriguez, now recovering from an injury, is considered one of the game's greatest sluggers. He has 647 home runs -- the fifth most-ever -- in 19 seasons. In 2009, he had an outstanding postseason in helping the Yankees win their most recent World Series title.
He holds the largest contract ever in American sports, signing with the Yankees in 2007 for $275 million over 10 years.
He has admitted in the past to using performance-enhancing drugs, but he also has denied taking any after 2003. He has never been suspended by the league for a drug violation. Rodriguez is supposed to take part in a practice game at the Yankees training facility in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday.
The Biogenesis scandal has already to have ensnared one star: 2011 National League MVP and Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun.
Earlier this month Braun was suspended without pay for the rest of this season for violating the league's drug policy, baseball Commissioner Bud Selig announced.
Report: Alex Rodriguez, MLB negotiating suspension deal - CNN-com
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Looming playoffs could force an end to negotiations in baseball's latest drug scandal as pressure builds to impose penalties so stars can still make the postseason.
Monday appears to be the deadline for Alex Rodriguez and 13 others to accept suspensions for their ties to the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. While A-Rod is expected to get a lengthy ban, a penalty starting that day would allow Texas All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz to return for October.
Major League Baseball is prepared to issue two simultaneous announcements no later than Monday, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Thursday. One would list players who accept suspensions; the other would name those disciplined without deals, but who could challenge penalties before an arbitrator.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Most players face 50-game suspensions for their links to the now-closed Florida clinic, which has been accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
But baseball is threatening to kick Rodriguez out for life unless the three-time AL MVP agrees to a long ban, perhaps around 200 games.
Rodriguez appeared ready to talk Thursday as he was leaving the team's minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., waving a group of writers to his car in the parking lot and rolling down the window. However, when he saw a second group with TV cameras approaching, he said: "I'll talk to you guys, but no cameras."
Rodriguez closed the window and waited a moment, then left without saying another word.
Baseball's highest-paid player with a $28 million salary, Rodriguez played in a simulated game and saw 31 pitches over six at-bats, played third and ran bases.
The Yankees expect A-Rod to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and not being truthful with MLB in the past. Baseball has considered suspending him for violations of its labor contract and drug agreement, which would cause him to start serving his penalty before the case would go to arbitration.
Sidelined following hip surgery in January and then a strained quadriceps, the 38-year-old third baseman hopes to return to the Yankees in a few days. He is to play Friday and Saturday at Double-A Trenton, putting himself in position to rejoin New York for Monday's series opener at the Chicago White Sox if he's not banned.
Barring a rainout this weekend, Cruz's Rangers would have exactly 50 games remaining before they play at the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. If he files a grievance, as a first offender, the penalty would be delayed until after a decision by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. But the lengthy legal process likely would risk his eligibility for the playoffs and the start of next season.
Cruz said Thursday he hadn't made any decision about a possible appeal. Asked whether he was told specifically what penalty could be forthcoming, Cruz responded, "No, I cannot tell you. Sorry."
Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta is the other targeted All-Star on a pennant contender, and the Tigers would have 53 games left before playing at Cleveland on Monday.
Another All-Star shortstop, San Diego's Everth Cabrera, could serve all of a 50-game suspension this year if he begins with the Padres' game against Baltimore on Tuesday.
Others facing discipline include injured Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero, who is in the minor leagues with Triple-A Tacoma.
Read more: Looming playoffs could end MLB drug negotiations | Fox News
Monday appears to be the deadline for Alex Rodriguez and 13 others to accept suspensions for their ties to the Biogenesis of America anti-aging clinic. While A-Rod is expected to get a lengthy ban, a penalty starting that day would allow Texas All-Star outfielder Nelson Cruz to return for October.
Major League Baseball is prepared to issue two simultaneous announcements no later than Monday, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press on Thursday. One would list players who accept suspensions; the other would name those disciplined without deals, but who could challenge penalties before an arbitrator.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no statements were authorized.
