KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.
The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros’ spring training opener.
Berkman’s knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.
Astros general manager Ed Wade said the team is confident the injury won’t be a lingering problem.
"We certainly don’t encourage players to have surgery, but if this is an easy fix, it removes the uncertainty that it could occur again," Wade said. "We think that once it gets addressed, that it’s a dead issue and we won’t have to worry about it anymore."
Wade said the initial bruise ruled out the option of surgery earlier.
"He had a strawberry on that knee, and Dr. Lintner told us that even if surgery had been prescribed, they wouldn’t have been able to do it until that strawberry healed because of the concern for an infection," Wade said. "So we’ll address it now, get him moving in a straight line and, hopefully, not have to worry about it for the rest of the season."
Berkman had arthroscopic surgery on the same knee in 1999. He missed 18 games last year with a strained left calf and hit .274, a career low for a full season. He is entering the final season of an $85 million, six-year contract extension.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Ben Roethlisberger’s legal trouble has captured much of the sports world’s attention the past week. There still isn’t much information about what happened leading up to a woman accusing Roethlisberger of assault, so media outlets are scrambling to find anyone who can shed more light on the situation.
Enter Kaylie Reeves, a server at a Milledgeville, GA, bar where Roethlisberger stopped before going to the establishment where the alleged assault took place. Reeves joined Joe Bendel on 970 The Fox in Pittsburgh to talk about what it’s been like in Milledgeville since then, and what she saw that night.
To listen to Kaylie Reeves talk about the Ben Roethlisberger incident, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Ben Roethlisberger was recently accused of assaulting a woman in Milledgeville, GA.
What has been going on in Milledgeville since last Thursday?
Reeves:There have been news cameras all over the place. That’s been interesting for our very small town, but other than that, not much has changed.
Did Reeves notice anything about Ben Roethlisberger’s behavior during the time she saw him in her establishment?
Reeves: Well, he came in between 10:30 and 11:00. It was the early hours, when there were, maybe, ten patrons in the bar at that time. He walked in with seven other guys. They all got drinks. They sat at a table and watched the basketball game. They were here for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, finished their drinks, then they were on their way – before anyone had become aware that he was in town.
Then, once people became aware — there are large windows in front of our establishment — you could see the people rushing to the bar that he was at.
Did she notice whether or not Roethlisberger was traveling with fellow Steelers players?
Reeves: They were all really large guys. You could tell they were probably athletes. People recognized who he was in the bar, then somebody said one of his linebackers was with him, but I don’t know anything about professional football players except they’re very large.
Is the town shaken up over this? Will the community struggle to rebound from the alleged incident?
Reeves: A lot of people thought it was actually comical, laughing about how Milledgeville has become this big deal just because of this one little incident.
I don’t think people are upset. We have been busier in our restaurant than we were previously, before the incident. So that’s helped our business. That’s been a plus side of it.
More from SRI
Jamie Moyer says young starting pitchers today are babied
Shawne Merriman says he wants to remain a Charger
Ben Roethlisberger’s legal trouble has captured much of the sports world’s attention the past week. There still isn’t much information about what happened leading up to a woman accusing Roethlisberger of assault, so media outlets are scrambling to find anyone who can shed more light on the situation.
Enter Kaylie Reeves, a server at a Milledgeville, GA, bar where Roethlisberger stopped before going to the establishment where the alleged assault took place. Reeves joined Joe Bendel on 970 The Fox in Pittsburgh to talk about what it’s been like in Milledgeville since then, and what she saw that night.
To listen to Kaylie Reeves talk about the Ben Roethlisberger incident, go to Sports Radio Interviews.
Ben Roethlisberger was recently accused of assaulting a woman in Milledgeville, GA.
What has been going on in Milledgeville since last Thursday?
Reeves:There have been news cameras all over the place. That’s been interesting for our very small town, but other than that, not much has changed.
Did Reeves notice anything about Ben Roethlisberger’s behavior during the time she saw him in her establishment?
Reeves: Well, he came in between 10:30 and 11:00. It was the early hours, when there were, maybe, ten patrons in the bar at that time. He walked in with seven other guys. They all got drinks. They sat at a table and watched the basketball game. They were here for maybe 15 to 20 minutes, finished their drinks, then they were on their way – before anyone had become aware that he was in town.
