Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Red Sox rookie outfielder Daniel Nava, who hit the first major-league pitch he saw for a grand slam on Saturday, has a big crush on ESPN sideline reporter/ABC dancing star Erin Andrews. Nava, 27, has been leaving a ticket for Andrews, 32, at the players’ gate for every game the past three seasons in the minor leagues, according to WBZ-TV.
Nava is continuing the tradition now that he’s been called up to the Red Sox, but Andrews has yet to take him up on his offer. Nava said he got the idea from Cowboys QB Tony Romo, who reportedly left countless tickets for pop singer Jessica Simpson before she finally showed up and then started dating him.
Nava’s scheme just might work, too.
Andrews heard about the ticket offer and posted a congratulatory note on her Twitter page Saturday night, after Nava’s grand slam. She wrote: "Pass along my best to Daniel. Congrats on a big day that will go down in Sox history. Hope to meet him soon."
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Sporting News staff reports
Andy MacPhail, the Orioles’ president of baseball operations, says there’s no guarantee his search for a full-time manager will be concluded before this season ends.
MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun his recent interviews of Eric Wedge and Bobby Valentine were conducted to "assess their interest." He pointed out that neither was disruptive because Wedge and Valentine currently are not associated with a team.
"I don’t know how it is going to play out. We don’t know how long it is going to go, too many variables," MacPhail told the paper. "You just made an interim change and then you look at the landscape. I think it depends on your pool of candidates, where you are in the process, how comfortable you are with what your options are."
MacPhail talked to Wedge, the former Indians manager, on Wednesday. Valentine, a former Mets and Rangers manager, was interviewed on Friday.
With Juan Samuel working on an interim basis in place of fired Dave Trembley, MacPhail stressed that no decision is looming and no further interviews are scheduled.
Mark Kass, for Sporting News
Al Harris has been rehabbing his knee since injuring it in Week 11 last season.
It would be hard to fault Packers cornerback Al Harris, 35, if he hung up his helmet and cleats after sustaining a major knee injury late last season. Instead, Harris has worked hard on his rehabilitation and is on schedule to return to the field this season, though he is not ready to put an exact date on his return.
Harris, heading into his 13th NFL season, tore a ligament in his left knee Nov. 22 while covering 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harris not only tore this ACL, but he also sustained damage to other knee ligaments and leg muscles. In a recent interview with Mark Kass of The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee, Harris talked about his rehab, how hard it was to watch the Packers’ 51-45 playoff loss at Arizona and his expectations for the 2010 season.
Question: How is your rehab coming along? And will you be ready for the season opener?
Al Harris: It is going really well. My trainers have done an awesome job getting me to the point I’m at right now. It has been tough, but I knew it would take a lot of hard work and I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to get back on the football field. I am not going to make any predictions about when I will be ready, but the rehab is going really well and everyone is pretty excited about where I am at.
Q: What has been the toughest part of the rehab process? And did you ever consider retiring?
AH: No, not at all. It has been hard. But I never gave (retiring) any thought at all. You always have your doubters from people in the media and public. I let them doubt me, and I know I am going to prove them wrong. I am confident I am going to have a great year on the field this year and show that I can come back from something like this.
Q: When you return to the field, do you think you will be nervous given what you have gone through?
AH: I’m looking forward to it. I’m pretty sure there will be some nerves, but this will be my 13th season, so I’m pretty comfortable on the football field.
Q: How disappointing was it to get injured and have to watch the Packers lose a 96-point shootout to the Cardinals in the playoffs?
AH: I was excited for them and proud to be part of a team that made it to the playoffs. The part that was hard was actually watching the game to see situations where I knew I could have helped. It was hard to watch when it was a regular-season game, but when it got to the playoffs it was so difficult. I love playing in the playoffs and to not be out there was very frustrating.
Q: When you were a rookie, did you think you would be able to play this long in the NFL?
AH: When I started, I had a number in my head, and it was right around where I am at. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by some really good guys who have helped me be successful in my career. Lionel Washington was pivotal in my success and was key in my crossing over into the type of player that I’ve become.
Q: Who is the toughest NFL receiver you ever have faced?
