text:
D-backs walk off in ninth over Dodgers

D-backs walk off on free pass in ninth

PHOENIX -- As his 41 homers show, Mark Reynolds can do a lot of damage when he swings the bat.

On Wednesday night, though, Reynolds won the game for the D-backs by not swinging.

Reynolds drew a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the ninth inning to force in the game-winning run as the D-backs beat the Dodgers, 4-3, at Chase Field.

The win snapped Arizona's six-game losing streak and kept the last-place D-backs from being officially eliminated in the National League West race.

"That was an easy one," D-backs manager A.J. Hinch said with a smile. "Yeesh. I think the whole NL West might have been watching that game at that point. Man, it feels good to come out on top especially with as many execution issues we had early in the game. That game felt like a 7-3 game that we won, 4-3. It was pretty exhausting, but a great way to go into the off-day."

Pinch-hitter Gerardo Parra led off the bottom of the ninth with a little chopper to the third-base side of the mound that pitcher Ramon Troncoso threw past first baseman James Loney to allow Parra to reach second.

Trent Oeltjen pinch-ran for Parra and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt by Ryan Roberts. The Dodgers then walked Stephen Drew and Justin Upton to load the bases for Reynolds, who was 1-for-3 with a walk to that point.

"They're just setting up for the double play, I'm sure, and [Upton] is a little more of a contact guy than I am," said Reynolds, who leads the Majors in strikeouts with 190.

The Dodgers pulled in their infield and outfield in hoping to cut down the runner at the plate.

"I'm just trying to put the ball in play," Reynolds said. "I look up and see their outfield is pretty much playing in the infield and I know all I have to do is hit a fly ball. I just fouled off some tough pitches and was able to work a good AB."

Troncoso got ahead of Reynolds 1-2 and then just missed outside with the fourth pitch of the at-bat. After Reynolds fouled off a pitch, Troncoso once again just missed outside, according to home-plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt. Reynolds again fouled off a pitch and Troncoso followed by missing outside for the walk.

"Some of them were close," Reynolds said. "He was throwing that sinker and trying to run it back over the outside corner. They were close, there's no doubt, but they were off and you've got to credit the umpire for seeing that. I laid off some tough pitches and we got the win."

All eight of the pitches during the at-bat were fastballs.

"When you talk about executing at-bats, that's when all the marbles are on the table," Hinch said. "So to be able to have the best plate discipline of the night for him is great, obviously. He had a couple of pitches that I thought he was going to put in play, but to fall behind, get two strikes, foul off a couple pitches and end up drawing the walk...it's a pretty unique walk-off to be able to walk."

Reliever Juan Gutierrez (4-3) got the much-deserved win.

The right-hander came in to face Manny Ramirez with the game tied and runners on first and second in the eighth inning. Gutierrez struck Ramirez out on four fastballs, the final three of which registered at 95 mph.

Loney, who along with Ramirez homered earlier in the game, then came to the plate and Gutierrez fanned him on three pitches.

"He went right after Manny and threw some gas by him," Hinch said.

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Prado's blurry vision attributed to allergies

Prado's blurry vision attributed to allergies

ST. LOUIS -- D-backs third baseman Martin Prado was back in the lineup on Tuesday after receiving quite a scare a couple of days before.

Prado removed himself from Sunday's game after experiencing blurred vision in his left eye.

While the team left for St. Louis following Sunday's game, Prado stayed behind in Phoenix on Monday and saw an eye doctor, who diagnosed Prado with having an allergic reaction.

"I was concerned it was only one eye," Prado said. "That's why I wanted to see a doctor to see if there's something else in there. But everything was fine and it was just an allergy in my left eye. With the medicine it goes away."

Steve Gilbert is a reporter for Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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WR. Soriano (1-0)
LK. Gregg (0-1)
SM. Rivera (2)
NYYN. Swisher (2), C. Granderson (1)

BALTIMORE -- The New York Yankees have grown accustomed to beating the Baltimore Orioles, even if it occasionally takes some additional work to accomplish the feat.

Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer in the 10th, and the Yankees defeated the Orioles 6-4 Wednesday night for their second straight extra-inning win and a three-game sweep.

Curtis Granderson homered and drove in three runs for the Yankees, who won consecutive extra-inning road games for the first time since July 16-17, 2001, at Philadelphia, according to STATS LLC.

New York has won 16 of 21 against the Orioles since the beginning of last season. During that time, the Yankees are 5-2 in extra innings against Baltimore.

"I thought our guys responded well under some tough circumstances with two extra-inning wins," manager Joe Girardi said.

After winning the opener of the series 6-2, New York went 12 innings on Tuesday night before going overtime again in the finale. New York now heads home to face the Los Angeles Angels on Friday after a 3-3 start on the road.

"It's nice to go home. Everyone is excited to go home," Girardi said. "It is nice to get the sweep."

With two outs in the 10th, Mark Teixeira hit an opposite-field pop off Kevin Gregg (0-1) that landed just inside the left-field line and between third baseman Mark Reynolds and left fielder Nolan Reimold.

Swisher then worked the count full before hitting a no-doubt drive into the center-field bleachers.

"I was really excited to get that hit at the end of the game, so excited to come out of here with a sweep," Swisher said.

Rafael Soriano (1-0) worked 1 1/3 innings of one-hit relief and 42-year-old Mariano Rivera got three outs for his second save of the season and No. 605 of his career. One night earlier, Rivera sealed a 5-4, 12-inning win.

New York starter CC Sabathia gave up four runs and eight hits in six innings, striking out eight and walking two. The left-hander won his previous seven starts at Camden Yards, and although that streak ended, he retained his 16-2 record against Baltimore.

Sabathia took a beating on the mound in a fashion that had nothing to do with his pitching line. He was smacked in his left hand trying to catch a bouncer up in the middle in the second inning and had a line drive hit his left foot in the fifth.

Robert Andino and Reynolds had two RBIs apiece for the Orioles, and starter Jake Arrieta allowed four runs and five hits in 6 2/3 innings.

"We fought. We put ourselves in the situation," Baltimore center fielder Adam Jones said. "We came back and we just kept fighting, fighting, fighting. They had the big hit, and we didn't have the big hit. We had the opportunity to get it, and we didn't get it."

Reynolds hit a two-run, two-out double in the fifth inning to give Baltimore a 4-3 lead. Although he walked twice earlier, Reynolds was 0 for 6 with three strikeouts against Sabathia.

New York pulled even in the seventh. After Orioles manager Buck Showalter lifted Arrieta with a runner on first and two outs, Luis Ayala promptly walked Derek Jeter on five pitches, and Granderson bounced an RBI single into left field.

The Yankees put runners at second and third with two outs in the eighth before Ayala struck out Russell Martin.

After throwing seven shutout innings against Minnesota on opening day, Arrieta's perfect ERA vanished when Jeter led off with a double and Granderson followed with his first home run, which also provided his first two RBIs.

Arrieta retired the next 11 batters before Teixeira singled with two outs in the fourth.

Sabathia struck out three of the first four batters before Matt Wieters singled and Reynolds walked. Sabathia then tried to barehand a smash up the middle by Ronny Paulino, and although the ball struck his hand, he wasn't hurt.

"It is a natural reaction, but I won't do it again," Sabathia said.

The single loaded the bases, and Andino tied it by lining a two-out single to center.

Baltimore loaded the bases with two outs in the third before Paulino hit into a force play. By then, however, Sabathia's pitch count was already at 74.

New York took advantage of a wild streak by Arrieta to take a 3-2 lead in the fifth. A walk, a hit batter and a single loaded the bases with no outs for Jeter, who drove in a run with a chop off the plate.

Game notes

The start of the game was delayed by rain for 20 minutes. ... For the first time this season, the Orioles failed to homer in either the first or second innings. ... Teixeira turned 32. ... After an off day Thursday, the Orioles begin the road portion of their schedule in Toronto. ... Sabathia held the opposition scoreless in his second start in each of the previous three seasons.
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text:
Romo, Casilla to share Giants' closer duties

Romo, Casilla to share Giants' closer duties

SAN FRANCISCO -- With Santiago Casilla doing a good job of creating late-game drama and Sergio Romo's unfair slider back to being unfair, Giants manager Bruce Bochy is opting to platoon the two in the closer role.

"I'll use them both," Bochy said Sunday. "We're going to ham and egg it with those two."

Casilla, who's been bothered by an illness lately, allowed a run and saw the Brewers bring the go-ahead run to the plate Saturday night before shutting the door on a 3-1 victory. He's been scored on in five of his 10 August appearances. He has a 4.66 ERA to go along with five saves in August.

Romo lost his closer's role in late June, but he hasn't surrendered a run since July 22, a span of 14 consecutive appearances. In 12 1/3 innings during that time, he's struck out 17 and allowed just six hits and three walks. The plan was for him to stay in the game after striking out the only batter he faced in the eighth Saturday night, but the pitcher's spot came up to bat in the bottom of the eighth.

So, the Giants are now back a two-person committee.

"He's using his fastball effectively, same with his slider and changeup and he's really hitting his spots well now," Bochy said of Romo on Sunday. "He looks very determined to get back on track, which he's done."

Ryan Hood is an associate reporter for Follow him on Twitter @ryanhood19. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
 City Council changes stance on controversial W. Sherman housing | Hood River News

City Council changes stance on controversial W. Sherman housing

In a move that surprised a group of Sherman Avenue residents on Tuesday, the Hood River City Council reversed its earlier denial of a condo development.

“What is most amazing in this decision is that a very similar proposal was presented to these same Councilors almost two years ago and they turned it down unanimously,” said resident Larry Blackburn.