Then, once people became aware — there are large windows in front of our establishment — you could see the people rushing to the bar that he was at.
Did she notice whether or not Roethlisberger was traveling with fellow Steelers players?
Reeves: They were all really large guys. You could tell they were probably athletes. People recognized who he was in the bar, then somebody said one of his linebackers was with him, but I don’t know anything about professional football players except they’re very large.
Is the town shaken up over this? Will the community struggle to rebound from the alleged incident?
Reeves: A lot of people thought it was actually comical, laughing about how Milledgeville has become this big deal just because of this one little incident.
I don’t think people are upset. We have been busier in our restaurant than we were previously, before the incident. So that’s helped our business. That’s been a plus side of it.
More from SRI
Jamie Moyer says young starting pitchers today are babied
Shawne Merriman says he wants to remain a Charger
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
Sporting News staff reports
Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has agreed to a two-year, $9 million extension with the team, according to The Denver Post.
The newspaper speculated the contract will allow Helton to retire with the organization that drafted him eighth overall in 1995.
Helton, a five-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner and the 2000 N.L. batting champion, hit .325 with 15 homers, 86 RBIs and a .416 on-base percentage in 151 games with Colorado last season.
In his 13-season major league career, Helton has a .328 batting average, 325 homers and 1,202 RBIs. His career .427 on-base percentage is the best among active players.
War Room’s latest Super 99 ranking of 2010 draft prospects is out, and not surprisingly, several stars of the Scouting Combine are in the top 15.
To go along with these comprehensive rankings, Sporting News also has a full listing of data collected on each player. From weight totals to vertical jump measurements to Wonderlic scores, War Room sorts out the data for easy navigation by position. Click here for the new, sortable Super 99.
Former Texas QB Colt McCoy needs a solid pro-day workout to keep his draft stock high.
Below are some of the Combine’s winners and losers, as reported by War Room’s Russ Lande, and links to find more positional statistics:
Offense
Quarterbacks: Even without throwing, Colt McCoy’s draft status fell when he measured in at 6-1 1/8. Considering his lack of height, his stock will take a big tumble down draft boards unless he lights up his on-campus workout March 31. More in the War Room
Running backs: For a player viewed in the same light as Jets starter Shonn Greene prior to the Combine, Montario Hardesty definitely moved up draft boards, and now likely will be selected in the second round. More in the War Room
Fullbacks: Of the fullbacks ranked in the War Room, Matt Clapp out of Oklahoma came in with the fastest 40-yard dash. More in the War Room
Offensive Tackles: After his dominating workout at the Combine, Bruce Campbell (Maryland) proved he is a rare athlete and has assured himself of being a first-round pick. More in the War Room
Offensive Guards: After running poorly (high 5.7-second range) and failing to distinguish himself in other Combine drills, Iowa’s Dace Richardson he will not get drafted. More in the War Room
Centers: Of the 14 centers evaluated by The War Room, there are four whose complete Combine statistics are available. Check them out here. More in the War Room
Wide Receivers: Carlton Mitchell (South Florida) is unlikely to be drafted in the first round, but if he catches the ball well at his on-campus workout March 30 he should move into the second round. More in the War Room
Tight ends: Miami’s Jimmy Graham is tall and well built and has been receiving a lot of hype in postseason because of his background and limited football experience. He could move into the third round or even late second. More in the War Room
Defense
Defensive Ends: Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10. More in the War Room
Joe Haden’s 40-yard dash was less than most scouts expected.
Defensive Tackles: After Arizona’s Earl Mitchell ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round. More in the War Room
Outside Linebackers: Sergio Kindle (Texas) can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick. More in the War Room
Inside Linebackers: At the Combine, Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick. More in the War Room
Cornerbacks: Florida’s Joe Haden was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash. General managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by his poor performance. More in the War Room
Safeties: Tennessee’s Eric Berry already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft. More in the War Room
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to: warroom.sportingnews.com
War Room’s latest Super 99 ranking of 2010 draft prospects is out, and not surprisingly, several stars of the Scouting Combine are in the top 15.
To go along with these comprehensive rankings, Sporting News also has a full listing of data collected on each player. From weight totals to vertical jump measurements to Wonderlic scores, War Room sorts out the data for easy navigation by position. Click here for the new, sortable Super 99.
Former Texas QB Colt McCoy needs a solid pro-day workout to keep his draft stock high.
