Major League Baseball broke its season attendance record Saturday and was on track to finish with the second-highest per-game average in the sport's history.
Through Friday night, the 30 major league teams had drawn 74,922,200, just shy of the 74,926,174 fans who attended games in 2005, and the record was broken when Minnesota drew 46,219 against the Chicago White Sox in Saturday's first game. The average of 31,348 through Friday was on track to be the highest for a full season, topping 1993's 31,337. The only higher average was in the strike-shortened 1994 season, when baseball averaged 31,632 before players walked out in mid-August.
March 2006 - Baseball Wiretap
Torre: Sheffield Will Play First-Base
Yankees manager Joe Torre said before Saturday's game that Gary Sheffield will be his postseason first baseman, and Jason Giambi will be a designated hitter. That decision means one player won't be able to start from among Giambi, Hideki Matsui and Melky Cabrera.
"It's a lot about his personality that probably helped feeling comfortable with him over there," Torre said of Sheffield. "He's a little more agile in moving around there at this point in time."
Dusty Will Learn Fate On Monday
Cubs manager Dusty Baker will find out Monday morning whether the organization wants him back, Chicago general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday.
Baker's four-year contract is expiring, and the Cubs were tied with Pittsburgh for the National League's worst record at 65-95 after Friday's 5-2 loss to Colorado.
Pedro To Miss More Than Just The Postseason
The New York Mets will be missing ace Pedro Martinez for more than just the postseason.
The Mets right-hander will have rotator cuff surgery next week and be out eight months. The injury is expected to sideline him from any baseball activities until at least June.
Nationals Manager Robinson Will Not Return
The Washington Nationals set up a news conference before Saturday's home game, and are expected to announce Frank Robinson will not return as manager in 2007.
Robinson has managed the Expos-Nationals franchise the past five seasons. The club entered Saturday's game against the New York Mets with a 71-89 record, assured of finishing last in the NL East for the third consecutive season. The regular season ends Sunday.
The 71-year-old Robinson is in his 16th season as a manager for four clubs. He was the first black manager in the major leagues. He is a Hall of Famer who ranks sixth in baseball history with 586 homers.
Mueller May Have To Retire
Bill Mueller joined the Dodgers in San Francisco and said there has been little improvement in his surgically repaired right knee.
"It heals as far as living a normal, daily life," Mueller said. "But as far as physical pounding and activity as a major league baseball player, the knee would not be able to withstand that as of right now."
Without another surgery, Mueller's 11-year career in the big leagues could end this winter.
GM: Bonds Needs To Take Paycut
The Giants will have about $35 million to spend to improve their club, according to Brian Sabean, meaning Barry Bonds will have to take a paycut to stay with the Giants.
``Barry aside, that type of chunk of money probably won't be dedicated to any one individual player because of our relative needs,'' Sabean said. ``We're going to have to spread the wealth or the monies available throughout the roster.''
That means the Giants probably won't be among the front-runners for the few premium free agents on the market, such as Alfonso Soriano.
``We'd be open-minded, but you have to see how it fits in the cash flow,'' Sabean said. ``If you're able to do creative deals or other things fall into place, you'll be more apt to be able to do such a (high-dollar) acquisition.''
Ichiro Willing To Play Center Field Next Season
Ichiro Suzuki is willing to play center field for the Seattle Mariners next year.
"He said he wants to play there, so that's good," manager Mike Hargrove said before Friday's game against Texas.
Johnson's Playoff Status Uncertain
Yankees lefty Randy Johnson has a herniated disc in his lower back, an injury that could prevent him from pitching in the playoffs next week.
The injury was discovered during an MRI exam this week and Johnson received an epidural injection Friday.
Zaun To Be His Own Agent
Gregg Zaun is flying solo, no agent, representing himself, but giving the Jays the first opportunity.
"Right off the bat, I don't have to pay anybody," Zaun explained. "To me, I don't think the amount of time an agent puts in on a contract and the things that he does, warrants 5 per cent of somebody's salary, especially a young player. There are agents out there taking 5 per cent of (the $327,000 minimum), which is ridiculous."
Desire To Stay In Toronto Has Increased For Wells
Vernon Wells can become a free agent after the 2007 season.
Gagne To Work Out With Teams Before Signing
Eric Gagne said he would prefer to stay with the Dodgers but does not expect to sign anywhere until he can work out for teams this winter and prove his arm is sound.
Sabathia Undergoes Knee Surgery
Three days after pitching eight scoreless innings, Cleveland Indians lefthander C.C. Sabathia underwent surgery on his right knee.
"El Duque" To Start Game One For Mets
Mets manager Willie Randolph announced that Orlando Hernandez will start Game One of the NL Division Series.
Tearful Frank Robinson May Be Done As Nats' Manager
"I'm at ease," said the 71-year-old Robinson, in his fifth season with the Expos-Nationals franchise.
Pedro Out For The Postseason
Mets' ace Pedro Martinez has a torn tendon in his left calf muscle and is out for the postseason.
Patterson Open To Discussing Extension With Baltimore
"I'm very thankful the Orioles wanted to trade for me," he said.
Schilling: It Was A Slip
On Wednesday, Curt Schilling tried to silence speculation that he might retire this winter, saying he intends to honor his contract.
Yankees' Wang To Start Playoff Opener
Chien-Ming Wang got the news from pitching coach Ron Guidry that he will start the Yankees' playoff opener.