His neighbor, Pat Ball, expects to lose between $40,000-$50,000 in value when her view is blocked and her privacy taken away by a “massive” building just feet from her northern property line.

But Alan Blanchard, owner/developer of the commercially zoned land, said he no longer expects to make any money from the project. He said a Hood River resident “hoodwinked” him into buying the 2.5 acres and he is now just trying to cut his losses.

“This process has to be viewed as something more than that the neighbors don’t like it so it’s not going to happen,” said Peter Livingston, Blanchard’s attorney.

At issue is the conditional use permit granted on Oct. 14 for 12 townhouses to be built by South Gorge Development on the hillside above the Cascade Commons shopping center. A similar application — 14 units that were 43 feet tall but narrower — was denied in November of 2001 because the elected officials believed the large structures would adversely affect the liveability of the neighborhood. That application had been approved by the City Planning Commission, who narrowly agreed that the townhouses would be sited on a “transition parcel.” The Planning Commission contended the development would provide a natural break between commercial properties and the residential sector.

In a twist, last month the Planning Commission denied the revised design, which included a change in roof pitch and slightly lowered heights on several of the units. Their decision included the fact that although some of the condos would not be as tall, they would be wider. The officials said a “wall effect” was still being created by the townhouses that were two stories in addition to a garage on the ground floor.

At Tuesday’s appeal hearing the Council informed the concerned residents that the development was a good fit for the area. In addition, Council Members said the commercial property could house an apartment complex under the existing allowable uses. Blackburn said those same arguments had already been aired in the 2001 hearings but had not affected the Council’s decision at that time.

The attitude shift of the elected body toward the project was evidenced by comments from Councilors Linda Rouches and Andrea Klaas. In 2001, Rouches vetoed the development proposal after saying, “This neighborhood is going to be significantly impacted financially and I think a homeowner has a right to have their investment protected.” At that time Klaas also said, “The homes along Sherman Avenue are definitely some of the most desirable properties in Hood River right now and it would have a significant financial impact to have their view blocked.”

However, on Tuesday Rouches told opponents of the project that the city could not protect their view corridor and that the situation could be worse. Before she spoke, Hood River resident Charlie Warren, representing South Gorge, had reminded the Council that the current zoning would also allow a commercial building of up to 45 feet high.

“This might be this community’s last chance to have a low density development,” Rouches said.

Klaas reiterated on Oct. 14 that the state favored construction of higher density housing in urban areas and said, “I think the developer is trying very hard to work with property owners.”

Councilor Charles Haynie summed up the opinions expressed by the elected officials when he said, “It’s tough on a neighborhood when there’s change but I have to agree that I think it could be a whole lot worse.”

Blackburn said it seemed contrary for these issues to “suddenly” become the heart of the recent discussion on the project.

“It is my belief that this was already a done deal for some unknown political reason,” he said.

Blackburn said the neighbors didn’t even win their request that the “shed” roofs proposed in the revised plans be retained. The Council has agreed that South Gorge can possibly resurrect plans for the “pitched” styles presented in the first application. The officials have directed that mitigation measures be ironed out with planning staffers. Blackburn said the neighbors will weigh the cost before determining whether to take the issue before the State Land Use Board of Appeals.

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text:
School lockdowns lifted after scare in Tuolumne County

Published On: Dec 06 2012 12:55:45 PM PST   Updated On: Dec 06 2012 10:35:31 PM PST
SONORA, Calif. (KCRA) -

Two Tuolumne County schools were locked down on Thursday after a teacher at Sonora Elementary reported hearing shots fired outside the school, KCRA 3 confirmed.

Police arrived at the elementary school around noon after hearing that a man with a heavy beard, dressed in all camouflage, was possibly armed in the area.

Officials searched around Sonora Elementary and the other locked-down school, Cassina High, but didn't find anyone matching the description.

All students were allowed to go home by 3 p.m.

"It totally freaked me out," said parent Tami McVay.

A California Highway Patrol officer from the Tuolumne division confirmed to KCRA 3 that a large perimeter was set up around the schools.

After a search of the entire area, students were released.

"There were two cops guarding the door, so we were pretty safe," student Makena Williamson said.

The Sonora CHP assisted the Sonora Police Department as well, the officer said.

Sonora police said there is a shooting range just outside the city, not far from the schools.

Click here to sign up for breaking news alerts from KCRA 3.

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Live: Cardinals meet for Day 2 of papal conclave

Published On: Mar 13 2013 06:24:13 AM HST   Updated On: Mar 14 2013 04:24:49 AM HST

A live picture from Vatican City, where 115 cardinals are meeting for day two of the papal conclave. View here.

The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.
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25 animal facts you didn't know

Published On: Dec 24 2013 10:23:45 AM PST   Updated On: Sep 04 2014 07:10:49 AM PDT

From the tiny flea to the great blue whale, each animal possesses a unique quality that makes it stand out from the rest. List25.com takes a look at some of the most peculiar animal facts on Earth.

Tap here to view the list.

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text:
60° F
Coeur d'Alene
61° F

Shock top Talons, 61-48

Published On: May 25 2013 01:10:01 AM CDT

SAN ANTONIO, Tex. (May 24, 2013) –The Spokane Shock (7-3) won their second straight game with a 61-48 win over the San Antonio Talons (4-5) at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer accounted for 9 touchdowns on the day (7 passing, 2 rushing) while Adron Tennell recorded 12 receptions for 177 yards and 4 scores.

On the first drive of the game, the Talons suffered two defensive penalties to allow Spokane to score in one play on a 17-yard touchdown reception by Adron Tennell. Talons’ quarterback Nick Hill would respond with a 6 play drive eating up 4 minutes and 10 seconds and cap off the series with a 9-yard touchdown scamper to tie that game at 7-7. Spokane would respond quickly as Tennell would record his second score of the game to give the Shock the one touchdown lead. On San Antonio’s next possession, quarterback Nick Hill would be sacked by Shock newcomer Diyral Briggs and suffer an injury during the play to keep him out the rest of the contest. Backup quarterback and wide receiver Xavier Lee would be called upon to take the snaps for the Talons and go on to lead the offense down the field on a 6 play drive, capping it off with a touchdown pass to Jomo Wilson from 11 yards out and tie the game at 14-14 to end the first quarter of play.

Spokane would dominate the scoreboard in the second quarter, posting three touchdowns to San Antonio’s one. Kamar Jorden would make his presence known on the Shock’s opening drive, catching a pass on a drag route over the middle while Brandon Thompkins would lay an edge sealing block to allow Jorden to scamper up the right sideline for the 15-yard score. Spokane would miss the extra point, giving the Talons and quarterback Xavier Lee possession as they would put together a 5 play drive eating up 3 minutes and 23 seconds on their way to score on a 28-yard touchdown pass to Jomo Wilson and give the Talons the 21-20 lead. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer would respond quickly, engineering a three play drive and scoring on a one-yard rush to retake the lead. On the Talons’ ensuing possession, the Shock defense would hold to a four-and-out and allow Spokane to take over on downs at the 16-yard line. Spokane would focus on eating up the clock late in the second quarter. Duane Brooks would enter the game and be on the receiving end of Meyer’s touchdown pass from 8-yards out, leaving only 7 seconds on the clock for San Antonio as the Shock would hold on defense and go into halftime with the 34-21 lead.

In the first half the Shock were perfect on offense, scoring on all five possessions while the defense held the Talons to a four-and-out late in the quarter after giving up three fourth down conversions to San Antonio earlier in the half. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer completed 13 of 15 pass attempts for 165 yards and 4 touchdowns in the air while adding one rushing score. Wide receiver Adron Tennell hauled in 6 receptions for 105 yards and 2 touchdowns. Talons’ quarterback Xavier Lee completed 8 of 19 pass attempts for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns after Nick Hill left the game early in the first quarter due to injury. Jomo Wilson led the San Antonio receiving effort with 4 receptions for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns. In the first half, San Antono dominated time of possession as they engineered lengthy scoring drives while giving up quick scores to Spokane. The Talons would run 29 plays and hold possession for 18 minutes and 36 seconds compared to Spokane’s 17 plays while holding onto the ball for 11 minutes and 24 seconds.

On the Talons’ opening possession of the second half, Shock defensive back Patrick Stoudamire would intercept the pass by Xavier Lee on the 4-yard line. Erik Meyer would lead the Shock offense the length of the field and scramble for a 10-yard rushing touchdown to cap off the five play drive and give the Shock a 40-21 lead and post the only touchdown in the third quarter between the two teams.

San Antonio would continue their 10 play drive into the fourth quarter, eating up almost eight minutes off the clock on their way to scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Xavier Lee to Jomo Wilson. After failing to recover the onside kick, San Antonio would intercept the pass by Shock quarterback Erik Meyer in the end zone and take over possession on their own 5-yard line. The Talons would push the length of the field and score on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Ruffins to bring the game back within one score at 40-35. A second failed onside kick attempt would set Spokane up on the Talons’ 5-yard line after a chop block penalty on the kick. Erik Meyer would connect with Kamar Jorden on the short screen pass in the left flat who would take it in for the 5-yard touchdown and reestablish Spokane’s two-score lead. On the Shock’s ensuring kickoff, Talon return specialist D.J. Stephens would take the kick 56-yards for the quick strike with just over 7 minutes remaining in the game. Shock quarterback Erik Meyer would lead Spokane down the field and connect with Tennell for the third time in the game as Adron would haul in a one-handed score with the San Antonio defender all over him in the back of the end zone. After the Shock score, D.J. Stephens would take his second straight kickoff back for a touchdown and give the Talons a fighting chance, down by only six. The Talons would go on to attempt another onside kick and fail to recover after Adron Tennell snatched the ball out of the air and ran back to the 20-yard line to give his team more space to work with and the opportunity to eat up the final seconds off the clock. Spokane would go on to score with 44 seconds remaining in the contest as Erik Meyer and Adron Tennell would make their fourth and final connection of the game to give Spokane the 61-48 lead that they would go on to hold for the final score to improve to 7-3 overall.