Below are some of the Combine’s winners and losers, as reported by War Room’s Russ Lande, and links to find more positional statistics:
Offense
Quarterbacks: Even without throwing, Colt McCoy’s draft status fell when he measured in at 6-1 1/8. Considering his lack of height, his stock will take a big tumble down draft boards unless he lights up his on-campus workout March 31. More in the War Room
Running backs: For a player viewed in the same light as Jets starter Shonn Greene prior to the Combine, Montario Hardesty definitely moved up draft boards, and now likely will be selected in the second round. More in the War Room
Fullbacks: Of the fullbacks ranked in the War Room, Matt Clapp out of Oklahoma came in with the fastest 40-yard dash. More in the War Room
Offensive Tackles: After his dominating workout at the Combine, Bruce Campbell (Maryland) proved he is a rare athlete and has assured himself of being a first-round pick. More in the War Room
Offensive Guards: After running poorly (high 5.7-second range) and failing to distinguish himself in other Combine drills, Iowa’s Dace Richardson he will not get drafted. More in the War Room
Centers: Of the 14 centers evaluated by The War Room, there are four whose complete Combine statistics are available. Check them out here. More in the War Room
Wide Receivers: Carlton Mitchell (South Florida) is unlikely to be drafted in the first round, but if he catches the ball well at his on-campus workout March 30 he should move into the second round. More in the War Room
Tight ends: Miami’s Jimmy Graham is tall and well built and has been receiving a lot of hype in postseason because of his background and limited football experience. He could move into the third round or even late second. More in the War Room
Defense
Defensive Ends: Georgia Tech’s Derrick Morgan and South Florida’s Jason Pierre-Paul likely will battle it out to be the first defensive end drafted April 22, perhaps both in the top 10. More in the War Room
Joe Haden’s 40-yard dash was less than most scouts expected.
Defensive Tackles: After Arizona’s Earl Mitchell ran an excellent 40-yard dash (in the low 4.8-second range) and showed good athleticism in all the drills, there are no doubts he has NFL size, strength and athleticism and could go as high as the third round. More in the War Room
Outside Linebackers: Sergio Kindle (Texas) can play anywhere, be it outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or end in a 4-3 system. His Combine performance should lock up a top-15 pick. More in the War Room
Inside Linebackers: At the Combine, Missouri’s Sean Weatherspoon displayed the athleticism NFL coaches covet and has personnel men convinced he can be productive in a 4-3 scheme (middle or weakside linebacker) or in a 3-4 (inside linebacker). He should be a late-first- or early-second-round pick. More in the War Room
Cornerbacks: Florida’s Joe Haden was the nearly unanimous No. 1 cornerback heading into the Combine, but some surely will question that after his 4.57-second 40-yard dash. General managers drafting in the top 10 might be scared off by his poor performance. More in the War Room
Safeties: Tennessee’s Eric Berry already was a top prospect on most every team’s draft board, but his display of elite athleticism, body control and coordination likely pushed him into the top five of the draft. More in the War Room
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts—plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more—go to: warroom.sportingnews.com
Stafon Johnson, for Sporting News
I knew I wasn’t going to be 100 percent, the way I wanted to be, when I went to the Combine. But through this whole process and on toward the draft, I just want to go out and show I can compete, even when I’m not 100 percent.
For the first time since his injury, Stafon Johnson did 13 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press at the NFL Combine.
I can still compete and stand out under this kind of competition. That’s what I want to show: Even if I’m hurt, I’m going to be tough enough to do the things I need to do. I’m not going to back away.
It’s funny, at the Combine the teams mainly wanted to see if I could interpret defenses and make sure I’m not a character-issue guy. A lot of them actually didn’t even know I was going to work out there—the players, too.
Everybody asked the same questions: Are you going to train? Are you really going to do this? Are you really going to do what everybody else is going to do? And I’m like, "Yeah, why not?" Whatever I did was a plus, and only a good thing.
I’m not scared to fail because I know in the back of my mind all of this is a plus for me. I know I’ve got less than a month left for everything to be on line for the pro day at USC. I can’t get there on March 31 and say, "Well, I wasn’t ready."
In the coming weeks, I’ll work on the little things I’ve seen that I can work on. A lot of what I’ve done so far is just the evaluation stage for me. The Combine was the first time I did 225-pound (bench press) rep since before my injury. That was the first time I was able to run a time for a 40-yard dash.