Most players face 50-game suspensions for their links to the now-closed Florida clinic, which has been accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
But baseball is threatening to kick Rodriguez out for life unless the three-time AL MVP agrees to a long ban, perhaps around 200 games.
Rodriguez appeared ready to talk Thursday as he was leaving the team's minor league complex in Tampa, Fla., waving a group of writers to his car in the parking lot and rolling down the window. However, when he saw a second group with TV cameras approaching, he said: "I'll talk to you guys, but no cameras."
Rodriguez closed the window and waited a moment, then left without saying another word.
Baseball's highest-paid player with a $28 million salary, Rodriguez played in a simulated game and saw 31 pitches over six at-bats, played third and ran bases.
The Yankees expect A-Rod to be accused of recruiting other athletes for the clinic, attempting to obstruct MLB's investigation, and not being truthful with MLB in the past. Baseball has considered suspending him for violations of its labor contract and drug agreement, which would cause him to start serving his penalty before the case would go to arbitration.
Sidelined following hip surgery in January and then a strained quadriceps, the 38-year-old third baseman hopes to return to the Yankees in a few days. He is to play Friday and Saturday at Double-A Trenton, putting himself in position to rejoin New York for Monday's series opener at the Chicago White Sox if he's not banned.
Barring a rainout this weekend, Cruz's Rangers would have exactly 50 games remaining before they play at the Los Angeles Angels on Monday night. If he files a grievance, as a first offender, the penalty would be delayed until after a decision by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. But the lengthy legal process likely would risk his eligibility for the playoffs and the start of next season.
Cruz said Thursday he hadn't made any decision about a possible appeal. Asked whether he was told specifically what penalty could be forthcoming, Cruz responded, "No, I cannot tell you. Sorry."
Detroit shortstop Jhonny Peralta is the other targeted All-Star on a pennant contender, and the Tigers would have 53 games left before playing at Cleveland on Monday.
Another All-Star shortstop, San Diego's Everth Cabrera, could serve all of a 50-game suspension this year if he begins with the Padres' game against Baltimore on Tuesday.
Others facing discipline include injured Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli and Seattle catcher Jesus Montero, who is in the minor leagues with Triple-A Tacoma.
Read more: Looming playoffs could end MLB drug negotiations | Fox News
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Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz had a home run in the third inning Sunday night against the Braves correctly overturned by instant replay.
Facing Braves lefty Alex Wood, Ruiz hit a ball to left field that hit the top of the wall. Third-base umpire Gary Cederstrom ruled the ball a home run as Ruiz cruised into second base.
It was ruled a double as instant replay showed the ball hit the top of the green padding and ricocheted back onto the field.
Video: Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has home run overturned by instant replay | MLB-com: News
Facing Braves lefty Alex Wood, Ruiz hit a ball to left field that hit the top of the wall. Third-base umpire Gary Cederstrom ruled the ball a home run as Ruiz cruised into second base.
It was ruled a double as instant replay showed the ball hit the top of the green padding and ricocheted back onto the field.
Video: Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz has home run overturned by instant replay | MLB-com: News
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Alex Rodriguez was among 13 players suspended by Major League Baseball on Monday for violating the league’s antidoping rules, the biggest single-day drug action in the sport’s history. Rodriguez is planning to appeal his ban, which would begin Thursday and would be for 211 games, through the 2014 season — by far the longest levied by the league for a doping violation. The league cited his “use and possession of numerous forms of prohibited, performance-enhancing substances” over many years.
As baseball announced its sanctions, Rodriguez, the Yankees’ high-profile third baseman, was preparing to make his 2013 major league debut Monday night against the Chicago White Sox. Rodriguez, who has been recovering from hip surgery and a quadriceps strain, is eligible to play until his appeal is heard by an arbitrator, meaning he can probably play out the season with a lengthy possible ban looming.