Shock quarterback Erik Meyer completed 23 of 29 pass attempts for 255 yards and 7 touchdowns with only one interception while adding 4 rushes for 6 yards and 2 touchdowns on the night. Tennell would lead the Shock receiving effort with 12 receptions for 177 yards and 4 scores. Patrick Stoudamire recorded an interception on the night, while the Shock defensive front accounted for one sack (Briggs) and 9 quarterback hurries in the contest. Talons’ quarterback Xavier Lee completed 22 of 48 attempts for 237 yards and 4 touchdowns with one interception after entering the game midway through the first quarter due to an injury to starter Nick Hill. Jomo Wilson led the San Antonio receivers with 8 receptions for 105 yards and 3 touchdowns. D.J. Stephens gave the Talons’ a late spark, returning two kick returns for touchdowns in back to back possessions late in the fourth quarter.

Next week, the Shock will return to Spokane for their first of back-to-back home games to begin the month of June. This will be the second and final matchup between Spokane and San Jose in the regular season.


text:
Duncan unaffected by Rays' reaction

Duncan unaffected by Rays' reaction

TAMPA, Fla. -- Shelley Duncan gnashed his black bat between two fists, alternating between a futile effort to create sawdust and pounding it into the foam padding of his locker chair. So began the day after.

Fewer than 24 hours after a spikes-high slide into Akinori Iwamura set off a bench-clearing incident with the Rays in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Duncan was looking for anything to extinguish the firestorm he helped spark.

"Maybe Billy Crystal will take some of the heat off of me," Duncan said, cracking a sliver of a smile.

Duncan said that he watched replays of the slide -- which the Rays repeatedly termed a "dirty play" -- on "SportsCenter" and couldn't understand why the Tampa Bay players were as upset as they were.

While neither Duncan nor Yankees manager Joe Girardi would disclose specifics of a discussion they had late Wednesday, Duncan said he would not be bothered by characterizations from Rays manager Joe Maddon that his actions were "contemptible" and "borderline criminal," among other terms.

"The words that come from another team don't affect me," Duncan said. "It doesn't bother me. They can say whatever they want to say. It won't change how I play the game or how I look at them."

Tampa Bay wasn't budging. Speaking in Fort Myers, Fla., where the Rays played the Red Sox, Maddon was insistent that his club had nothing to apologize for and no reason to change its thinking.

"I will not back down for a minute," Maddon said. "I know we are right in this regard, so it's up to [the Yankees] to spin it the way they would like to spin it. That is entirely up to them.

"But I know what happened. Everybody who saw it knows what happened. It's indisputable what happened. So bring on the spin doctors."

Rays right fielder Jonny Gomes -- who speared Duncan from behind after the hard slide, setting off the melee -- was the only non-Yankee tossed of the five persons ejected. Gomes said in Fort Myers that he expected to be suspended for his actions, though Maddon said Gomes should not be.

Regardless, Gomes said that Duncan should receive a harsher penalty.

Spring Training
News and features:
• Hoch on Pettitte's health  400K
• Va. Tech galleries: Pregame | Game action
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• Billy Crystal's at-bat  400K
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"What he did was premeditated, a week in advance ... saying he was going to do it," Gomes said. "What would happen to a pitcher if he said, 'I'm going to hit some guy in the head,' and [he] hits a guy in the head?"

Duncan again rejected that claim, saying, "I really did not say anything provocative before the game [Wednesday]. What I said was I was going to play the game hard. That's all I said."

Duncan made the comments in question on Sunday, one day after Yankees catcher Francisco Cervelli suffered a broken right wrist in a home-plate collision with Rays infielder Elliot Johnson.

According to an account by The Associated Press, Duncan said: "What it does is it opens another chapter of intensity in the Spring Training ballgames. They showed what is acceptable to them and how they're going to play the game, so we're going to go out there to match their intensity -- or even exceed it.

"There's going to be no malicious evil intent in terms of carryover, but it just adds a different type of fire to your gut when you play that team because you understand how they're playing the game and what their mind-set is."

Duncan said on Thursday that he would not change his style of play as a result of the incident with the Rays.

"I'll continue to play the game as hard as I can all the time," Duncan said. "What matters to me the most is the respect of my coaching staff and my teammates."

It appears as though Duncan continues to have that, though that could change in at least one case if Girardi sees the slide and does not approve of his players' actions. Girardi said he had not seen a replay by the end of Thursday's game, having fallen asleep Wednesday night while watching "American Idol."

After loudly criticizing Johnson for his jarring hit on catcher Cervelli on Saturday, Girardi said that he was not abiding by a double standard.

"I don't like dirty baseball," Girardi said. "I don't want to see players get hurt, whether it's Spring Training or the season. I would be mad at one of my players if he intentionally tried to hurt someone, and I would let him know."

Duncan has been celebrated in New York for his high-energy style of play, having made his big league arrival with impact last July by homering three times in his first four games.

But he has also made questionable decisions; Duncan has aggressively taken out middle infielders on slides, most notably in Toronto last August after Alex Rodriguez's "Ha!" play. In Boston, Duncan finished signing an autograph for a young fan by adding a vulgar term about the Red Sox.

Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi has been exposed to Duncan's boisterous personality for years. As a youngster, Duncan would roam the Oakland A's clubhouses following his father, longtime pitching coach Dave Duncan.

Giambi was a late scratch from the Yankees' travel roster to St. Petersburg on Wednesday, but when he heard there was an incident, Giambi said he was not surprised to hear that Duncan had been involved.

"The one guy who started it doesn't surprise me -- Baby Huey," Giambi said, laughing. "That's my boy right there. Baby Huey -- he has no idea. He's been like that since he's been a kid."

Girardi said that he would continue to back his player upon further review.

"Shelley told me he was trying to break up the play, [that] he was trying to go after his glove," Girardi said. "I take Shelley for his word.

"There's always those guys that you'll love them if they're on your team. You don't necessarily like them if they're on the other team. You're always going to play against guys like that. I don't know if Shelley is like that, but I've got to tell you, we love him on our team."

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


text:
Tracy resigns his post as Rockies manager

Tracy resigns his post as Rockies manager

Tracy resigns his post as Rockies manager
DENVER -- Feeling uncomfortable with changes within the Rockies' organization, manager Jim Tracy resigned on Sunday after three-plus years in what was described as a surprise move.

Tracy, who was promoted from bench coach when Clint Hurdle was let go on May 29, 2009, managed the club to a 294-308 record in three-plus seasons. During his time, he led the Rockies to a franchise-best 92-70 finish in '09 to earn National League Manager of the Year honors.

But Sunday's resignation came on the heels of the Rockies' 64-98 finish in 2012, which was worst in club history. During the season, the Rockies made major changes in their pitching strategy and their coaching staff, plus made a major front-office change. Tracy's decision came after a wide-ranging discussion with Bill Geivett, the Rockies' senior vice president of Major League operations, that began on Friday.

"As had been publicized, we had a wonderful get-together on Friday, a lengthy get-together," Tracy said. "I came home and spent quite a bit of time, many hours, talking and reflecting on a lot of things past and present. I really got to the point ... where I was strongly coming to the conclusion that I'm no longer the proper fit for this club."

Tracy, who previously managed the Dodgers and the Pirates, walked away from a guaranteed salary of $1.4 million in 2013.

The move was not forced. Geivett said he expected Tracy back for next season. "It was a surprise to me," Geivett said.

The team is expected to interview bench coach Tom Runnells, who managed the Montreal Expos in 1991 and '92, and Stu Cole, a longtime manager in the Rockies' farm system who most recently has served as the manager at Triple-A Colorado Springs. No candidates from outside the organization have emerged.

Geivett said by phone that the team would meet soon to discuss what it wants in the new manager.

"Right now, there has been a lot to digest, but there are characteristics that we would like in the new manager," Geivett said. "We will be working on a plan."

Poor starting pitching in the beginning of the season led to a year of upheaval in Tracy's final year with the Rockies.

When pitching coach Bob Apodaca resigned in June because of fatigue, the Rockies went to co-pitching coaches Bo McLaughlin and Jim Wright. Shortly thereafter, the team went to a four-man rotation, with three relievers also throwing on a starter-like schedule, and starters were limited to around 75 pitches.

The Rockies went back to a five-man rotation late in the year, but announced that next season there would still be a pitch count -- higher than 75 but not like most clubs, which often let pitchers go to 120 -- and the hybrid relievers would exist in some form.

The Rockies said the radically different pitching plan was not just a reaction to the poor season. The club tracked pitching over 20 seasons and saw high injury rates and dramatic drops in effectiveness when starters log large numbers of innings.

However, the pitch counts this past season often limited Tracy's ability to match up with the opponent's bench and bullpen. Tracy enjoys that type of managing.

Also, general manager Dan O'Dowd relinquished day-to-day Major League duties to Geivett, who was moved to an office inside the Rockies' clubhouse and was added to the traveling party for all road trips. Tracy worked directly with Geivett, who also spent time learning all parts of the Major League operation.

Tracy and Geivett spent Friday discussing all parts of the operation, from how the game would be run to the coaching staff before reaching his decision.

Tracy did not discuss any specifics that led to his decision, but said he was uncomfortable with the amount of change.