A lot of things I’m trying to build off of, but it’s hard sometimes. I’m typically used to getting in the 4.4-4.3 range in the 40, and when you come in in the 4.6s, well, I’m mad because of my expectations.
I’m like, "I know this is not me." But you have to look at the bright side and go from there.
You’ve got to trust in yourself, trust and see how things are. It tells you a lot about yourself. It tells you exactly where you can change certain things, things that can make you a better person when you get through the adversity.
You know, everybody can cook good at home, but when you can cook good somewhere else, it kind of tells you what kind of person you are. When you run into adversity and you’re not at home, you’ve got to compete.
The best part of this is being able to correct things and it not hurting you. Because not only is it getting you ready to do what you have to do—to perform in front of the coaches for the numbers— but it actually makes you a better football player because you’re working on the little things.
The hardest thing is wanting so bad to get back so fast where I was before my injury. I’m probably at the point where I have to learn to cool myself down and learn to be patient.
Everything’s coming, but you’re so anxious that you just want to hurry and get back. It’s coming, it’s coming. March 31 is coming, too. I’m aware of that.
— As told to Bob Hille
About the author
Stafon Johnson USC RB
Johnson was the Trojans’ second-leading rusher when he suffered a near fatal weightlifting accident in September. Now, only months later, he has recovered from a crushed throat and larynx. He was at the NFL Scouting Combine, and now he’s gearing up for USC’s pro day on March 31. He’ll chronicle his journey to the draft for Sporting News.
This story first appeared in the March 10, 2010 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Stafon Johnson, for Sporting News
I knew I wasn’t going to be 100 percent, the way I wanted to be, when I went to the Combine. But through this whole process and on toward the draft, I just want to go out and show I can compete, even when I’m not 100 percent.
For the first time since his injury, Stafon Johnson did 13 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press at the NFL Combine.
I can still compete and stand out under this kind of competition. That’s what I want to show: Even if I’m hurt, I’m going to be tough enough to do the things I need to do. I’m not going to back away.
It’s funny, at the Combine the teams mainly wanted to see if I could interpret defenses and make sure I’m not a character-issue guy. A lot of them actually didn’t even know I was going to work out there—the players, too.
Everybody asked the same questions: Are you going to train? Are you really going to do this? Are you really going to do what everybody else is going to do? And I’m like, "Yeah, why not?" Whatever I did was a plus, and only a good thing.
I’m not scared to fail because I know in the back of my mind all of this is a plus for me. I know I’ve got less than a month left for everything to be on line for the pro day at USC. I can’t get there on March 31 and say, "Well, I wasn’t ready."
In the coming weeks, I’ll work on the little things I’ve seen that I can work on. A lot of what I’ve done so far is just the evaluation stage for me. The Combine was the first time I did 225-pound (bench press) rep since before my injury. That was the first time I was able to run a time for a 40-yard dash.
A lot of things I’m trying to build off of, but it’s hard sometimes. I’m typically used to getting in the 4.4-4.3 range in the 40, and when you come in in the 4.6s, well, I’m mad because of my expectations.
I’m like, "I know this is not me." But you have to look at the bright side and go from there.
You’ve got to trust in yourself, trust and see how things are. It tells you a lot about yourself. It tells you exactly where you can change certain things, things that can make you a better person when you get through the adversity.
You know, everybody can cook good at home, but when you can cook good somewhere else, it kind of tells you what kind of person you are. When you run into adversity and you’re not at home, you’ve got to compete.
The best part of this is being able to correct things and it not hurting you. Because not only is it getting you ready to do what you have to do—to perform in front of the coaches for the numbers— but it actually makes you a better football player because you’re working on the little things.
The hardest thing is wanting so bad to get back so fast where I was before my injury. I’m probably at the point where I have to learn to cool myself down and learn to be patient.
Everything’s coming, but you’re so anxious that you just want to hurry and get back. It’s coming, it’s coming. March 31 is coming, too. I’m aware of that.
— As told to Bob Hille
About the author
Stafon Johnson USC RB
Johnson was the Trojans’ second-leading rusher when he suffered a near fatal weightlifting accident in September. Now, only months later, he has recovered from a crushed throat and larynx. He was at the NFL Scouting Combine, and now he’s gearing up for USC’s pro day on March 31. He’ll chronicle his journey to the draft for Sporting News.
