June 2009 - Baseball Wiretap

Jason Johnson Fights Eye Cancer
Pitcher Jason Johnson has been limited to indoor work after being diagnosed with cancer of the retina in his right eye shortly before reporting to Yankees' camp.

New York Post

Sabathia Leaves Camp With Flu
Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia left the team's Spring Training camp Saturday with the flu.

MLB.com

Ortiz, Cano Among Clients Of Presinal
A number of Dominican baseball players have reportedly worked out with Angel "Nao" Presinal, who has been banned from major-league clubhouses for his links to steroids.

Newsday

A-Rod Says He Didn't Have Money To Invest
Alex Rodriguez claims that he didn't have the money to invest in companies connected with Robert Allen Stanford, who has been accused of fraud.

New York Times

Rangers Invite Benson To Spring Training
Free-agent pitcher Kris Benson has signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers.

ESPN

Source: A's Eye Garciaparra
The Athletics are reportedly thinking about adding free-agent Nomar Garciaparra to their infield.

ESPN

Pirates Skipper To Be Back In 2010
Pittsburgh has picked up manager John Russell's contract option for 2010 despite going 67-95 in his first season.

ESPN

Twins, Crede Agree To One-Year Deal
The Twins and third baseman Joe Crede have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth a reported $2.5 million.

ESPN

Percival's Restored '55 Ford Truck Stolen
Troy Percival found out on Friday someone broke into his Riverside home and stole the TVs, his golf clubs and a 1955 Ford truck he spent three years restoring.

St. Petersburg Times

Two Yankees Have Assets Frozen
Yankees outfielders Johnny Damon and Xavier Nady are among investors whose accounts were caught in a freeze by the government of a company affiliated with Robert Allen Stanford.

ESPN

Sweeney Yields To Griffey: 'I'll Have No Regrets'
Mike Sweeney stands to lose playing time with Ken Griffey Jr. returning to the Mariners, but the potential designated hitter isn't worried.

ESPN

Banned Trainer Worked With A-Rod
A personal trainer listed in the Mitchell report admitted on Thursday that he worked with Alex Rodriguez during his time with the Rangers.

ESPN

Twins Eye Deal With Reliever Cruz
The Twins are reportedly on the verge of signing reliever Juan Cruz.

MLB.com

Tex Wants To Be One Of The Yanks' Poster Boys
Mark Teixeira wants to hopefully become one of the faces of the Yankees.

Star Ledger

Crede Close To Deal With Twins
The Twins are closing in on a deal with Joe Crede.

San Francisco Chroncicle

Strausberg Strikes Out 11 In MLB Urban Invitational
Stephen Strausberg allowed just one unearned run on three hits over 5-2/3 innings, adding 11 strikeouts.

RealGM Staff Report

A's Tell Fremont To Stop Stadium Plans
Oakland Athletics officials asked the City of Fremont to put a stop to the planning process required to build a new stadium.

San Francisco Chronicle

Wells Skips Out On WBC Citing Insurance Issues
Vernon Wells announced today that he will not be playing in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The Star

Rays Sign Isringhausen
The Rays have signed closer Jason Isringhausen to a minor-league deal.

St. Petersburg Times

Hudson Signs With Dodgers
Orlando Hudson has agreed to terms with the Dodgers on a one-year contract.

Los Angeles Times

Angels Collect High Picks From Free Agent Losses
The Angels collected multiple high draft picks because of the compensation they'll receive from losing free agents Mark Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez and Jon Garland.

Los Angeles Times

Glavine Signs $1 Million Deal With Atlanta
Tom Glavine will pitch another season for the Atlanta Braves, completing a $1 million, one-year contract.

AP

Maybin Might Bat Lead Off For Florida
Cameron Maybin may be Florida's opening day lead off man.

Miami Herald

Giants And Twins Want Marte
Andy Marte was designated for assignment Thursday by the Indians.

Plain Dealer

Torre Expects Manny To Sign With Dodgers
Manny Ramirez hasn't re-signed yet with the Dodgers, but Joe Torre expects him to be a member of his club.

USA Today

Samardzija Wants To Start
Jeff Samardzija had a successful 2008 as a rookie reliever, but he wants to move to the Cubs starting rotation.

Daily Herald

Fenway Will Be Around For 50 More Years?
It appears as though Fenway Park will remain the home of the Red Sox for several more decades.

Boston Globe

Roberts Confirms Extension Is 'Close'
Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts has confirmed rumors that he is close to terms with the team on a contract extension.

Baltimore Sun

Reporter Gets A-Rod's Drugs In 2 Minutes With $19
Christian Red, a reporter from the New York Daily News, was able to acquire the same drugs that Alex Rodriguez admitted to using during his time with the Rangers in just two minutes.

New York Daily News

Maddon's New Motto: '09 Is Greater Than '08
Rays manager Joe Maddon has revealed his new motto for the 2009 season, which will be '09 > '08.

St. Petersburg Times