In a news conference before the Yankees’ game in Chicago, Rodriguez declined to discuss the suspension or accusations that he used banned substances, but he reiterated his intent to challenge the league’s ruling.
Once considered among the best players in the game, Rodriguez received a far stiffer penalty than the others cited by baseball on Monday, who all accepted 50-game suspensions, effectively ending their 2013 seasons. Among the others were three 2013 All-Stars — Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Padres and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers — as well as Francisco Cervelli of the Yankees.
Rodriguez is the only player planning to appeal, and the executive director of the players union, Michael Weiner, called his suspension “way too harsh.”
“We’ve never had a 200-plus penalty for a player who may have used drugs, and you know, among other things, I just think that is way out of line,” Weiner said in a call with reporters.
Commissioner Bud Selig, however, said the suspension was within the bounds of the league’s antidoping rules, saying in a statement that baseball “conducted a thorough, aggressive investigation guided by facts so that we could justly enforce our rules.” Weiner said a ruling on the appeal was not likely before November, which means Rodriguez can presumably play through the rest of the season.
The suspensions issued Monday stem from the league’s investigation into Biogenesis of America, a South Florida anti-aging clinic run by Anthony P. Bosch. With Bosch’s cooperation, baseball claimed its biggest trophies in its fight against performance-enhancing drugs.
For the past six months, since Miami New Times, a weekly newspaper, published its account of Bosch’s providing drugs to professional athletes, including Rodriguez, baseball investigators have intensified their pursuit, going door to door in the Miami area hunting for information to build cases against some of the biggest names in the game.
Major League Baseball was able to persuade almost all the players linked to Biogenesis to accept their punishments despite the apparent lack of a positive test for banned substances. Baseball’s drug-testing program, agreed to by the players union, allows for suspensions based on nonanalytic positives when doping can be proved with other evidence. The league contends that its investigation yielded other convincing evidence — like documents and eyewitness accounts — that implicates the players.
The first of the Biogenesis-related suspensions came last month, when the Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun accepted a 65-game suspension without appealing. Braun, the National League’s most valuable player in 2011, failed a drug test that season, but that suspension was overturned on appeal.
Some of the players punished Monday issued statements acknowledging their mistakes, and their teams publicly stated their support for the league’s doping program.
The Yankees said in a statement they would have no comment on the Rodriguez case as it is appealed.
Rodriguez, who was born in New York and grew up in the Dominican Republic and in Florida, has long been under suspicion for using performance-enhancing drugs, which he admitted using for a limited time earlier in his career.
At the start of the 2009 season, Rodriguez was 33 and had 553 career home runs, putting him on track to break Barry Bonds’s career record of 762 by the time Rodriguez reached 40. As part of the $275 million contract the Yankees negotiated with Rodriguez a year earlier, the club agreed to pay him several million dollars to secure all the rights to market his home run chase, which they believed would be a commercial bonanza. Rodriguez was thought to be on a pace to pass Willie Mays (660 homers), Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and finally Bonds on the career list. At the time, it seemed that Rodriguez’s breaking the home run record would provide a powerful sign of how baseball had moved beyond the so-called steroids era and would be an important milestone for Selig, who is keenly aware of his legacy and has been criticized for his seeming ambivalence to the issue of doping during the first part of his tenure.
But in early February 2009, Rodriguez’s image as the game’s pristine slugger was shattered. Sports Illustrated published an article that asserted he was among the players who had tested positive in 2003 for performance-enhancing drugs. That test was designed as an anonymous survey and carried no penalties.
Rodriguez subsequently admitted that he had used steroids from 2001 to 2003 — before he played for the Yankees. That prompted Selig to order his investigators to interview Rodriguez about his drug use. In that interview, Rodriguez maintained that he never used drugs after 2003, the last year players did not face penalties for a positive drug test.
Selig and the investigators were not convinced that Rodriguez was truthful, but they had no grounds to suspend him because they could not prove he had been lying.