This story first appeared in the March 10, 2010 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and became a beloved player in the city.
The shortstop signed a one-day contract with his former team Wednesday before announcing he’s leaving baseball at 36 to become an ESPN analyst.
"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."
Garciaparra played parts of nine seasons in Boston. He was a six-time All-Star who captured the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year Award and won batting crowns in 1999 and 2000.
He also has a place in Red Sox lore for being part of a four-team trade in 2004 that helped the club win its first World Series in 86 years.
"I felt like I was there," Garciaparra said, referring to the championship celebration. "In Boston there’s something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there’s something bigger than us winning a World Series. It’s winning a World Series for these people."
General manager Theo Epstein, who grew up in the Boston area, was responsible for the trade that dispatched Garciaparra.
"We’ve been fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship after the trade," Epstein said. "I think both of us understood at the time that it wasn’t about Nomar and it wasn’t about me. It was just baseball trades that happen. They’re about what’s going on with the team at the time and certain things that had to happen. But, it didn’t change what Nomar meant to the Red Sox."
Terry Francona, who took over as Red Sox manager in 2004, saw just the last few months of Garciaparra’s time at Fenway Park.
"His last part in Boston was tough," Francona said. "He was kind of Boston-ed out. It had kind of wore on him for whatever reasons. Sometimes it’s time to move on. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. I think the fact he’s come back kind of shows that."
Garciaparra’s teammates – the beneficiaries of his acrobatic defense and clutch hitting – found it appropriate that he retired in a Boston uniform.
"He was a Red Sox for a long time and I think he’ll always be remembered as a Red Sox," said pitcher Tim Wakefield, who was Garciaparra’s teammate for the shortstop’s entire stay in Boston. "For the organization to sign him to a one-day deal and have him retire as a Red Sox is pretty special. I’m really happy for him. I wish he was still playing but sometimes our careers take different paths."
Garciaparra threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jason Varitek catching. Garciaparra and Varitek were teammates in Boston and at Georgia Tech.
"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform. We are very appreciative that Nomar is ending his career where it began."
Garciaparra spent the past five seasons with the Cubs, Dodgers and A’s. He had a .313 career average with 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry but always earned the respect of his opponents in New York.
"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
—=
AP Sports Writer Howie Rumberg in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
FORT MYERS, Fla. — Nomar Garciaparra rejoined the Red Sox for one day and then retired, ending a 14-year career in which he won two batting titles with Boston and became a beloved player in the city.
The shortstop signed a one-day contract with his former team Wednesday before announcing he’s leaving baseball at 36 to become an ESPN analyst.
"From the first day I had the thrill of putting on a Red Sox uniform and playing in front of all the great fans at Fenway Park, I have felt at home in Boston," Garciaparra said in a statement. "While I had the privilege of playing with other legendary teams, I always saw myself retiring in a Red Sox uniform."
Garciaparra played parts of nine seasons in Boston. He was a six-time All-Star who captured the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year Award and won batting crowns in 1999 and 2000.
He also has a place in Red Sox lore for being part of a four-team trade in 2004 that helped the club win its first World Series in 86 years.
"I felt like I was there," Garciaparra said, referring to the championship celebration. "In Boston there’s something greater than an individual player winning a World Series. When I was there I realized there’s something bigger than us winning a World Series. It’s winning a World Series for these people."
General manager Theo Epstein, who grew up in the Boston area, was responsible for the trade that dispatched Garciaparra.
"We’ve been fortunate over the years to maintain a relationship after the trade," Epstein said. "I think both of us understood at the time that it wasn’t about Nomar and it wasn’t about me. It was just baseball trades that happen. They’re about what’s going on with the team at the time and certain things that had to happen. But, it didn’t change what Nomar meant to the Red Sox."
Terry Francona, who took over as Red Sox manager in 2004, saw just the last few months of Garciaparra’s time at Fenway Park.
"His last part in Boston was tough," Francona said. "He was kind of Boston-ed out. It had kind of wore on him for whatever reasons. Sometimes it’s time to move on. That doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. I think the fact he’s come back kind of shows that."
Garciaparra’s teammates – the beneficiaries of his acrobatic defense and clutch hitting – found it appropriate that he retired in a Boston uniform.