"There have been a number of things that I really feel when I was asked to be the manager of the club, and the different conditions that were laid out before me, and where things are now, there are quite a few things that are much, much different," Tracy said. "But I want to add this: the tough part is so many uniformed and non-uniformed personnel, my coaches and especially my players, I have developed a love affair with [them]. I hold the utmost respect for each and every one of them."

Tracy said he wants to manage or be on the field in the future, but said his decision with the Rockies had nothing to do with other opportunities that may exist.

Geivett said the strategies discussed with Tracy will be hammered out in discussions with the new manager.

"I think those are all great discussions for when we talk," Geivett said. "We, as a franchise after 20 years of play here, have learned a lot about our home park and we need to make that to our advantage."

But part of the issue in 2012 was injuries. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, first baseman Todd Helton, outfielder-first baseman Michael Cuddyer and outfielder Eric Young Jr. suffered season-ending injuries, and pitchers Jhoulys Chacin and Jorge De La Rosa missed much of the year with injuries.

"Once healthy, we're in good shape," Geivett said. "I feel we don't get enough credit for the talent that we have here, when healthy. But at the same time, you've got to win games."

The Rockies will seek their sixth manager as they prepare for their 21st season. Tracy was preceded by Don Baylor (1995-98), Jim Leyland (1999), Buddy Bell (2000-April 26, 2002) and Hurdle (April 26, 2002-May 29, 2009).

Players were trying to get their minds around the surprise decision on Sunday.

Carlos Gonzalez, the Rockies' lone All-Star Game representative in 2012, received his chance to play regularly in the Majors in 2009, when Tracy stuck with him through an early slump.

"Jim Tracy's resignation is something I truly regret, since he gave me the chance to play in the Major Leagues and prove my talent," Gonzalez said in a statement. "It has always been an honor to play for him. I always believed he would have a chance to be with us next year.

"He is truly respected inside our clubhouse and I hoped he would be with us so he could help us improve and have a better season in 2013. Sadly, we had one of the worst seasons in franchise history and when these things happen, our jobs are at stake."

Veteran left-hander Jeff Francis, who was with the Rockies when Tracy arrived as bench coach and returned to the team this season, is eligible for free agency, but he has stated that he wants to return.

"I was surprised -- I guess it's an indication that maybe [there was] some frustration, I don't know," Francis said. "I was expecting him to be back, too."

Francis said he isn't sure how the managerial decision will play into his decision.

"There are a lot of factors, not only on my end but their end, too," Francis said. "I guess I'll just have to wait and see what my options are. It certainly wouldn't be a deal-breaker."

Some took to Twitter to express gratitude.

Tracy stuck with center fielder Dexter Fowler through horrendous slumps the past two years, and Fowler responded this year with career-best numbers in batting average (.300), on-base percentage (.389) and home runs (13).

Fowler tweeted, "Man I'm gonna miss Tracy, thanks for believing in me! You are a wonderful and stand up guy!"

Rookie infielder-catcher Jordan Pacheco, who finished fifth in the NL with a .309 batting average, which led NL rookies, tweeted, "Thank you skip for giving me an opportunity ... It was an honor to play for you."

Thomas Harding is a reporter for Read his blog, Hardball in the Rockies, and follow him on Twitter @harding_at_mlb. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Roberts in nine-hole for O's likely the norm

Roberts in nine-hole for O's likely the norm

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts met with manager Buck Showalter prior to Thursday night's game to discuss batting ninth against Rays ace David Price in their Grapefruit League matchup. The assignment, which will happen on Opening Day, could very well be a familiar sight this season.

"We talked about moving forward for right now," said Roberts. "It could be 162 games for all I know. That's how we're going to begin it, and let's go from there."

"It's the right thing right now, we feel like," Showalter said. "I think as the season goes on, he'll move up. This is the best way for us to start right now and let him get his feet on the ground. The guy's really been out of action for a couple of seasons, and I think this will take a little focus off. I just want to create the best situation for him to get started, and we'll see where it takes us."

Roberts hasn't batted ninth in a Major League game since July 31, 2004, and he has hit atop the order in 1,115 out of 1,200 career starts. While Showalter hasn't made anything official, Nick Markakis is the most likely candidate to bat leadoff for the Orioles with Nate McLouth another option. If Roberts did have a problem with the move, he didn't show it Friday afternoon, joking with reporters that it was a "heated exchange" and he's now going to try to hit more home runs.

"It's a batter order," Roberts said. "I'm happy to be healthy and playing, and my job for the past 13 years had been to be the best leadoff man in the game I could be. And now I'll be the best nine-hole hitter I can be."

"I am who I am. It really doesn't matter where I hit. I'm going to do the same things I've always done, and all that changes is that you don't hit for an hour."

Showalter said Roberts didn't try to talk him out of it and thinks having the veteran as a second leadoff hitter of sorts gives the Orioles a well-balanced lineup.

"I think Robby, he sees what went on last year with the needs we had, and you can hit him about anywhere in the order," he said. "When you look at lineups, especially in the American League East, you look at how you stack up with other teams seven, eight and nine. And the batting order means one time around for sure. He might lead off some innings. I think it's the best way for him to get off [to a good start]. We're all going to have enough challenges as it is without creating some that we don't have to.

"I want to take some of the pressure off him and let him get started at something he hasn't really done for a couple of seasons."

Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Twitter @britt_ghiroli. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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MRI shows Machado doesn't have torn ACL, MCL

MRI shows Machado doesn't have torn ACL, MCL

MRI shows Machado doesn't have torn ACL, MCL

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles received uplifting news on third baseman Manny Machado on Tuesday afternoon, with an MRI revealing no ACL or MCL damage, but a medial patellofemoral ligament tear in his left knee and a recovery timetable of six to eight weeks.

Machado, who will get a second opinion, will go the rest-and-rehab route and be reevaluated in four weeks, which should allow time for a minor surgical procedure if things aren't moving along. He's expected to be ready in time for Spring Training.

"That [ACL] was our concern, but the doctors have said that it's a torn medial patellofemoral ligament, and from what I understand, that's good news. It's the type of injury where you can treat it conservatively and our plan would be to treat it conservatively and see how Manny recovers from that," executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said in a news conference attended by manager Buck Showalter and head athletic trainer Richie Bancells.

"If everything falls into place like we think, this is something he could recover from with rest. He would be out for the rest of the season, but he'd be able to come back and play next year."

Machado was at Camden Yards on Tuesday, but was not made available to the media. The youngster had started every game at third base for the Orioles since his debut Aug. 9, 2012, and the knee issue isn't completely foreign for Machado, who hyperextended his left kneecap two years ago in the Minor Leagues. But it is good news, with the MPF a small ligament located on the inside of the kneecap that Bancells said keeps the knee from dislocating laterally.

"So his knee was in a position that his patella slid laterally, putting pressure on that ligament and causing it to tear," Bancells said. "The plan is to have him back here with Dr. [John] Wilckens in four weeks to see what the progress is. All in all, if that continues on a conservative path, that would be six to eight weeks before he could start to do more functional things like start light running. … If the conservative method works, he's ready for Spring Training."

If not, Machado could undergo surgery which would still leave him time to be ready by mid-March. Bancells said that's why he will be reexamined in four weeks, with the range of motion slowly coming back and the swelling subsiding the first part of the healing process. The injury is fairly common in young athletes and given Machado's age, it's not completely out of nowhere.

It is a sigh of relief for the organization, with the Orioles and Rays dugouts -- along with other members of the baseball world -- speculating about the extent of serious ligament damage given the gruesome nature of Monday's injury, which ended with Machado being taken off the field on a stretcher. The injury occurred when the 21-year-old hit a one-out single in the seventh inning Monday against the Rays. His left leg hit the first-base bag awkwardly, causing him to immediately fall down, writhing in pain.

First-base coach Wayne Kirby signaled for O's trainers, and Machado stayed on the ground, screaming. The Rays' team physician, Koco Eaton, also came out to look over Machado before the group gingerly placed him on the stretcher.

"I probably owe an apology to the Tampa people, I probably jumped the gun a little bit emotionally yesterday," said Showalter, who wasn't pleased to get a grim early diagnosis before tests were conducted. "They do a great job there. All these clubs do. MLB does a great job of trying to put things in place that makes it easier to evaluate and the safety of everyone. We got a lot of help from them. I just don't like to speculate, when somebody… I probably overreacted with that a little bit."

Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Twitter @britt_ghiroli. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Bell selected as Delivery Man of Year

Bell selected as Delivery Man of Year

Padres closer Heath Bell was recognized Wednesday for his stellar performance this season when he was named the Major League Baseball Delivery Man of the Year.

Bell converted 47 of 50 save opportunities this season, placing him one behind Giants closer Brian Wilson, who led the league. Bell's save total was the second-highest single-season total for a Padres reliever, trailing only Trevor Hoffman's 53-save campaign in 1998. Bell's 1.93 ERA was a career low, and his six wins tied a career high, which he has now matched four times. Bell also made his second-consecutive All-Star team in July.

"He's probably the No. 1 guy to go to whenever you need a shutdown inning. He's one of the best at what he does, that's why he's our closer," Bell's teammate Mat Latos said in August. "He's done an unbelievable job so far this year."

In 2009, Bell suffered three of his six blown saves in September and later said he considered his season a failure because of it. He said that poor finish prompted him to improve his fitness, so that he could remain strong late in the season.

"In September [2009], I didn't feel like I was tired," Bell said. "Everybody said I was heavier at the end of the season than I was at the beginning, and I really wasn't. I took it as a personal goal to improve on what everybody said I was bad at last year."

This season, Bell worked with strength and conditioning coach Jim Malone on a revamped workout routine and has also started taking Herbalife, a type of nutrition shake.