As suspicions about Rodriguez’s use o
As baseball announced its sanctions, Rodriguez, the Yankees’ high-profile third baseman, was preparing to make his 2013 major league debut Monday night against the Chicago White Sox. Rodriguez, who has been recovering from hip surgery and a quadriceps strain, is eligible to play until his appeal is heard by an arbitrator, meaning he can probably play out the season with a lengthy possible ban looming.
In a news conference before the Yankees’ game in Chicago, Rodriguez declined to discuss the suspension or accusations that he used banned substances, but he reiterated his intent to challenge the league’s ruling.
Once considered among the best players in the game, Rodriguez received a far stiffer penalty than the others cited by baseball on Monday, who all accepted 50-game suspensions, effectively ending their 2013 seasons. Among the others were three 2013 All-Stars — Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Everth Cabrera of the San Diego Padres and Jhonny Peralta of the Detroit Tigers — as well as Francisco Cervelli of the Yankees.
Rodriguez is the only player planning to appeal, and the executive director of the players union, Michael Weiner, called his suspension “way too harsh.”
“We’ve never had a 200-plus penalty for a player who may have used drugs, and you know, among other things, I just think that is way out of line,” Weiner said in a call with reporters.
Commissioner Bud Selig, however, said the suspension was within the bounds of the league’s antidoping rules, saying in a statement that baseball “conducted a thorough, aggressive investigation guided by facts so that we could justly enforce our rules.” Weiner said a ruling on the appeal was not likely before November, which means Rodriguez can presumably play through the rest of the season.
The suspensions issued Monday stem from the league’s investigation into Biogenesis of America, a South Florida anti-aging clinic run by Anthony P. Bosch. With Bosch’s cooperation, baseball claimed its biggest trophies in its fight against performance-enhancing drugs.
For the past six months, since Miami New Times, a weekly newspaper, published its account of Bosch’s providing drugs to professional athletes, including Rodriguez, baseball investigators have intensified their pursuit, going door to door in the Miami area hunting for information to build cases against some of the biggest names in the game.
Major League Baseball was able to persuade almost all the players linked to Biogenesis to accept their punishments despite the apparent lack of a positive test for banned substances. Baseball’s drug-testing program, agreed to by the players union, allows for suspensions based on nonanalytic positives when doping can be proved with other evidence. The league contends that its investigation yielded other convincing evidence — like documents and eyewitness accounts — that implicates the players.
The first of the Biogenesis-related suspensions came last month, when the Milwaukee Brewers slugger Ryan Braun accepted a 65-game suspension without appealing. Braun, the National League’s most valuable player in 2011, failed a drug test that season, but that suspension was overturned on appeal.
Some of the players punished Monday issued statements acknowledging their mistakes, and their teams publicly stated their support for the league’s doping program.
The Yankees said in a statement they would have no comment on the Rodriguez case as it is appealed.
Rodriguez, who was born in New York and grew up in the Dominican Republic and in Florida, has long been under suspicion for using performance-enhancing drugs, which he admitted using for a limited time earlier in his career.
At the start of the 2009 season, Rodriguez was 33 and had 553 career home runs, putting him on track to break Barry Bonds’s career record of 762 by the time Rodriguez reached 40. As part of the $275 million contract the Yankees negotiated with Rodriguez a year earlier, the club agreed to pay him several million dollars to secure all the rights to market his home run chase, which they believed would be a commercial bonanza. Rodriguez was thought to be on a pace to pass Willie Mays (660 homers), Babe Ruth (714), Hank Aaron (755) and finally Bonds on the career list. At the time, it seemed that Rodriguez’s breaking the home run record would provide a powerful sign of how baseball had moved beyond the so-called steroids era and would be an important milestone for Selig, who is keenly aware of his legacy and has been criticized for his seeming ambivalence to the issue of doping during the first part of his tenure.
But in early February 2009, Rodriguez’s image as the game’s pristine slugger was shattered. Sports Illustrated published an article that asserted he was among the players who had tested positive in 2003 for performance-enhancing drugs. That test was designed as an anonymous survey and carried no penalties.