AH: Jimmy Smith (Jaguars, 1995-2005). He was really good. He didn’t give away his routes. When I learned he was retiring, I was like, "OK, that’s good for me."
Q: The Packers had a successful conversion to the 3-4 scheme last year but struggled at the end of the season against the pass. What must be done to remedy that?
AH: I leave that up to the defensive staff. I’m pretty sure they will make the necessary adjustments and get people in the right spots. We know we are a good defense, in fact one of the top defenses in the league last year. We had some breakdowns, but we have to learn from them and make sure we don’t let the same things happen this year.
Q: After making the playoffs last season, how far can this team go in 2010?
AH: I think we are contenders. I think everyone in the locker room and everyone around the league believes we are contenders. We have a very good young team with veteran guys in the right spots. I think we have a really good shot at going a long way this year.
Mark Kass, for Sporting News
Al Harris has been rehabbing his knee since injuring it in Week 11 last season.
It would be hard to fault Packers cornerback Al Harris, 35, if he hung up his helmet and cleats after sustaining a major knee injury late last season. Instead, Harris has worked hard on his rehabilitation and is on schedule to return to the field this season, though he is not ready to put an exact date on his return.
Harris, heading into his 13th NFL season, tore a ligament in his left knee Nov. 22 while covering 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree. Harris not only tore this ACL, but he also sustained damage to other knee ligaments and leg muscles. In a recent interview with Mark Kass of The Business Journal of Greater Milwaukee, Harris talked about his rehab, how hard it was to watch the Packers’ 51-45 playoff loss at Arizona and his expectations for the 2010 season.
Question: How is your rehab coming along? And will you be ready for the season opener?
Al Harris: It is going really well. My trainers have done an awesome job getting me to the point I’m at right now. It has been tough, but I knew it would take a lot of hard work and I’m willing to do whatever I have to in order to get back on the football field. I am not going to make any predictions about when I will be ready, but the rehab is going really well and everyone is pretty excited about where I am at.
Q: What has been the toughest part of the rehab process? And did you ever consider retiring?
AH: No, not at all. It has been hard. But I never gave (retiring) any thought at all. You always have your doubters from people in the media and public. I let them doubt me, and I know I am going to prove them wrong. I am confident I am going to have a great year on the field this year and show that I can come back from something like this.
Q: When you return to the field, do you think you will be nervous given what you have gone through?
AH: I’m looking forward to it. I’m pretty sure there will be some nerves, but this will be my 13th season, so I’m pretty comfortable on the football field.
Q: How disappointing was it to get injured and have to watch the Packers lose a 96-point shootout to the Cardinals in the playoffs?
AH: I was excited for them and proud to be part of a team that made it to the playoffs. The part that was hard was actually watching the game to see situations where I knew I could have helped. It was hard to watch when it was a regular-season game, but when it got to the playoffs it was so difficult. I love playing in the playoffs and to not be out there was very frustrating.
Q: When you were a rookie, did you think you would be able to play this long in the NFL?
AH: When I started, I had a number in my head, and it was right around where I am at. I’ve been fortunate to be coached by some really good guys who have helped me be successful in my career. Lionel Washington was pivotal in my success and was key in my crossing over into the type of player that I’ve become.
Q: Who is the toughest NFL receiver you ever have faced?
AH: Jimmy Smith (Jaguars, 1995-2005). He was really good. He didn’t give away his routes. When I learned he was retiring, I was like, "OK, that’s good for me."
Q: The Packers had a successful conversion to the 3-4 scheme last year but struggled at the end of the season against the pass. What must be done to remedy that?
AH: I leave that up to the defensive staff. I’m pretty sure they will make the necessary adjustments and get people in the right spots. We know we are a good defense, in fact one of the top defenses in the league last year. We had some breakdowns, but we have to learn from them and make sure we don’t let the same things happen this year.
Q: After making the playoffs last season, how far can this team go in 2010?
AH: I think we are contenders. I think everyone in the locker room and everyone around the league believes we are contenders. We have a very good young team with veteran guys in the right spots. I think we have a really good shot at going a long way this year.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Because of injury situations around the majors, the Mike Lowell trade talks are heating up again, according to FoxSports.com. The Twins and Rangers reportedly have spoken to the Red Sox about Lowell, with the Angels also believed to have interest in the infielder.
