March 2011 - Baseball Wiretap
Pirates Recall Moskos From Triple-A; Place Meek On DL
The Pirates have recalled left-handed pitcher Daniel Moskos from Triple-A Indianapolis and have placed right-handed pitcher Evan Meek on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to 4/27) due to right shoulder tendinitis.
Moskos, Pittsburgh’s #1 pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, went 0-0 with one save and a 1.69 ERA (10.2ip/9h/3r/2er/1bb/7so) in eight games with Indy this season.
Yankees Donate $500K To Tornado Relief
The Yankees are donating $500,000 to aid the relief efforts following the devastating tornados that hit the southern United States earlier this week,
The money will be split between the Salvation Army and the Red Cross.
"On behalf of the entire New York Yankees organization, we would like to express our deepest condolences to all those affected by the devastating storms in Alabama and throughout the South," said New York Yankees general partner and vice chairperson Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal.
"During the most difficult of times, the resiliency of the American spirit brings people together. We are eager to join so many others in helping to rebuild these proud and vibrant southern communities. In the days, weeks and months ahead, we will continue to keep everyone in our hearts and prayers."
Yankees relief pitcher David Robertson is from Alabama and has family there.
Scioscia Meets With Wells About Slump
Angels manager Mike Scioscia sat down with outfielder Vernon Wells to discuss the hitter's struggles recently.
Scioscia and hitting coach Mickey Hatcher met privately with Wells for a couple of hours before Friday's win over the Rays.
It was at least the second time Wells, who is hitting .181, has met with Scioscia behind closed doors this month.
"We talked about taking a breather and things like that," Scioscia said. "It's really just communicating, trying to get ideas and concepts going back and forth to see if we can do something to get a player where he's in a comfort zone."
Coghlan To Deal With Shoulder Injury All Season
Marlins center fielder Chris Coghlan is dealing with a strained right shoulder.
He missed his first game of the season on Friday night and said he had an MRI performed Thursday before the Marlins left for a seven-game road trip and there was "no structural damage."
Coghlan will have to deal with the pain the rest of the season as the injury will not fully heal until he's able to rest it significantly.
He didn't want to speculate over having surgery, but it's likely he will need it after the season.
Indians Call Up White To Make Debut
The Indians called up Alex White on Saturday and he will make his first major league start against the Tigers.
The right-hander was the club's first-round pick in 2009.
White was 1-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts with Triple-A Columbus.
Ryan Zimmerman Out Six Weeks
Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman needs surgery for a torn abdominal muscle and is expected to miss six weeks.
The team says Zimmerman will have surgery Tuesday.
He originally went on the 15-day disabled list April 12 with what the Nationals said at the time was a strained abdominal muscle.
Zimmerman is hitting .357 with a triple, homer and four RBIs in eight games this season.
Phillies Win Team-Best 18th In April
Roy Halladay shut down the Mets on Saturday to help lead the Phillies to a team-best 18th win in the month of April.
Philadelphia topped New York 2-1 to improve to 18-8.
Halladay allowed one run and walked one while striking out eight to lead the Phillies to their third straight victory. They went 17-5 in April 1993.
Sandoval Out 4-6 Weeks
Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval has a broken bone in his right wrist and is expected to miss four to six weeks.
Sandoval probably will have surgery Tuesday.
He is hitting .313 with five homers and 14 RBIs this season. Manager Bruce Bochy calls Sandoval's injury "a tough blow for us."
Barton Admits To Thinking About Contract
Daric Barton was hitting .292 through 14 games, but he's just 2-for-26 over eight games since.
"I'm feeling different," Barton said. "I haven't been seeing the ball too well. I don't know if I'm pressing or not. I just feel weird. ... I don't feel like I'm playing up to my potential."
Barton is arbitration-eligible for the first time this winter, and there have been initial talks about a multiyear deal. The first baseman said that although he is trying not to think about a new contract, that's impossible.
"It's always in the back of your mind," Barton said. "It's not something you like to think about, but realistically, it happens."
Leake Has Legal Charges Reduced
Reds pitcher Mike Leake had his legal charges reduced from theft to unauthorized use of property on Friday.
Leake was accepted into a diversion program.
He pleaded guilty in Hamilton County Municipal Court to the reduced charge. The theft is a Misdemeanor 1, and the reduced charge is a Misdemeanor 4.
Leake, 23, was arrested April 18 at the downtown Macy's and charged with theft, accused of stealing six T-shirts valued at $59.88.
"I just need to apologize to the Reds, to the Castellinis, to Walt (Jocketty), to anyone in the office that I forgot, to the players and my family," Leake said. "I sincerely apologize to them for putting all this pressure on them and the drama that I've caused."
Greinke Could Make Brewers Debut May 4
Zack Greinke may have made his last rehab start on Friday.
Guillen Won't Stop Tweeting
Ozzie Guillen was suspended two games by Major League Baseball this week for tweeting about an umpire.
Ethier's Hit Streak Reaches 25 Games
Andre Ethier has the longest hitting streak in Dodgers' history since Willie Davis' 31-game stretch in 1969.
McCourt: I'm Facing 'Uphill Road'
Frank McCourt knows it will take a long time to restore faith in his ownership of the Dodgers.
Dice-K Leaves With Injury, Red Sox Lose To M's
Boston's Daisuke Matsuzaka left in the fifth inning with elbow tightness and will be checked out more on Saturday.
Manny May Play Winter Ball In Dominican Republic
Manny Ramirez is hinting that he might get back on the field this coming winter.
Kemp Refocuses, Returns To Elite Status
Matt Kemp leads the Dodgers in runs scored, total bases, RBIs, stolen bases, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and walks.
Saito Leaves Rehab Start With Strain
Milwaukee's Takashi Saito has been on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain.
Lester Is 14-0 All-Time Against Baltimore
Jon Lester is unbeaten in 17 career starts against the Orioles.
Orioles Have No Timetable For Hardy's Return
J.J. Hardy was expected to hit soft toss and take grounders Friday in Sarasota.
Suzuki Returns To A's After Birth Of Daughter
Kurt Suzuki's first child was born on Thursday morning.
Ozzie Guillen Suspended Two Games
Ozzie Guillen was ejected for arguing with home plate umpire Todd Tichenor over a called third strike on Paul Konerko.
McDowell Placed On 'Administrative Leave'
The Braves have placed coach Roger McDowell on leave pending investigation for actions toward fans in San Francisco last weekend.
RealGM's MLB Team Rankings Through 4/29/11
The Cardinals are at the top of the first rankings for the 2011 season, leading the second-place Yankees by a significant margin.
Padres Would Fool With Scoreboard Reading To Frustrate Penny
The Padres would purposely lower scoreboard radar readings when Brad Penny came to town with the Dodgers to aggravate the pitcher.
Fans Support Pujols' Foundation In Hopes Of Urging Him To Re-Sign
Cardinals fans can buy stamped metal signs for $15, with half of the proceeds going to product cost and the rest to the Pujols Family Foundation.
Hughes To See Expert On Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Phil Hughes showed a slight positive on a test for a circulatory issue this week.
McCourt: Selig Is 'Ducking Me'
Frank McCourt argues that the financial woes of the Dodgers could disappear once a television deal with FOX is approved.
Trainer: Mauer Wasn't Ready To Begin Season
Joe Mauer had surgery in December and limited his participation in spring training in hopes of keeping himself fresh.
Derek Lowe Arrested For DUI
Derek Lowe was stopped on Thursday night and received a DUI after an officer smelt alcohol on the pitcher's breath.