Rodriguez subsequently admitted that he had used steroids from 2001 to 2003 — before he played for the Yankees. That prompted Selig to order his investigators to interview Rodriguez about his drug use. In that interview, Rodriguez maintained that he never used drugs after 2003, the last year players did not face penalties for a positive drug test.
Selig and the investigators were not convinced that Rodriguez was truthful, but they had no grounds to suspend him because they could not prove he had been lying.
As suspicions about Rodriguez’s use o
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The Major League Baseball Players Association formally appealed Alex Rodriguez's 211-game suspension Wednesday, sending the case to an independent arbitrator.
Union spokesman Greg Bouris confirmed the appeal and said the players' association had no further comment.
Rodriguez, who went 1-for-5 with a single and a walk in the New York Yankees' 6-5, 12-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, said he had "no reaction" to the filing of the grievance. "I don't think any of us thought it was going to be any different," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "As far as having a reaction, it's kind of what I expected. It's part of the process that was negotiated between MLB and the players' association, and you let it play out. I expect him to play a lot. We need him to help us."
Major League Baseball declined comment.
Rodriguez was suspended through the 2014 season on Monday when the league penalized 13 players following an investigation into Biogenesis of America, a shuttered Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The other 12 players accepted 50-game suspensions, but Rodriguez said he planned to fight the ban. Union head Michael Weiner said the punishment for the slugger was "way out of line."
Under the collective bargaining and joint drug agreements, discipline must meet a "just cause" standard.
Rodriguez's punishment was scheduled to begin Thursday, but he is allowed to keep playing until the grievance is heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Horowitz isn't expected to rule until November or December at the earliest.
Coming back from hip surgery in January, Rodriguez played his first game of the season Monday night in the series opener at Chicago. The three-time AL MVP singled in his first at-bat and was 2-for-6 with a walk in his first two games.
The 38-year-old Rodriguez has been booed lustily since his return, except for when he was hit by a pitch in the third inning of the Yankees' 3-2 loss Tuesday night.
The Yankees are off Thursday and then open a three-game series against AL Central-leading Detroit on Friday night in New York. It will be the first home game for Rodriguez since the suspension was announced.
"I am curious what it's going to be like Friday," Girardi said. "I'm not sure. And I don't really know what the appropriate response is. I don't think it's my right to tell people how to respond certain situations."
Rodriguez, who agreed to a 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees in December 2007, is the majors' active leader with 647 career homers. He helped New York win the 2009 World Series, batting .365 with six homers and 18 RBIs in the postseason that year.
In an interview on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, former teammate Johnny Damon said Wednesday that title would be diminished if Rodriguez used performance-enhancing drugs during the playoff run.
"I really haven't gotten to think that far, but if that's how he was able to hit in the postseason, like he did that year, then yeah, absolutely," said Damon, who has been friends with Rodriguez since they were teenagers. "Then you start going and saying, 'Well, was anybody on their team cheating?'
"There's just so many different factors that determine if a team wins, and A-Rod was a huge determining factor."
Asked about Damon's comments, Rodriguez said he hadn't seen what he had said.
"I talk to Johnny all the time, so no disappointment whatsoever," Rodriguez said.
Alex Rodriguez formally files appeal of MLB doping suspension - ESPN New York
Union spokesman Greg Bouris confirmed the appeal and said the players' association had no further comment.
Rodriguez, who went 1-for-5 with a single and a walk in the New York Yankees' 6-5, 12-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday night, said he had "no reaction" to the filing of the grievance. "I don't think any of us thought it was going to be any different," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "As far as having a reaction, it's kind of what I expected. It's part of the process that was negotiated between MLB and the players' association, and you let it play out. I expect him to play a lot. We need him to help us."
Major League Baseball declined comment.