"He was a Red Sox for a long time and I think he’ll always be remembered as a Red Sox," said pitcher Tim Wakefield, who was Garciaparra’s teammate for the shortstop’s entire stay in Boston. "For the organization to sign him to a one-day deal and have him retire as a Red Sox is pretty special. I’m really happy for him. I wish he was still playing but sometimes our careers take different paths."
Garciaparra threw out the ceremonial first pitch before Wednesday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, with Jason Varitek catching. Garciaparra and Varitek were teammates in Boston and at Georgia Tech.
"Nomar will always hold a special place in Red Sox history and in the hearts of Red Sox Nation," owner John Henry said. "His accomplishments on the field and in the community place him among the greatest players to wear a Red Sox uniform. We are very appreciative that Nomar is ending his career where it began."
Garciaparra spent the past five seasons with the Cubs, Dodgers and A’s. He had a .313 career average with 229 home runs and 936 RBIs.
Garciaparra was in the thick of the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry but always earned the respect of his opponents in New York.
"I always enjoyed playing against Boston because of Nomar," Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter said. "I used to enjoy being mentioned with him."
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
—=
AP Sports Writer Howie Rumberg in Tampa, Fla., contributed to this report.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Added Alex Rodriguez: "I love Nomar. He’s a great player and a friend."
VIERA, Fla. — Top draft pick Stephen Strasburg has made his spring training debut for the Washington Nationals, pitching two scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers.
Starting for Washington, Strasburg threw 15 of his 27 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits, successive two-out singles by Don Kelly and Alex Avila in the second. But the right-hander finished off Brent Dlugach with a bending, 81 mph breaking ball for an inning-ending strikeout.
Strasburg’s four-seam fastball was consistently measured in the 97-98 mph range and he struck out two Tuesday. But he had some problems with location and threw first-pitch strikes to only two of the eight batters he faced.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
VIERA, Fla. — Top draft pick Stephen Strasburg has made his spring training debut for the Washington Nationals, pitching two scoreless innings against the Detroit Tigers.
Starting for Washington, Strasburg threw 15 of his 27 pitches for strikes and allowed two hits, successive two-out singles by Don Kelly and Alex Avila in the second. But the right-hander finished off Brent Dlugach with a bending, 81 mph breaking ball for an inning-ending strikeout.
Strasburg’s four-seam fastball was consistently measured in the 97-98 mph range and he struck out two Tuesday. But he had some problems with location and threw first-pitch strikes to only two of the eight batters he faced.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
This year’s NFL Draft features a bit of intrigue near the top. Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is the consensus number one pick for the St. Louis Rams, but there’s still a chance fellow defensive lineman Gerald McCoy might be picked first, or that quarterback Sam Bradford might sneak into the discussion. However, the most anticipated selection might be one made after the first round, when Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is picked.
After a fabulous career in Gainesville, Tebow has been ranked by draftniks anywhere from a top-three quarterback, to a non-prospect, to a position change project. Though no one denies his work ethic or his athleticism, he’s been working with multiple coaches to rebuild his throwing motion into something approaching pro caliber.
Tebow joined Lamm at Large on WJXL in Jacksonville to discuss Urban Meyer, his throwing motion, the possibility of playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and parents proposing to him on behalf of their daughters.
Listen to Tim Tebow on WJXL in Jacksonville on Sports Radio Interviews.
Tim Tebow says he would like to play for his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars.
What are Tebow’s thoughts on the pre-draft process?
Tebow: It’s been a lot of what I expected. I had a lot of people giving me advice leading up to the hype, and the combine, and everything that’s going on, so I kind of knew what to expect. But it still has been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed. It really hasn’t been something I stressed out over or overwhelmed me. It’s been a whirlwind, but a lot of fun.
What changes has Tebow made to his throwing motion?
Tebow: I think it’s just being as quick as possible and taking out as much slack in my release as possible. Instead of kind of having a little drop in my throwing motion, it’s really trying to eliminate that drop in my motion like I have done pretty efficiently. It’s something I’ve worked on a lot and feel really good about.
Sometimes it’s half a second, and sometimes it could be quarter of a second. It’s not a lot of time, but that little bit could be the difference between a touchdown or a fumble or the ball getting batted down. It does make a difference and is something I feel I can get better at and have gotten better at.
Would Tebow like to play in Jacksonville?