Lowell has had trouble earning playing time with third baseman Adrian Beltre, first baseman Kevin Youkilis and DH David Ortiz all hitting well lately. Lowell, though, filled in for Youkilis (back spasms) on Friday and replaced him Saturday after he was hit on the elbow by a pitch.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite comments from Mets manager Jerry Manuel that outfiielder Carlos Beltran (knee) could be ready to serve as the team’s DH as soon as next weekend at Yankee Stadium, assistant general manager John Ricco told the New York Daily News that Beltran won’t be brought along that quickly.
Manuel’s comments came after hearing that Beltran homered and played center field Friday for the first time in an extended spring training game. Beltran still isn’t running at full speed and isn’t ready for a rehab assignment.
Sporting News staff reports
Despite comments from Mets manager Jerry Manuel that outfiielder Carlos Beltran (knee) could be ready to serve as the team’s DH as soon as next weekend at Yankee Stadium, assistant general manager John Ricco told the New York Daily News that Beltran won’t be brought along that quickly.
Manuel’s comments came after hearing that Beltran homered and played center field Friday for the first time in an extended spring training game. Beltran still isn’t running at full speed and isn’t ready for a rehab assignment.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
Sporting News staff reports
Astros right-hander Roy Oswalt told the Houston Chronicle that the Yankees fit the criteria for the type of team he would like to be traded to, if the team decides to move him. Oswalt added that he would like the chance to pitch with former Astros left-hander Andy Pettitte again.
"I think it’d be great," Oswalt told the newspaper. "Me and Andy pitched together for three years and had a great time in Houston. We went to the World Series and missed it by a little bit, but he’s a great teammate, always picks you up. Seems like everywhere he goes he wins."
As for the Dodgers, another rumored suitor for Oswalt, the Los Angeles Times reported Oswalt’s big contract is a stumbling block for the team.
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Angels had held out hope that first baseman Kendry Morales (ankle) would be able to return late this season, the Los Angeles Times reported that won’t be the case.
Morales, injured in the now-infamous celebration after a walkoff grand slam on May 29, had surgery Thursday. The damage was extensive enough for doctors to rule out a return for Morales this season.
Morales, whose breakout 2009 season included a .306 average, 34 homers and 108 RBIs, leads the team a .290-11-39 stat line at the time of his injury. The team has withstood his loss thus far, going 9-3 without him.
The team is trying catcher Mike Napoli at first base, but the Los Angeles Times speculated the Angels could explore the trade market, with White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyon and Cubs infielder/outfielder Xavier Nady as potential targets.
Sporting News staff reports
Although the Angels had held out hope that first baseman Kendry Morales (ankle) would be able to return late this season, the Los Angeles Times reported that won’t be the case.
Morales, injured in the now-infamous celebration after a walkoff grand slam on May 29, had surgery Thursday. The damage was extensive enough for doctors to rule out a return for Morales this season.
Morales, whose breakout 2009 season included a .306 average, 34 homers and 108 RBIs, leads the team a .290-11-39 stat line at the time of his injury. The team has withstood his loss thus far, going 9-3 without him.
The team is trying catcher Mike Napoli at first base, but the Los Angeles Times speculated the Angels could explore the trade market, with White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, Diamondbacks first baseman Adam LaRoche, Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Orioles infielder Ty Wigginton, Indians first baseman Russell Branyon and Cubs infielder/outfielder Xavier Nady as potential targets.
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and general manager Ken Williams "almost came to blows in a heated shouting match" on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The root of the dispute was the drafting of Guillen’s son, Ozney. Guillen believed the team let his son slip too far in the draft and was vocal about that. However, the newspaper noted that was just the latest incident in the ongoing drama between the manager and general manager during a disappointing season. And when speaking to the White Sox’s website, Williams didn’t deny that a rift has developed.
"We are both very competitive men, strong-willed men," Williams told the team’s website. "I believe in self-assessment, and I think you have to assess all parts of our operation from top to bottom to determine if it’s, in fact, still a productive working relationship.