Rodriguez was suspended through the 2014 season on Monday when the league penalized 13 players following an investigation into Biogenesis of America, a shuttered Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing banned performance-enhancing drugs.
The other 12 players accepted 50-game suspensions, but Rodriguez said he planned to fight the ban. Union head Michael Weiner said the punishment for the slugger was "way out of line."
Under the collective bargaining and joint drug agreements, discipline must meet a "just cause" standard.
Rodriguez's punishment was scheduled to begin Thursday, but he is allowed to keep playing until the grievance is heard by arbitrator Fredric Horowitz. Horowitz isn't expected to rule until November or December at the earliest.
Coming back from hip surgery in January, Rodriguez played his first game of the season Monday night in the series opener at Chicago. The three-time AL MVP singled in his first at-bat and was 2-for-6 with a walk in his first two games.
The 38-year-old Rodriguez has been booed lustily since his return, except for when he was hit by a pitch in the third inning of the Yankees' 3-2 loss Tuesday night.
The Yankees are off Thursday and then open a three-game series against AL Central-leading Detroit on Friday night in New York. It will be the first home game for Rodriguez since the suspension was announced.
"I am curious what it's going to be like Friday," Girardi said. "I'm not sure. And I don't really know what the appropriate response is. I don't think it's my right to tell people how to respond certain situations."
Rodriguez, who agreed to a 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees in December 2007, is the majors' active leader with 647 career homers. He helped New York win the 2009 World Series, batting .365 with six homers and 18 RBIs in the postseason that year.
In an interview on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, former teammate Johnny Damon said Wednesday that title would be diminished if Rodriguez used performance-enhancing drugs during the playoff run.
"I really haven't gotten to think that far, but if that's how he was able to hit in the postseason, like he did that year, then yeah, absolutely," said Damon, who has been friends with Rodriguez since they were teenagers. "Then you start going and saying, 'Well, was anybody on their team cheating?'
"There's just so many different factors that determine if a team wins, and A-Rod was a huge determining factor."
Asked about Damon's comments, Rodriguez said he hadn't seen what he had said.
"I talk to Johnny all the time, so no disappointment whatsoever," Rodriguez said.
Alex Rodriguez formally files appeal of MLB doping suspension - ESPN New York
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Matt Harvey and David Wright, despite playing for the 40-48 New York Mets, highlight MLB’s latest list of the 20 top-selling jerseys, which the league released on Thursday.
Harvey, who is fifth on the list, is having himself one amazin’ month. The Mets’ ace posed nude for ESPN’s Body Issue and is slated to start the 2013 Mid-Summer Baseball Classic at Citi Field on Tuesday.
Wright, meanwhile, ranked fourth overall behind Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Giants catcher Buster Posey, whose 40-50 Giants are even worse off than the Mets, paces all MLB players, followed by pinstriped legend Mariano Rivera, one of just two players over 30 years old on the list (the other being Jeter at #7).
Harvey’s jersey boom comes as the Mets, winners of 15 out of their last 23 games, continue to ride the right arm of their young start and garner momentum heading into the second half of the season.
Many now view the Mets as a team on the upswing, largely due to the efforts of Harvey, who leads the National League with 147 strikeouts, and Wright, who has tallied 102 hits and 43 RBI with a .403 on-base percentage that’s good for third in the NL.
The Mets are just 9.5 games out of the National League Wild Card race and have won four straight, including a three-game sweep of the San Francisco Giants.
The Dodgers have more players in than top 20 than any team in the majors, behind rookie outfielder Yasiel Puig (10th), Hyun-Jin Ryu (11th), Matt Kemp (14th) and Clayton Kershaw (15th).
Despite sitting pretty with the best record in the American League, the Red Sox’s only player in the top 20 was Dustin Pedroia (13th).
Josh Hamilton, Ichiro Suzuki and Robinson Cano failed to make Thursday’s list after being in the top of jersey sales at the end of last season.
Read more: David Wright, Matt Harvey among MLB