April 2010 - Baseball Wiretap
Calmer Lincecum Ready For Game 5
Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum admitted that he was nervous before his first World Series start last week, but says he's ready to start in Game 5.
"The experience of being there is the big help," Lincecum said. "Going through the lineup again knowing that you're pitching in another World Series game just eases the tension."
Cardinals Could Pursue Tejada
The Cardinals want to upgrade their infield and could target Miguel Tejada this winter.
Tejada hit .269 with 15 home runs and 71 RBIs in 2010.
Yankees Will Hold Organizational Meeting Monday
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will meet with co-owners Hal and Hank Steinbrenner on Monday in Tampa as the team begins to prepare for the 2011 season.
The meetings are expected to take two days, but could go longer.
Atop the agenda will be how to proceed with Derek Jeter, who will become a free agent for the first time in his career this winter.
Cashman has already said publicly that he is only interested in paying players for how much they are worth in the win column.
Mets Talking With J.P. Ricciardi
Former Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi is a candidate to join the front office of newly-hired Mets general manager Sandy Alderson, according to a source.
Ricciardi, 51, worked for Alderson with the Athletics as a scout and ultimately as a special assistant.
He went on to serve as GM of the Blue Jays from 2002-09, and is currently an ESPN baseball analyst.
Ricciardi actually played in 150 minor league games for the Mets from 1980-81.
Game 3 Earns Second-Lowest TV Rating
Game 3 between the Rangers and Giants on Saturday night earned the second-lowest television rating for a World Series game.
The Rangers' win on Fox drew a 6.7 rating and 13 share, beating only the 6.1 for Game 3 of the 2008 Phillies-Rays series.
That game was delayed 91 minutes because of rain and didn't start until after 10 p.m. on the East Coast.
Selig Likes Idea Of Expanded Playoffs
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig says he likes the idea of expanding his sport's postseason.
On Sunday night, Selig gave his strongest indication that two extra Wild Card teams will be added to the 2012 playoffs.
"I like it enough, so we'll seriously consider it," he said. "Is eight out of 30 enough? Is that fair? And that's the basic question here, at least for me."
Asked his opinion of 10 playoff teams, Selig responded: "It's more fair than eight."
Giants Sit Burrell In Game 4
Giants left fielder Pat Burrell was benched for Game 4 of the World Series on Sunday night.
San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy moved Cody Ross from right field to left to take Burrell's place, while Nate Schierholtz earned his first start of the postseason playing right.
"I talked to him awhile today," Bochy said, referring to Burrell. "It's fair to say he's not seeing the ball. His timing's off."
Burrell is 0-for-9 in the World Series.
Eiland Says He Never Feuded With Girardi
Former Yankees pitching coach Dave Eiland says he never feuded with manager Joe Girardi.
An ESPN report stated Girardi and Eiland, who was let go this past week, had a falling out.
"It is ridiculous and not true," Eiland told The Post.
"Joe and I never had a problem, nor do we now. There are no hard feelings in the organization. Joe is a good baseball man, a great manager and one of the best human beings I ever met."
D-Backs Want To Sign Konerko
The Diamondbacks are making Paul Konerko a top priority this offseason, according to a pair of sources.
Konerko, a long-time member of the White Sox, will be a free agent after the World Series.
He hit .312 with 39 homers and 111 RBIs in 2010.
Fox, Cablevision Agree On Deal
Fox and Cablevision reached an agreement Saturday that will restore programming to more than 3 million New York-area subscribers who have been without some of their favorite shows and baseball playoff games for two weeks.
Signals for all stations and cable channels were restored before the first pitch of Game 3 of the World Series between the Rangers and Giants.
"In the absence of any meaningful action from the FCC, Cablevision has agreed to pay Fox an unfair price for multiple channels of its programming including many in which our customers have little or no interest," Cablevision said.
Mets Delay Takahashi Deadline
Hisanori Takahashi was 10-6 with eight saves and a 3.61 ERA in 12 starts and 41 relief appearances.
Bochy: Guillen Off Roster Because Of Neck
Jose Guillen has been linked to a federal investigation into shipments of performance-enhancing drugs.
Lewis, Rangers Defeat Giants 4-2 In Game 3
The Rangers defeated the Giants by a final score of 4-2 in Game 3, securing their first World Series win in franchise history.
Rangers Aren't Yet Considering Lee For Game 4
Texas could head into Game 4 facing elimination.
Yankees Looking At Peterson, Young, Mazzone
New York is looking to replace to Dave Eiland.
Carlos Lee Has Limited No-Trade Clause
Carlos Lee has two years and $38 million left on his contract.
Uggla, Marlins Make Progress On Contract
Dan Uggla is looking for a five-year, $50 million deal.
Girardi, Eiland Were At Odds In June
Joe Girardi insists that he didn't know Dave Eiland would be fired.
Giants Won't Change Approach
The Giants are up 2-0, but they aren't taking anything for granted.
Phillies Have 'Touched Base' With Werth
Jayson Werth appears primed to hit the open market five days after the World Series ends.
White Sox Would Give Quentin For Rasmus
The White Sox and Cardinals could trade outfielders this offseason.
Braves Name Parrish Hitting Coach
Larry Parrish is Atlanta's new hitting coach.
Cubs Bullpen Catcher Cited For Pot
Corey Miller has been the Cubs' bullpen catcher since 2007.
Polanco Has Elbow Surgery
Placido Polanco has had successful surgery on his injured left elbow.
Sandoval To DH For Giants
Pablo Sandoval will be the Giants' DH in Game 3 of the World Series.
Mauer Won't Need Surgery On Knee
Joe Mauer only needs rest and rehabilitation to heal his left knee.
Twins Exercise Kubel's Option
Minnesota picked up Jason Kubel's option, but declined Nick Punto's option.
Bushes To Throw First Pitch In Game 4
Former presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush will throw out the first pitch for Sunday's Game 4 of the World Series.
Sabathia Has Knee Surgery
CC Sabathia will begin rehabbing immediately.
Ortiz 'Not Comfortable' With One-Year Deal
The Red Sox will soon have to decide on David Ortiz's $12.5 million option.