"It's been shocking my body to work out differently," Bell said. "Instead of just running on the treadmill all the time, I run outside, I'm doing the elliptical, doing the bike, then I take a couple days off. I'm still a big guy; I'm always going to be a big guy. I'm going to work hard this offseason to get thinner."

Bell was 10-for-10 in save opportunities after Sept. 1 and earned saves in two victories in San Francisco in the regular season-ending series with the Giants.

The veteran was the capstone of the Padres' bullpen, which kept the club in the postseason chase until the final day of the season. The bullpen also included Luke Gregerson, who set a Major League record with 40 holds this season.

"We want to be one of the best bullpens in the league," Bell said in August. "No, we want to be the best bullpen in baseball. We're one of the top now, but we're going to keep trying."

Bell won the award over Wilson, Rays reliever Rafael Soriano, Rangers closer Neftali Feliz and Royals righty Joakim Soria.

Sunil Joshi is a reporter for This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Black to manage Padres through 2015 season

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Padres announced today they have exercised the options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons on the contract of manager Bud Black.  The club had previously extended Black’s contract in July 2010 to run through the 2013 season with club options for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.  Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcement.

“Buddy has a keen insight into team dynamics and creates a great environment for the players and coaching staff,” said Byrnes.  “He is a gifted leader with a terrific mind for the game and a genuine interest and curiosity related to all areas of our organization.”

Black, 55, made his managerial debut with the Padres in 2007.  Over six seasons (2007-12) with San Diego, he has led the club to a 464-509 (.477) record, including a 90-72 (.556) mark in 2010.  The 2010 campaign was just the fourth time in Padres franchise history the club reached the 90-win mark, also reaching 90 wins in 1984 (92-70), 1996 (91-71) and 1998 (98-64).  Black was honored by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) after the 2010 season as the National League Manager of the Year.

In 2012, the Padres finished with a 76-86 (.469) record, ending the season by going 49-37 (.570) over the final 86 games from June 28 through the end of the regular season.  The club’s .570 winning percentage was fifth-best among all National League clubs from June 28 through the end of the regular season.

“I am honored and humbled by the faith Josh and our ownership team have shown in me, the coaching staff and our players,” said Black. “I am extremely proud to be part of this organization, and I’m excited to continue working with ownership and our baseball operations team toward achieving our ultimate goal: bringing a championship to the great city and fans of San Diego.”

Named the 16th manager in franchise history on November 9, 2006, Black joined the Padres after seven seasons as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitching coach (2000-06).  He previously spent four years in the Cleveland Indians organization where he first worked with Byrnes.  With the Indians, Black held the position of Special Assistant to General Manager John Hart for three years (1996-97, 1999) and pitching coach for Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo for the 1998 season.

A left-handed pitcher, Black pitched 17 years professionally, including 15 seasons in the Majors with the Seattle Mariners (1981), Kansas City Royals (1982-88), Cleveland Indians (1988-90, 1995), Toronto Blue Jays (1990) and San Francisco Giants (1991-94).  In 398 Major League games (296 starts), he compiled a 121-116 record with 32 complete games, 12 shutouts, 11 saves and a 3.84 ERA (876 ER/2053.1 IP).  Black played in two American League Championship Series with Kansas City in 1984-85 and was a member of the Royals 1985 World Series Champion team.

Originally signed by the Mariners as a 17th-round pick in the 1979 June Free Agent Draft, Black played two seasons (1978-79) of college ball at San Diego State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in 1979.


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Baldelli files for free agency

Baldelli files for free agency

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rocco Baldelli filed for free agency on Friday, the second day that eligible players could officially declare their intentions to test the market.

Baldelli missed the first 116 games of the 2008 season due to a mitochondrial disorder, a condition that slows muscle recovery and causes fatigue. Upon his return, he played in 28 of the Rays' final 46 games, making 16 starts -- 13 at designated hitter and three in right field. The outfielder also contributed to the Rays' 2008 playoff run, going 8-for-20 with two homers and six RBIs.

When Baldelli returned on Aug. 10 in Seattle, he had a single in four trips to the plate while batting cleanup and playing right. The game was his first Major League appearance since May 15, 2007, when the Rays played the Rangers at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

Baldelli also missed all of the 2005 season due to two major injuries. He tore the ACL in his left knee in October 2004, and he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow while rehabbing from a knee injury in June 2005.

The Rays selected Baldelli with the sixth overall pick in the 2000 First-Year Player Draft out of Bishop Hendrickson High School in Rhode Island. He has a .281 career average in 447 big league games, with 52 home runs and 234 RBIs.

Bill Chastain is a reporter for This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Longoria returns to third; Zobrist gets breather

Longoria returns to third; Zobrist gets breather

Longoria returns to third; Zobrist gets breather

ST. PETERBURG -- Rays third baseman Evan Longoria returned to the lineup at third base on Friday for the first time since the plantar fasciitis in his right foot flared up and forced him out of the third inning of a June 28 loss to the Tigers.

Longoria took three full days off and served as the Rays' designated hitter during the final three games of their series win against the Astros. Prior to the time off, Longoria was the only Rays player to start in each of the season's first 80 games.

Longoria walked in the eighth inning on Thursday and was removed for pinch-runner Sam Fuld. Manager Joe Maddon jokingly suggested the move fueled Longoria's return.

"He did not want to come out of that game," Maddon said. "He said he was feeling pretty good during the game yesterday. We finally got word that he felt he wanted to play third base. That helps against the righty because it gives Luke Scott a chance to get back in the lineup. I like that, too."

Maddon, however, said he doesn't expect Longoria to retake his hot-corner post on an everyday basis.

Longoria's return was coupled with another abnormal lineup move on Friday: Second baseman Ben Zobrist's name was missing from the lineup card for the first time since June 1.

Zobrist has just one hit in the last five games and has seen his batting average dip 13 points in July.

"He's been grinding it out very harshly, and I want him to back off a little," Maddon said. "He overworks all the time. He's struggling a bit at the plate, so he has taken many more swings. I would rather he take many less swings."

Of Zobrist's 19 at-bats against the Astros, 10 ended in flyouts.

"Sometimes that is an indication of being a little tired," Maddon said. "That was one big fly ball that whole time in Houston. We have to get him back on a line. Permitting him to regroup a little bit is important. After that, hopefully we can convince him not to swing so much. The point of diminishing returns does set in with guys who just want to swing away. It's not always the right way to go."

Bill Chastain is a reporter for MLB.com. Sam Strong is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Red Sox weigh in on Manny news

Red Sox weigh in on Manny news

BOSTON -- Though Manny Ramirez was traded by the Red Sox on July 31, 2008, he once again became a hot-button topic at Fenway Park on Thursday after Major League Baseball announced that the enigmatic slugger had been suspended 50 games for use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Manny Ramirez

There was a mixture of surprise and disappointment from the Red Sox's clubhouse, which Ramirez inhabited for seven and a half seasons.

"Yeah, obviously playing with him for a couple of years, that's the furthest thing you think of," said Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia. "It's definitely unfortunate for him. But I think, for all of us, it's really not our issue anymore. Manny has moved on to L.A. It's unfortunate for him. Obviously he's one of the greatest right-handed hitters ever. It's just tough to look up there as a fan of the game, just like anybody else, to see a superstar like that go through something like this."

Pedroia, who trained with Ramirez at the Athletes Performance Institute in Tempe, Ariz., prior to the 2008 season, saw how hard the slugger worked to get in shape, which made Thursday's news even more of a stunner.

"Obviously he knows how to get into shape, he knows how to take care of his body and stuff like that, so that's obviously surprising," Pedroia said. "I don't really know. I'm not familiar what happened, or know all the details. The only thing I know is I played with him a couple of years and he worked hard. I didn't suspect this stuff."

There were many questions from media members of whether Ramirez's sudden association with performance-enhancing drugs could tarnish the World Series championships that the Sox won in 2004 and '07.

"You can't take back world championships -- no," said Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon.

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I don't feel our '07 season was tainted," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell, who joined the team in 2006. "This is still a 25-man team. I think it still remains to be seen about what happened in '07. Manny is going to be questioned a lot. I actually prefer talking about today's game and our next series. Manny is on another team right now. I think it would be a lot more [relevant] if he was on our team and affected us, but it really doesn't."

At first, David Ortiz, Boston's typically gregarious slugger, didn't want to talk about the news regarding his former teammate and good friend.

"I play for Boston," Ortiz said. "Manny plays for L.A.; go and ask him."

However, Ortiz then came back to his locker and spoke for a couple of minutes.

Ortiz wonders if Ramirez knowingly took a banned substance.

"It's a little confusing from what I've seen, because there's guys out there taking things that sometimes you can buy it over the counter -- sometimes it's banned, sometimes it's not on the list," Ortiz said. "I don't know. ... You definitely got to be careful, man."

When it comes to Ortiz's own body, he says that he is mindful of what he is taking.

"I try not to buy anything," Ortiz said. "I pretty much try to use what the trainer has here. If I fail [a test] over that [stuff], what can I say, but it's just crazy. You got to be careful."

"Obviously guys are careful," Pedroia said. "I take Centrum multivitamins every day. That's it. I think the careful route is the best, so you don't have to worry about anything like that."

Most Red Sox players made it clear that they find that the banned-substance list issued by Major League Baseball to each player should prevent anyone from unknowingly failing a test.

"No, it's really easy," Papelbon said. "Actually, they make a pamphlet for you in Spanish and in English, and you just read it and know what not to take. It's really not that hard."

And if there is any ambiguity, said Red Sox left fielder Jason Bay, it is easy to solve.