"Whether or not the maintenance of that relationship is such that we still have the drive to get through some things and still have the drive to get through some differences … I’m still in that assessment mode for myself, in particular.
"That should not lead to the assumption that I mean that (Guillen) is the one (who may benefit from a change of scenery). If I determine that I am the one that is the cog in the machine, then I am the one who will stand in front of Jerry Reinsdorf and tell him so and step aside. … I will not deny that I am growing weary of the soap opera."
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen and general manager Ken Williams "almost came to blows in a heated shouting match" on Tuesday, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
The root of the dispute was the drafting of Guillen’s son, Ozney. Guillen believed the team let his son slip too far in the draft and was vocal about that. However, the newspaper noted that was just the latest incident in the ongoing drama between the manager and general manager during a disappointing season. And when speaking to the White Sox’s website, Williams didn’t deny that a rift has developed.
"We are both very competitive men, strong-willed men," Williams told the team’s website. "I believe in self-assessment, and I think you have to assess all parts of our operation from top to bottom to determine if it’s, in fact, still a productive working relationship.
"Whether or not the maintenance of that relationship is such that we still have the drive to get through some things and still have the drive to get through some differences … I’m still in that assessment mode for myself, in particular.
"That should not lead to the assumption that I mean that (Guillen) is the one (who may benefit from a change of scenery). If I determine that I am the one that is the cog in the machine, then I am the one who will stand in front of Jerry Reinsdorf and tell him so and step aside. … I will not deny that I am growing weary of the soap opera."
Sporting News staff reports
The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent righthander Jeff Suppan to a pro-rated minimum contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Suppan, a righthander starter, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week after he went 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA in 15 games (two starts) this season.
Suppan had success as a Cardinal from 2004-06, going 44-26 with a 3.95 ERA in 95 starts before signing with Milwaukee as a free agent. There is a chance he could join the Cardinals rotation next week. He was a starter during the Cardinals’ 2006 World Series championship and their 2004 National League title season.
Earlier Thursday, the Post-Dispatch reported Cardinals GM John Mozeliak had begun to search for rotation help. Other possible targets mentioned included Baltimore Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Kansas City Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
With starters Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the Cardinals have plugged inexperienced arms into the rotation.
Sporting News staff reports
The St. Louis Cardinals have signed free-agent righthander Jeff Suppan to a pro-rated minimum contract, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Suppan, a righthander starter, was released by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week after he went 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA in 15 games (two starts) this season.
Suppan had success as a Cardinal from 2004-06, going 44-26 with a 3.95 ERA in 95 starts before signing with Milwaukee as a free agent. There is a chance he could join the Cardinals rotation next week. He was a starter during the Cardinals’ 2006 World Series championship and their 2004 National League title season.
Earlier Thursday, the Post-Dispatch reported Cardinals GM John Mozeliak had begun to search for rotation help. Other possible targets mentioned included Baltimore Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Kansas City Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
With starters Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the Cardinals have plugged inexperienced arms into the rotation.
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has begun to scout for starting pitchers to help bolster a depleted rotation, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The newspaper speculated that some of the team’s targets could include free agent righthander Jeff Suppan, Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
The Cardinals reportedly prefers pitchers who have been active this season, as opposed to veterans like Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Braden Looper and Paul Byrd.
With righthanders Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the team has been forced to plug inexperienced arms into the rotation. Pitching coach Dave Duncan recently told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that youngsters P.J. Walters, Blake Hawksworth and Adam Ottavino aren’t yet qualified to serve as starters for a "championship team."
Sporting News staff reports
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak has begun to scout for starting pitchers to help bolster a depleted rotation, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The newspaper speculated that some of the team’s targets could include free agent righthander Jeff Suppan, Orioles righthander Kevin Millwood and Royals righthander Brian Bannister.
The Cardinals reportedly prefers pitchers who have been active this season, as opposed to veterans like Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Braden Looper and Paul Byrd.
With righthanders Brad Penny (back) and Kyle Lohse (forearm) injured, the team has been forced to plug inexperienced arms into the rotation. Pitching coach Dave Duncan recently told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that youngsters P.J. Walters, Blake Hawksworth and Adam Ottavino aren’t yet qualified to serve as starters for a "championship team."
