Rumors for May, 2010
Seattle Mariners to stop talking to The News Tribune
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ESPN.com says that the Seattle Mariners have stopped talking to The News Tribune.
On Monday, Larry Larue of The News Tribune reported that two Seattle Mariners players told him that Ken Griffey Jr. was unavailable to pinch hit on Saturday because he was asleep in the clubhouse. Griffey has since denied that he was asleep. He has insisted that he was ready to pinch hit.
Tuesday night’s winning pitcher Cliff Lee started to address the media but did not continue until the reporter from The News Tribune left. Other players followed suit with the reporters at their lockers.
The team has since called a meeting where Mike Sweeney challenged those who spoke out to Larue to a fight.
Phillies dragging Mets into binocular 'spygate'
Posted by: | CommentsWhen asked about the accusations of stealing signs from the Colorado Rockies, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel tried to put the blame on the Mets.
“Somebody ought to check on the Mets if they did [complain], because their . . . home record is out of this world and they’re losing on the road,” Manuel told reporters. “That’s a good indication sometimes, if you want to know about signs and [stuff]. When I see somebody is 17-2 at home and 4-12 on the road, I kind of get concerned about that. That kind of crosses my mind.”
Yesterday, Major League Baseball warned bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer for using binoculars to look at the signs of Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports. Billmeyer was caught during a FOX broadcast of Monday’s game between the Phillies and Rockies. Here’s the evidence courtesy of FOXSports (via The Denver Post)
Dan Martin of the Associated Press goes on to say that there was some talk among the Mets that something fishy was going on when the team was playing in Philadelphia.
“Some people were talking, amongst us, the bullpen coach would come out and hang over the fence when they were hitting,” Mets catcher Rod Barajas said. “And somebody said — I didn’t notice it — but somebody said he came over and hung over the fence while they were hitting for the first couple innings and then when we were hitting they were sitting back. So, it was just a little talk.”
When Manuel was asked why so many teams were suspicious of the Phillies, he said, “Because we beat them. That’s why. . . . Keep crying. I’m sure if they can steal signs, they’ll steal them. And believe we will, too, if we can get them. Yeah, we will. Legally. If you’re dumb enough to let us get them, then that’s your fault. That’s been in the game for a long time.”
Phillies coach Mick Billmeyer caught using binoculars to steal Rockies signs
Posted by: | Comments5/12 20:06: According to ESPN, manager Charlie Manuel told The Associated Press that Billmeyer was simply watching Philadelphia catcher Carlos Ruiz set up defensively Monday night. “We were not trying to steal signs,” Manuel said. “Would we try to steal somebody’s signs? Yeah, if we can. But we don’t do that. We’re not going to let a guy stand up there in the bullpen with binoculars looking in. We’re smarter than that.”
In his pregame meeting with the media on Wednesday, Manuel brought up that when the Rockies swept the Phillies in the 2007 National League Division Series, TBS television cameras showed Rockies reliever Manuel Corpas pouring water on his jersey before entering the game, and Corpas constantly rubbed the front of his jersey while on the mound.
That complaint, Manuel reminded, was dismissed as no big deal, and Manuel said Wednesday’s complaint deserves similar treatment.
5/12 17:12: Major League Baseball has warned bullpen coach Mick Billmeyer for using binoculars to look at the signs of Rockies catcher Miguel Olivo according to Tracy Ringolsby of FOXSports. Billmeyer was caught during a FOX broadcast of Monday’s game between the Phillies and Rockies. Ringolsby adds that Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino was seen using the bullpen phone to relay the signals to the rest of his teammates.
The umpires in the series have been alerted of the Phillies shenanigans and will keep a close eye on the team and Billmeyer.
This isn’t the first time the Phillies have been accused of cheating. The Mets have said the Phillies were stealing signs earlier this season.
Tim Redding agrees to Minor League deal with Yankees
Posted by: | CommentsTroy Renck of the Denver Post
says that newly released Tim Redding has signed a Minor League deal with the New York Yankees. The Dodgers and a Korean team expressed interest in Redding, but he ultimately signed with the Yankees.
According to Tracy Ringolsby earlier today, the Colorado Rockies released the right-handed pitcher. He was 1-1 with a 4.32 ERA in five starts for the Triple-A SkySox.
VIDEO: Olympian Shawn Johnson's botched first pitch at Iowa Cubs game
Posted by: | CommentsOlympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson was invited to throw out the first pitch at the Iowa Cubs game, and it wasn’t a championship moment for her. Check out the video:
Red Sox Jacoby Ellsbury had a secret wedding with Kelsey Hawkins?
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There’s speculation by Gayle Fee and Laura Raposa of the Boston Herald that injured Red Sox outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and long-time girlfriend Kelsey Hawkins have tied the knot. They tried to get the answer out of him at his wine debut of ZinfandEllsbury at the House of Blues.
So, Jacoby, would you say the ZinfandEllsbury would be a good vintage to serve at, say, a wedding?
“You can serve it anywhere,” he smiled. “For a party, a wedding, any event, a baseball game . . .”
Sooooooo, if you did marry the lovely Kelsey, would you serve this wine?
“I’d definitely serve it,” said Els. “You gotta serve your own wine!”
We dug further. When will you be serving this wine at your wedding? Any plans?
“We’ll keep that between Kelsey and me right now,” said Mr. DL.
Based on Kelsey’s Facebook profile, she’s already changed her last name to “Ellsbury”. Check it out here.
Venezuelan RHP Adonis Cardona close to agreement with Toronto Blue Jays
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5/12 15:32: Frankie Piliere of Fanhouse says that the Blue Jays are trying to sign Cardona for $2.8 million, but this number is not confirmed.
5/10 21:46: According to ESPN’s Keith law, the Toronto Blue Jays are close to an agreement with Venezuelan right-handed pitcher Ardonis Cardona. Cardona will be eligible to sign a formal contract on July 2, the date for international free agents who turn 16 by this summer.
ESPN adds that these pre-signing agreements don’t always hold up, meaning that Cardona could sign with another team. However, the word is that other team scouts are getting the brush off from Cardona’s camp.
Cameron Diaz not allowed to attend Yankees Games?
Posted by: | CommentsAccording to bettyconfidential.com
, Alex Rodriguez does not want new girlfriend Cameron Diaz to attend his Yankee games.
“He doesn’t want what happened to him and Kate to happen between him and Cameron,” says our source. “Kate was at every New York game and then some and even went to Alex’s game practice. Things got too clingy too fast.”
“Cameron is not really into baseball, so she wouldn’t want to go to all the games,” says the source. “She’s private, too. She has her own career going and she’s not going to give that up for anyone. And, right now she’s booked solid, so it works for the two of them.” He thinks starting off by spending ample time apart might keep this relationship SAFE!
“They are taking it slow. Neither one wants a commitment right now.”