"I don't know the whole story, but I think everyone in here, before taking something that may or may not [be on the list], whether it be a 50 percent chance or a one percent chance you could test positive, you have to look into it," said Bay, who was traded to Boston for Ramirez.

"If you have a product that is not certified, you can send it to Major League Baseball and they will test it for you and let you know if it's safe. There's a lot of avenues you can take, and I think more guys are realizing that."

Independent of their relationship or past history with Ramirez, several players were saddened by the game of baseball taking another hit.

"I think it's just another black eye for the game," said Lowell. "I understand that it's hard for Major League Baseball to try to glorify guys who they think are doing it right, because we don't know. That's almost where we've gotten to. I think that's very unfortunate. We keep finding these guys, and the message is terrible, especially for young kids who aspire to be Major League Baseball players."

Lowell is incredulous that any player could test positive in light of what has happened in recent years.

"I don't put [anything] in my body," Lowell said. "I don't understand why now anyone would even come close to taking anything that could remotely result in a positive test. I don't know. In the past, if guys did it, they had the crutch that they weren't testing. Nowadays, I don't really understand it. Maybe there's some secret society meeting that maybe I wasn't invited to. I don't get it. I don't. I wish I could, but I don't."

As an organization, the Red Sox chose not to comment on the matter, citing confidentiality issues. Instead, the club released a statement.

"In accordance with the Basic Agreement between Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players' Association, the club is prohibited from commenting on the specifics or the facts of the matter related to Manny Ramirez. Major League Baseball keeps these matters confidential, and as such we do not know any more than what was released by the league. We staunchly support Major League Baseball's drug policy and commend the efforts associated with that program."

Red Sox manager Terry Francona didn't feel it was his place to voice an opinion without having all the facts.

"I'm aware of what has happened today," Francona said. "I've also noticed that you walk by the TV and about the first thing you hear out of everybody is, 'I really don't know the facts.' I get real hesitant on any subject. When I don't know the facts, I don't need to be stating opinions."

Ian Browne is a reporter for This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


WARC-Truncated: length

text:
Jordan //

Fact file

  • The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Al Mamlakeh Al Urduniyyeh Al Hashmiyyeh, or Al Urdun for short) covers around 90,000 square kilometres – roughly the same area as Portugal or Indiana.
  • Of the 6.7 million population, well over 90 percent are Muslim Arabs, with small minorities of Christian Arabs, as well as Muslim Circassians and Chechens.
  • Life expectancy is just over 80 – slightly ahead of the UK and Luxembourg.
  • Jordan is a constitutional monarchy, with universal suffrage over the age of 18. The king appoints the Prime Minister and together they appoint the Cabinet. The Senate is appointed by the king and the House of Representatives is voted in by proportional representation.
  • Jordan’s per-capita GDP is under US$6000. It has virtually no oil. Key economic sectors are phosphate and potash production, and tourism.
  • Jordanian workers are entitled to a minimum wage of JD190/month (US$265).
  • King Abdullah’s father, King Hussein, and mother, Toni Gardiner (later Princess Muna), met on the set of Lawrence of Arabia in 1961.
  • King Abdullah once appeared in a non-speaking role in Star Trek: Voyager.
Read More

Explore Jordan


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Canada //

Lake Superior Provincial Park

Heading north from Sault Ste Marie on Hwy-17, it’s about 130km to the southern perimeter of Lake Superior Provincial Park, which offers ready access to Lake Superior’s granite shoreline and its immediate hinterland. Autumn is the best time to visit, when the blackflies have abated and the forests of sugar maples and yellow birch flash with colour, but the scenery and wildlife are enthralling year-round. Moose, chipmunk and beaver are the most common, sharing their habitat with the more elusive white-tailed deer, woodland caribou, coyote, timber wolf and black bear, as well as myriad migratory and resident birds.

Read More

More about Canada

Explore Canada


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Park renovations will excite fans

Park renovations will excite fans

Fans coming to Kauffman Stadium for the first time this year had better get ready for a surprising experience.

"I think it's going to strike them as a totally different building," said Kevin Uhlich, Royals senior vice president of business operations.

"When they used to walk up, they had a lot of asphalt and chain-link fence. Now it's been replaced with colored concrete, lush landscaping and ornamental fencing. So it's almost a park inside of a park. I think that's what going to hit them as they approach the building."

Even now, as motorists go past the stadium on I-70, they can see the crowning touch going up. The new gold crown is being erected atop the spectacular and aptly named Crown Vision scoreboard which was unveiled last year during the first phase of the massive renovation project.

"I like the new scoreboard the best," owner David Glass said. "It's got all the information up there that I want. So it enhances the game experience for me. When I go, I just like to watch the game."

Watching the game will be an even better experience this year for all fans.

The gorgeous green field will be the same and the team, if Spring Training optimism proves true, will be better. But wider concourses within the stadium, more concession stands and restrooms and other amenities are waiting for Joe and Joan Fan and the kiddies.

For one thing, ticket-holding fans now can enter Kauffman Stadium through Gates A and E at an early hour to enjoy what's called "the outfield experience" and Royals batting practice.

All gates normally open 1 1/2 hours before game time Sunday through Thursday and 2 hours before game time Friday and Saturday. In addition, this year Gates A and E will open at 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Thursday, at 3 p.m. on Friday, at 2 p.m. on Saturday and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

"Our batting practice starts at 4:40 [for 7:10 p.m. games] so that gives fans a chance to get in and be able to watch our entire batting practice," Uhlich said. "They can go to the outfield and stand on the standing room platforms and catch home run balls in batting practice and all the interactive stuff will be open as well."

By interactive stuff, Uhlich means all the new attractions that rim the outfield area (more about that in an upcoming article). The new Rivals restaurant and a barbecue area beyond right field also will be operating.

Then, when all the gates to the ballpark open, the rest of the building becomes available to all fans. So, if you came in early to watch batting practice, eat a sandwich or take the kids on the carousel, you can wander into the rest of the stadium to find your seats.

Or, if you want, you can take a walk throughout the entire stadium. That's right, for the first time fans can take a trip all around the stadium if they want. There's a 360-degree passage.

That's struck a responsive chord with Glass.

"A lot of fans like to walk around and see the game from several different vantage points. I like that the fact that you can walk all the way around the ballpark now. You can walk all the way around the outfield and you can actually watch the game from almost any vantage point you want to watch it," Glass said.

"That's going to be my favorite part of it because I love it. I can stand out in left field and watch the game and that's a great seat. A lot of people don't realize how great the seats are. But I like to see it from all different angles and so I can walk all the way around now."

As a matter of fact, there are great seats above the cascading waterfalls in left field. The Fountain Seats cost just $7, reminiscent of the old "general admission" areas in the outfield corners, and will be sold on game days only. Adjoining those seats is a Fountain Bar on the base of the old JumboTron scoreboard.

There are also new Outfield Box Seats just behind the left-field wall that are sold as part of season-ticket packages.

On the other side, behind the right-field wall and in front of the original fountains is a standing-room only area, dubbed the Party Porch, which will accommodate about 200 fans at a time. No seats were put there because, to be frank, the fans might get wet depending on the whims of the wind.

"We're going to go in and tweak the nozzles and make sure they're keeping as much water in the fountain as they can," Uhlich said.

Like all the areas in the outfield, the Rivals restaurant and sports bar is open to all fans, although the window-side seats will be sold on a game-by-game basis. Inside is a circular bar, a 103-inch plasma television screen and a passel of other TVs. There's a FOX broadcast studio inside as well.

"Pregame and postgame FOX reports will be from there so fans can come here, hang out, watch the game and watch the postgame show," Uhlich said.

At all points of the stadium, service should be quicker.

"Just the way it operates is going to be so totally different," Uhlich said. "We've increased the points of sale for concessions. I think it used to be 430 fans per point of sale and now that's down to about 150 fans to one. So plenty of places to buy concessions. We've brought in Aramark and they've upgraded some of the offerings. We've upgraded the menu we had in the past."

Up top, on the View Level, there have been significant changes, including the addition of a food court and bar, a retail store, an atrium and a perforated sun shield over the concourse.

"We basically doubled the size of the concourse," said Bob Rice, vice president of ballpark operations and development. "We think it's pretty significant for the folks at View Level. We've also done all-new finishes in the concession stands, all new countertops, all new back tile, all new ceilings, all new concessions equipment. All the bathrooms have been reconditioned and we've added bathrooms on the food court."

Three escalators will carry fans to the top level. For big-drawing games, portable concession stands will be added at the rim of the concourse.

From top to bottom, it's virtually a whole new ballpark.

"I just think the fans will view it as one of the most spectacular venues in all of baseball. And it will be," general manager Dayton Moore said. "The fan interaction and just the comfort that this ballpark will provide will make it a destination place for all our fans throughout our five or six states."

Dick Kaegel is a reporter for This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Salma Hayek And Antonio Banderas Impressed Their Kids With Their 'Puss In Boots' Voices

10/27/2011 10:36am EDT | Fred Topel By: Fred Topel

Salma Hayek And Antonio Bandera

Salma Hayek didn’t want to tell her daughter she was the voice of Kitty Softpaws in the new Puss in Boots movie. She wanted to preserve the magic of animated movies. But just taking her daughter out to another movie exposed her.

“I was worried about that because it’s like the Santa thing in a way because she really thinks there’s cats there,” Hayek said. “I thought I had some time but I took her to see one movie and in the previews, I see his cat and I go, ‘Oh no, I have two seconds to break it to her.’ And before I could say anything, my character came on screen and I spoke.”

