June 2009 - Baseball Wiretap

Numerous Teams Interested In Pedro?
Pedro Martinez has looked impressive this spring, and has garnered more attention from teams than expected heading into the final weeks of Spring Training.

MLB.com

Garcia Doesn't Look Ready For Mets' No. 5 Spot
Freddy Garcia has been unimpressive this spring, and doesn't appear like a good candidate to be the Mets' fifth starter this season.

Hartford Courant

Cubs' Gregg: I Want To Close
Relievers Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol are the candidates to close for the Cubs this season, and one appears to want it more than the other.

Chicago Sun-Times

Manuel Agonizes Over Phils' Best Lineup
Phillies manager Charlie Manuel is having a hard time deciding which lineup gives his team the best chance to repeat as World Series champions.

Courier Post

Youkilis: Red Sox Will Be OK Despite Injuries
Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis isn't worried about the team despite seeing second baseman Dustin Pedroia and shortstop Julio Lugo suffer injuries in a matter of hours.

Boston Herald

Selig Admits He's Worried About Economy
Commissioner Bud Selig has finally acknowledged that he is worried about how the nation's struggling economy will affect baseball.

Los Angeles Times

Beimel Close To Choosing Offer
Free-agent reliever Joe Beimel, who is believed to have offers from the A's, Rockies, Dodgers and Rockies, is reportedly close to choosing a team.

MLB.com

Astros' Nieve Claimed Off Waivers By Mets
The Mets have claimed pitcher Fernando Nieve off waivers from the Astros.

Houston Chronicle

Pudge Could Still Sign With Marlins?
The Marlins still believe they have a chance to sign free agent catcher Ivan Rodriguez, who doesn't want to sign unless he's given the full-time job.

Palm Beach Post

Mets Shut Redding Down With Strength Issues
The Mets have shut down pitcher Tim Redding because of soreness and a lack of strength in his pitching shoulder.

ESPN

Yanks' Rivera Will Be Ready For Opener
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera is ready to return from shoulder surgery and says that he'll be ready for Opening Day.

ESPN

AL MVP Pedroia Strains Left Oblique
Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia missed Team USA's game against Puerto Rico on Saturday with a strained left oblique.

ESPN

Strasburg Strikes Out 14 But Allows Two Runs
Stephen Strasburg improved to 4-0 on Friday evening against UNLV, as he struck out 14 in seven innings while allowing two runs, six hits and one walk.

Union-Tribune

Lester's Extension Appears Imminent
It appears as though the Red Sox will formally announce a contract extension with starter Jon Lester on Sunday, more than a week after a report that terms had been agreed upon.

MLB.com

A's Say Oakland Stadium Talks Over
The Athletics are rebuffing the city of Oakland's efforts to propose a new ballpark that would keep the team in town.

ESPN

Bernie Denies Striking Woman In Club
Bernie Williams has denied a claim by a woman who says that the former Yankee centerfielder hit her at a nightclub when she took his picture.

ESPN

Manny Draws Two Walks, Singles In Debut
Manny Ramirez's spring debut for the Dodgers was a media circus on Friday, so much so that his teammates questioned all the attention.

ESPN

Twins Pass On Bonds
A representative for Barry Bonds recently contacted the Twins to see if they were interested in signing the all-time leading home run hitter.

Pioneer Press

Torre: Manny Has Been "No Problem"
Dodgers manager Joe Torre has defended slugger Manny Ramirez, who has been criticized by former Red Sox teammates for having a negative presence in the clubhouse.

Los Angeles Times

Nationals Looking At Duaner Sanchez
The Nationals have been in touch with free agent reliever Duaner Sanchez, who was released by the Mets this week.

Washington Post

Burrell Thanks Philly Fans With Ads
Pat Burrell showed his appreciation for fans in Philadelphia on Friday by taking out large ads in two of the city's largest newspapers.

ESPN

Marlins End Gibbons' Comeback Attempt
The Marlins have released Jay Gibbons, setting back the outfielder's attempt at a comeback after admitting he used human growth hormone.

ESPN

McGwire Breaks Silence, Discussing Hitting
Mark McGwire has rarely spoken with the media following his appearance before Congress in 2005, but discussed hitting with the New York Times on Friday.

ESPN

Mets Slow Down Wagner's Tommy John Recovery
The Mets have shut down reliever Billy Wagner, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery.

New York Daily News

Carpenter Throws Four Scoreless Innings
Chris Carpenter threw four scoreless innings against the Red Sox on Thursday as his comeback remains on track.

Yahoo! Sports

Manny Sits Out; Shrugs Off Papelbon's Comments
Manny Ramirez pushed back his spring debut on Thursday, missing the Dodgers' exhibition against South Korea because of tightness in his left hamstring.

Yahoo! Sports

Cashman Takes Issue With Book Anecdote About Giambi
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has taken exception to an anecdote about him and Jason Giambi in a new book about Roger Clemens.

New York Times

Wrigley Rooftops Hit By Economy
Seats on the famed rooftops across the street from Wrigley Field are available because of the country's fledgling economy.

ESPN

Johan Feels 'Pretty Good' In Spring Debut
Johan Santana made his first spring appearance on Thursday and came away feeling good.

New York Times

Seattle Signs Chad Cordero
Chad Cordero has been signed to a minor league contact by the Seattle Mariners.

USA Today