March 2011 - Baseball Wiretap
Angels Hope Morales Can Play Within 3 Weeks
The Angels are hopeful first baseman Kendrys Morales can come off the 15-day disabled list within three weeks.
Earlier indications were Morales would be out until mid-May, at the earliest, according to an ESPN.com report on Thursday.
A-Rod Highest Paid For 11th Straight Year
Alex Rodriguez makes $32 million atop the New York Yankees' $201.7 million payroll. He is baseball's highest-paid player for the 11th straight year, according to an Associated Press report.
Overall, salaries were nearly flat for this season, which started Thursday. The average salary for the 844 players on opening day rosters and disabled lists was about $3.3 million, up just 0.2 percent from last year. The increase was the lowest since a 2.7 percent drop in 2004.
Cleveland Remembers Bob Feller
Much more than a Hall of Fame pitcher to generations of Cleveland fans, Bob Feller was honored Thursday during a touching 75-minute tribute at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where grounds were blanketed with fresh spring snow on the eve of the Indians' season opener.
The ceremony, which was open to the public, was at times humorous, deeply moving and so befitting Feller, who died on Dec. 15 at age 92.
Brooks Robinson Hospitalized With Infection
Brooks Robinson says he's on the road to recovery after the Hall of Fame third baseman was hospitalized with a fever and infection, according to an ESPN.com report.
Robinson was scheduled for an outpatient procedure at Greater Baltimore Medical Center on Thursday, but on Wednesday night he became ill. In a statement, Robinson says doctors chose to admit him early "to aggressively treat the infection."
He says he is "responding well to antibiotics."
Ian Stewart Makes Rockies' Opening Day Roster
Third baseman Ian Stewart has made the Rockies' 25-man opening day roster, according to an ESPN.com report.
Stewart homered twice in a minor league game Wednesday night, when he was testing a troublesome left hamstring that could have landed him on the DL to start the season.
Braves Shutout Nationals On Opening Day
Chipper Jones doubled before scoring the 2011 season's first run on a chilly, damp opening day, and Derek Lowe allowed three singles in 5 2/3 innings, helping the Braves beat the Nationals 2-0 Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report.
Cameron Will Start Instead Of Drew Against Lefty
Mike Cameron will draw the opening day start in right field for the Red Sox Friday against the Rangers, Terry Francona announced Thursday morning, according to an ESPN.com report.
The right-handed hitting Cameron will play instead of J.D. Drew, in a concession by Francona to the presence of left-hander C.J. Wilson on the mound for the Rangers.
Rays Sign Wade Davis To 4-Year Extension
The Rays signed starting pitcher Wade Davis to a four-year extension Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report.
The contract, which contains three club option years (2015-17), guarantees Davis $12.6M. If the Rays exercise the three option years, the 25-year-old Davis will make approximately $35.1M.
Emotional Belt Makes Giants' Roster
When Giants rookie first baseman Brandon Belt was called into manager Bruce Bochy's Wednesday's, he didn't have to wait long to learn his fate.
"He kind of got right to it," Belt said. "As soon as I walked in he said, 'Congratulations, you made it.' I immediately started crying. I tried not to be too big of a wuss in there, but it's hard when you've been dreaming about this your entire life and it finally comes through. I couldn't be happier right now."
Belt made the 25-man roster and will be the everyday first baseman beginning at at Los Angeles on Thursday night, when the Giants begin defense of their World Series championship against the Dodgers.
Morneau Will Be In Twins' Lineup
Twins first baseman Justin Morneau will be in the lineup on Opening Day against the Blue Jays on Friday, according to an ESPN.com report.
Morneau missed the last three months of the season with a concussion and played in just eight spring training games while working his way back.
Mets Place Bay On DL
Lucas Duda will replace Jason Bay on the Mets' opening day roster.
Zito Out Of Hospital After Car Accident
Giants pitcher Barry Zito was examined at a hospital and released after a car accident Wednesday night in a West Hollywood intersection.
Wise Opts Out After Demotion
The Marlins reassigned Dewayne Wise to the minors on Tuesday.
Righty Tosses Perfect Game For Virginia
Will Roberts needed just 98 pitches to record 27 outs against George Washington.
Coach K Torn Between Cubs, Final Four
Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski is a die-hard fan of the Cubs.
Braves Release Retired Wagner; Retain Rights
Billy Wagner hasn't wavered on his retirement.
Mets Leave Santana Behind
The Mets are breaking their spring camp, but Johan Santana will remain in Port St. Lucie.
Moyer Joins ESPN For 2011 Season
Jamie Moyer, who still plans to pitch in 2012, had Tommy John surgery in December.
Phillies Release Luis Castillo
Wilson Valdez is expected to start at second base for the Phillies.
Selig 'Hopeful' Labor Peace Will Continue
Baseball's current labor agreement will expire in December.
Jeter Won't Lead Off In Opener
Derek Jeter will hit first against left-handers, but second against right-handers.
Morales Cleared To Resume Baseball Activities
Kendrys Morales will now begin running and fielding ground balls.
Brian Wilson To Open Season On DL
The Giants will make Brian Wilson's stint on the DL retroactively, so he won't have to sit 15 days.
Granderson Still Hopeful For Opener
Curtis Granderson is dealing with a strained internal oblique on the right side of his abdomen.
Matsui, A's Aid Japanese Relief Efforts
Oakland will donate $1 for every ticket sold to this Sunday's game against Seattle to the Red Cross for relief efforts in Japan.
J.A. Happ Suffers Strained Oblique
J.A. Happ still plans to pitch against his former team, the Phillies, and the man he was traded for, Roy Oswalt, this weekend.
Ethier Thinks He's Entering Final Season With Dodgers
Andre Ethier is entering the final year of his contract, but he isn't yet eligible for free agency.
Lidge Will Miss 3-6 Weeks; Surgery Not Needed
The Phillies are leaning towards using Jose Contreras as their closer in Brad Lidge's absence.
MLB Creates 7-Day DL For Concussions
Players suffering from concussion symptoms will have the ability to go on a shorter disabled list.
Bautista Named Toronto's Right Fielder
Edwin Encarnacion will take over for Jose Bautista at third base.