It turned out, having a famous mommy starring as the cat was even more impressive than believing the cats were real. “She goes, ‘Oh my gosh, mommy, that cat sounds just like you.’ I said, ‘Well, actually, it is me.’ I had to explain to her that it’s not real, that it’s drawings in the computer and then you talk. I think she was maybe a little confused for a couple of days but now she loves it. She’s so proud of me.”

Antonio Banderas, who’s played the voice of Puss in Boots in the Shrek movies, still gets respect from his now grown-up kids. “10 years ago, my kids were still kids, but now my oldest is 26,” Banderas said. “He’s got a rock band in Brooklyn, so he just said to me something like, ‘That’s a cool cat, dad.’ That’s pretty much his comments about it.”

Hayek is excited to have a whole generation of kids discover her work. “I sure hope so because I’m too old. The ones that discovered me a long time ago don’t want to go to the movies anymore. So I need a new generation or else I die.”

Puss in Boots opens Friday.

© 2011
Photo Credits: Tina Gill / PR Photos
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Vanderpump vs. Maloof

Adrienne Maloof is picking a food fight with Lisa Vanderpump by opening a competing restaurant ... and Adrienne is telling her business associates, she's gonna "kick Lisa's ass!"  TMZ has learned ... Adrienne -- who is leaving "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" -- is opening a restaurant in Bev Hills, just blocks from Lisa's Villa Blanca.  Adrienne is telling her business partners her restaurant will blow Villa Blanca away.  In fact, she's saying on a scale of 1-10 (10 being great), her archrival's restaurant gets a 2, calling it "a disaster."  As for Adrienne's eatery, it will offer comfort food -- steaks, seafood with a Mediterranean twist.  It will seat 200 people and will be "celebrity friendly" -- with a private entrance in the back.As for Lisa, she told TMZ yesterday her business is great and said if Adrienne's been complaining that "Real Housewives" hurt her business it's her own damn fault.We're feelin' a spin-off.


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Bernie Pleskoff

Meyer's stature rising on the mound

Meyer's stature rising on the mound

Meyer's stature rising on the mound

Pitching prospect Alex Meyer probably had to build a new trophy case for all the hardware he accumulated from his high school and college awards.

Now, as a 23-year-old right-handed power starter in the Twins organization, Meyer is refining his skills to face the best hitters in the game. More awards may eventually come his way.

Meyer is a huge presence on the mound.

With a 6-foot-9 frame that reminds observers of the 6-foot-10 Randy Johnson or Washington's Chris Young at 6-foot-10, Meyer can be dominating on the mound.

A multi-sport athlete and letter winner, Meyer won high praise while pitching for Greensburg (Ind.) High School. He was named Indiana's Mr. Baseball, All-State Indiana and on and on. As a senior, he had an 8-0 record and a 0.95 ERA in 51 innings. He struck out 108, while walking only 30.

The Boston Red Sox selected Meyer in the 20th round of the 2008 First-Year Player Draft. While the signing bonus was extensive, Meyer chose to attend the University of Kentucky.

Meyer was outstanding at Kentucky.

After a great year as a freshman, he missed a bit of time as a sophomore because of a bout with mononucleosis. But he came back strong to complete his second stellar season pitching for the Wildcats.

He finished his junior season as the Southeastern Conference leader in strikeouts, innings pitched per game, complete games and shutouts.

The Nationals chose Meyer with the 23rd pick of the first round in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft.

In his rookie season, he threw to an ERA of 2.86 and a WHIP of 1.10, covering 129 innings. He was a starter pitching for Class A Hagerstown and Class A Advanced Potomac.

In November 2012, Meyer was traded to the Twins for outfielder Denard Span.

This past season at Double-A New Britain, Meyer started 13 games and pitched 70 innings. He gave up 60 hits and walked 29, leading to a WHIP of 1.27. He had an ERA of 3.21 and a 4-3 record. Meyer struck out 84, or an average of 10.8 per nine innings.

I scouted Meyer in several starts during the recently concluded Arizona Fall League.

Meyer threw 26 innings in seven starts for his Glendale club. He gave up 20 hits and walked seven for a WHIP of 1.04. He struck out 28 and finished the season with a 2-1 record and a 3.12 ERA.

Meyer was the starter for the West team in the AFL Fall Stars game, pitching three scoreless innings.

Meyer has moments on the mound when he can't be hit. He induces swings and misses with a 95-98 mph fastball, a slider and a knee-buckling, sinking 83-mph changeup.

Meyer's fastball can be classified as "electric." He uses it early in the count, and it sets up other pitches.

I think Meyer's sharp slider is a terrific secondary pitch that changes the eye level of the hitters. He can use any of the three pitches at any time in the count to get those swings or induce ground balls.

There are times, however, when he has trouble making his lanky arms and legs work in sync with his three-quarters arm slot. In those instances, he fails to repeat his clean delivery, he lands awkwardly, flies open and loses command. It can happen to him quickly.

And just as quickly, his smoother delivery returns.

Awkward. That's how Meyer looks when he's out of sync.

Dominating. That's how Meyer is when everything works in harmony. And it works in harmony most of the time.

Meyer can be a top-of-the-rotation starter. He may have high pitch counts as hitters foul off his pitches when they are unable to make good contact. More often than not, however, they will likely swing and miss or pound the ball into the ground.

When everything is working well, Meyer can be overpowering and control the game.

Bernie Pleskoff has served as a professional scout for the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners. Follow @BerniePleskoff on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Plouffe trying to build on positive start to season

Plouffe trying to build on positive start to season

CLEVELAND -- Trevor Plouffe is off to a hot start offensively this season but said he's trying not to read too much into it.

Plouffe entered Friday's game against the Indians hitting .462 with a double, two walks and six RBIs in three games. He also had a big hit in Thursday's 10-9 win over the White Sox, as he drove home the tying run on a 3-2 fastball with two outs in the ninth inning.

"I feel good for now," Plouffe said. "But I'm going to take it day by day. You can't put too much stock into one day. But I think our team is hitting well, and we're doing better with runners in scoring position."

Plouffe also acknowledged he has to continue to get better defensively, as his throw home in the ninth inning of Minnesota's eventual 7-6 loss in 11 innings on Wednesday sailed wide, allowing the tying run to score.

"You have to make those plays," Plouffe said. "You're in the big leagues, so you have to make those plays."

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said he's been pleased with the progress Plouffe has been making offensively, and wants to see more from him after he hit .254 with 14 homers and 52 RBIs in 129 games last season.

"He's been there and done it," Gardenhire said "Trev has played a lot of baseball now. He understands the game. You can't get too high or too low. So he's just plugging away. You're gonna have some good days and some bad days. So you just have to keep plugging away, and I think that's where he's at in his career."

Plouffe went 1-for-4 in Friday's 7-2 loss.

Rhett Bollinger is a reporter for Read his blog, Bollinger Beat, and follow him on Twitter @RhettBollinger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Off-duty officer shot as crowd blocked street

Published On: Dec 09 2012 11:56:22 AM EST   Updated On: Dec 11 2012 11:09:22 AM EST

An off-duty Baltimore County police officer was shot twice after he encountered a group of people blocking a street in the Overlea area early Saturday morning, according to county police.

Police said the officer came upon a group of people blocking Dale Avenue at Danville Road shortly after 3:15 a.m. Saturday. Police said they received a call for a fight outside a party. About 10 minutes later, they received a call for the shooting.

"He opened his window and asked them to move so he could pass. At that point, a subject came out of the crowd with a handgun and fired several times into the vehicle," county police Cpl. John Wachter said.

The officer was struck twice and was taken to Shock Trauma for treatment of his injuries. He was later released.

A resident who lives nearby, who asked to remain anonymous, said he woke up noises.

"We heard the gunshots go off first. Then, we looked outside and saw the big group of people," he said. "There must have been 20 people spilling out. The porch light was on. (It was) very loud. I went back inside then I heard the shots," the man said.

Investigators said they believe the incident was random and that the officer was not targeted. Police did not immediately indicate a possible motive or whether anyone was arrested.

"Investigators said they believe the (shooter) had no idea (the driver) was a police officer. They believe that this police officer was not targeted," Wachter said.

"When I came out, he was staggering out of the car. I asked him if he was OK. He identified himself as an off-duty Baltimore County officer and advised he had been shot. I called 911," the resident said.

A resident said a car pulled up to him later Saturday morning, and the passenger talked to him: "A gentleman in the passenger seat said, 'I want to thank you' and 'I really appreciate you.' I said, 'I don't know who you are.' He said, 'I'm the officer that got shot this morning.'"

Police have conducted witness interviews, but they did not immediately have a description of the shooter. Police did not immediately release the name of the officer.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Baltimore County Police at 410-307-2020.

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5 unique first date ideas you will love

Published On: Jan 15 2012 04:41:39 AM EST   Updated On: Jan 09 2015 10:28:57 AM EST
dating couple having coffee date

iStock / RobertCrum

It's easy to fall into a dating routine of dinner and the latest movie. With just a bit of effort, though, you can break free of the dating tedium and do something that is as unique as you are.

On a first date, you'll want to learn as much about your companion as you can, without having to pepper your date with direct questions. Try to put yourself in situations where your companion's character will emerge with his or her actions.

Doing physically demanding tasks, spending a day helping others, playing character-revealing games, getting out of your comfort zone and letting your adrenalin flow will all help reveal who the real person is behind your companion's polite first-date facade.

The better you get to know your date right off the bat, the more time you will save in the long run.

man and woman working on home construction site

No. 5: Physically demanding volunteer project

If you were to choose a background song for our first first-date idea, it would have to be "Let's Get Physical."

For this unique date, you volunteer to work on a physically demanding project. You might choose to join a group, such as Habitat for Humanity, that is helping to build or repair someone's house, or you could join a project clearing weeds or trash from a city park or helping to build hiking trails in a wilderness park.

Even if you and your date don't click, you won't have wasted your time. You'll have the satisfaction of knowing you contributed to your community, and you'll also have gotten some fresh air and a good workout.

And if you do like your date, even better. You'll have a chance to see what your date looks like in a sweaty, clingy T-shirt.

Monopoly board game closeup

No. 4: Play a game of Monopoly

For this date, bring out the old Monopoly set and play a game. What makes this date unique is that the game is only an excuse to closely observe your date's behavior.

Is your date excessively eager to buy up all the railroads? Does he pout if you buy a property that he wanted? Does she look a little too happy when you land on one of her expensive properties?

There are so many things you can learn about people by watching them play. Does he insist on lining up all the money into perfectly parallel stacks?

Worst of all, does your date cheat? If so, better to find out now before you've gone any further.

Don't use any shortcuts. Play the full version of the game. If, four hours into the game, you're still talking to each other, that's a good sign that you might be very compatible.

dating couple flirting over drinks

No. 3: Go silent

Pretend that a scientist in a white lab coat has directed you to go on a special kind of date.

On this date, you and your companion may not speak to each other or touch each other. All communication must be nonverbal, either through gestures or through your eyes.

By the end of the date, two things may happen. You may have gotten used to the lack of direct communication. If it feels like it's normal -- if it makes you feel like you're an old married couple -- than you better run. The first date is way too soon in the relationship to be falling into that kind of rut.

If, on the other hand, the moment you are allowed to talk and touch, you fall into each other's arms and start babbling away, you'll know that your date may be a keeper.

couple on date at movie theater

No. 2: Horror movie marathon

For an unusual first date, try a horror movie marathon. You may be able to find one in a nearby theater -- of course, that's a lot easier around Halloween than other times of the year -- or create your own at home with a stack of rental films.

There's nothing like being scared together to see if you are really compatible. Is one person a screamer and the other a comforter? That would work. If you're both screamers, though, you will just egg each other on. If you're both calm comforters, you'll be frustrated that there is no one to soothe.

Also pay attention to your date's popcorn-eating behavior. Try making just one bowl and see what happens. Does your date hog the bowl, making it hard for you to reach? Does your date drop kernels on the floor? If your date passes the bowl each time he or she takes a handful, you'll know you've got a winner.

Couple holding hands

No. 1: Try something new

For a unique date -- and a unique life experience -- do something that neither of you has ever done before.

It could be going to the opera, riding a hot-air balloon, having lunch in a nearby town you've never seen or anything else that is new for you.

The trick is to pick something that is way outside the norm for both of you, not only something you've never done before, but something you've never even thought of doing.

If your companion is a dud, at least you will have an adventure and a break from the routine, and you might even discover a whole new interest. If your companion seems promising, observe how he or she handles the unfamiliar situation.

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls, and someone who can take novelty in stride may be a good bet for the long term.

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The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.
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Pizza delivery man robbed at gunpoint in Allentown

Published On: Dec 19 2012 10:32:50 AM EST   Updated On: Dec 19 2012 10:58:40 AM EST
Generic gun with crime tape

A pizza delivery man was robbed in Allentown Tuesday night.

The incident happened around 10:25 p.m. Tuesday in the 1600 block of Greenleaf Street.

Police said a man was trying to deliver a pizza order when he was approached by three men wearing dark clothes, one carrying a gun.

The robbers took miscellaneous personal items from the driver, plus an undetermined amount of money and fled on foot.

There were no injuries and no further description of the robbers.


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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signs immigrant tuition act

Published On: Jan 07 2014 02:21:31 PM EST
Christie signs DREAM Act

Gov. Chris Christie has held a ceremonial signing of a bill that lowers tuition costs at public colleges for New Jersey students who lack lawful immigration status.

Christie signed the bill privately last month, the day after the Legislature agreed to drop financial aid eligibility for the students.

New Jersey is one of the most recent states to pass the so-called "DREAM Act" legislation, which extends cheaper in-state tuition rates to qualifying students who were brought illegally to the U.S. as children.

Similar legislation has stalled at the federal level.

Christie also met with state Hispanic leaders Tuesday at an elementary school in heavily Hispanic Union City.

DREAM Act supporters applaud the move, but say the elimination of financial aid eligibility will still make college unattainable for many immigrant students.


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Reading Rockets eager to begin season Saturday night

Published On: Sep 27 2012 10:33:33 PM EDT

The Reading Rockets will begin their inaugural season Saturday night against Jacksonville at the Sovereign Center

While it may be the time of year when we're talking about football, soccer, field hockey or ice hockey, you can add another sport to the list. Indoor lacrosse. The Reading Rockets will begin their inaugural season on Saturday night at the Sovereign Center.

The Rockets will welcome the Jacksonville Bullies to town.

It's a season debut that's been a long time coming for the Rockets.

The season was supposed to begin a few weeks ago in Trenton, but that team has since dropped out of the Professional Lacrosse League.

Bottom line, the Rockets can't wait to suite up against someone other than themselves and play some lacrosse.

Tickets can be purchased at or at the Sovereign Center box office.


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Chicago rallies around Little League runner-ups

Jackie Robinson West falls to South Korea in championship game

Chicago rallies around Little League runner-ups

CHICAGO -- It was about three hours before the first pitch of Sunday's Little League World Series championship between South Korea and Jackie Robinson West, and White Sox director of youth baseball initiatives Kevin Coe sounded relaxed and content during a phone call from Williamsport, Pa.

Coe had no reason to be truly nervous, as he wasn't coaching either of these teams and he didn't have a son or a daughter in competition as South Korea pulled out an 8-4 victory. But in reality, Coe and the White Sox had six kids making history, six players who also take part in the White Sox innovative Amateur City Elite traveling baseball program.

ACE participants Marquis Jackson, Ed Howard, Cameron Bufford, Brandon Green, Joshua Houston and Trey Hondras made significant contributions on a team that quite possibly produced the city's greatest baseball impact at any level since the last time Chicago had a World Series winner, in 2005.

"I look at this as a White Sox team," said White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf as part of a recent interview on 120 Sports, referring to the six ACE players on Jackie Robinson West.

Reinsdorf of course acknowledged in that same interview the overall excitement for the Jackie Robinson name and because they hale from Chicago, along with the ACE connection. This group of composed young men coming from a Washington Heights area on the South Side belonged to the entire city.

People filled up a South Side watch party Sunday at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, where Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn once again were among those in attendance. In downtown Chicago, outside the venerable and elegant Chicago Theater -- where famous performers such as Bob Newhart and John Mellencamp have played previously to raucous crowds -- a watch party filled the streets, with fans hanging on every leaping catch in center or key hit from JRW. Parts of State St. were closed off to accommodate the crowd.

Stars had been born, even if the unassuming stars and their families didn't have a full comprehension of how big and important they had become.

"They are going to be shocked," said Coe, who arrived in Williamsport on Saturday. "Maybe years down the line, they will understand the magnitude. There are pictures online that will help them relive it, along with social media and technology.

"This one, they don't understand the fanfare and support of not just Chicago but political support and corporate support. What's funny about it, the parents that have been [in Williamsport] since Day 1, they don't have a clue how much the city is backing their kids and people who have never watched baseball are watching and hoping for them to win.

"I've told them it's similar to when the Bulls won, and they were like, 'No way,'" Coe said. "I said, 'Wait until you get back to see.' Winning cures everything."

Mayor Emanuel already announced that a parade will honor these champions Wednesday in Chicago, beginning on the South Side and ending in Millennium Park. Judging by the reaction on State Street Sunday, it simply will be a continued show of appreciation as part of this ongoing celebration.

This amazing run by JRW not only gives inner-city baseball a boost, but does the same for an entire city: South to North, East to West.

"Believe it or not, they are role models," said Kyle Kelly, a 45-year-old railroad worker from Englewood, who was joined by his wife and friends to watch JRW on Sunday. "Them little guys, everybody will know every last one of those teammates' names when they get home.

"Chicago needed something positive. These kids gave us something positive and it brought the city together. For other kids, they can look up to them and see what they accomplished, and they can set their goals to be high as well. I'm so proud of these kids. I can't wait for them to come home."

JRW departed Pennsylvania as champions even in defeat. Trailing South Korea by an 8-1 margin in their final at-bats, they scored three runs and put the tying run on deck before the final ground ball to second.

As Coe's early morning ease suggested, this game against South Korea was more icing on the cake than a necessity to prove excellence. Jackie Robinson West had won the U.S. title on Saturday, and in the process, the team had won over a whole city not to mention the baseball world.

There's also an extra sense of pride emanating from U.S. Cellular Field over their six special Little League heroes.

"Hopefully the exposure the kids have gotten encourages other kids from the inner city and really the city of Chicago to find a place to play baseball," Coe said. "Not just Jackie Robinson but all other leagues. Kids can find opportunities to occupy their time and parents can embrace such an activity."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for Read his blog, Merk's Works, and follow him on Twitter @scottmerkin. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Kentucky to expand preschool education program

Published On: Jun 17 2014 06:41:15 AM EDT

Kentucky officials are expanding a program that seeks to help parents turn everyday life into learning experiences for their preschool-aged children.

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear announced Monday the state would pay for 25 "bornlearning Academies" this fall. It's part of a four-year plan to establish 150 academies across the state.

The academies began in northern Kentucky about five years ago as an offshoot of a United Way advertising campaign. Parents of young children attend six family-oriented training sessions at local elementary schools that help them understand their child's early development and how they can promote learning.

The program is paid for through a $1.4 million federal grant and a $1 million donation from Toyota.

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