Tebow: I would. It’s here at home and I would enjoy that. I have been a Jaguar fan my whole life. I have enjoyed being here in my hometown and watching the Jaguars play. Getting an opportunity to play for them would be a blessing for me and a privilege for me to be able to stay in my hometown and play here.
What does Tebow think of Urban Meyer’s leave of absence from the Florida football program?
Tebow: He needs to keep resting and being with his family. He’s enjoying it. He’s had a little time to get away, and we’re still talking pretty much every day. He’s doing great and feeling better. He’s going to get back and have a great season and Florida is going to dominate. They’re going to do great.
I’m just happy that he’s feeling better, and that he’s there for his family, and that he’s been able to just relax and let his stress levels die down a little bit. He’ll absolutely be back and he’ll be involved. He’s going to be hands-on working with the guys. He’ll be there for a lot of the stuff in the spring and in the summer. Florida should have a great year.
How many marriage proposals has Tebow received?
Tebow: We’ve gotten quite a handful of marriage proposals. Mostly from parents, though.
More from SRI
Nate Burleson talks about joining the Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy discusses the upcoming draft and where he might be picked
This year’s NFL Draft features a bit of intrigue near the top. Defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh is the consensus number one pick for the St. Louis Rams, but there’s still a chance fellow defensive lineman Gerald McCoy might be picked first, or that quarterback Sam Bradford might sneak into the discussion. However, the most anticipated selection might be one made after the first round, when Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow is picked.
After a fabulous career in Gainesville, Tebow has been ranked by draftniks anywhere from a top-three quarterback, to a non-prospect, to a position change project. Though no one denies his work ethic or his athleticism, he’s been working with multiple coaches to rebuild his throwing motion into something approaching pro caliber.
Tebow joined Lamm at Large on WJXL in Jacksonville to discuss Urban Meyer, his throwing motion, the possibility of playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and parents proposing to him on behalf of their daughters.
Listen to Tim Tebow on WJXL in Jacksonville on Sports Radio Interviews.
Tim Tebow says he would like to play for his hometown Jacksonville Jaguars.
What are Tebow’s thoughts on the pre-draft process?
Tebow: It’s been a lot of what I expected. I had a lot of people giving me advice leading up to the hype, and the combine, and everything that’s going on, so I kind of knew what to expect. But it still has been a whirlwind. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s been something that I’ve dreamed of for a long time. It’s something that I’ve enjoyed. It really hasn’t been something I stressed out over or overwhelmed me. It’s been a whirlwind, but a lot of fun.
What changes has Tebow made to his throwing motion?
Tebow: I think it’s just being as quick as possible and taking out as much slack in my release as possible. Instead of kind of having a little drop in my throwing motion, it’s really trying to eliminate that drop in my motion like I have done pretty efficiently. It’s something I’ve worked on a lot and feel really good about.
Sometimes it’s half a second, and sometimes it could be quarter of a second. It’s not a lot of time, but that little bit could be the difference between a touchdown or a fumble or the ball getting batted down. It does make a difference and is something I feel I can get better at and have gotten better at.
Would Tebow like to play in Jacksonville?
Tebow: I would. It’s here at home and I would enjoy that. I have been a Jaguar fan my whole life. I have enjoyed being here in my hometown and watching the Jaguars play. Getting an opportunity to play for them would be a blessing for me and a privilege for me to be able to stay in my hometown and play here.
What does Tebow think of Urban Meyer’s leave of absence from the Florida football program?
Tebow: He needs to keep resting and being with his family. He’s enjoying it. He’s had a little time to get away, and we’re still talking pretty much every day. He’s doing great and feeling better. He’s going to get back and have a great season and Florida is going to dominate. They’re going to do great.
I’m just happy that he’s feeling better, and that he’s there for his family, and that he’s been able to just relax and let his stress levels die down a little bit. He’ll absolutely be back and he’ll be involved. He’s going to be hands-on working with the guys. He’ll be there for a lot of the stuff in the spring and in the summer. Florida should have a great year.
How many marriage proposals has Tebow received?
Tebow: We’ve gotten quite a handful of marriage proposals. Mostly from parents, though.
More from SRI
Nate Burleson talks about joining the Detroit Lions
Gerald McCoy discusses the upcoming draft and where he might be picked
Sporting News staff reports
Major League Baseball has fired three of its seven umpire supervisors in response to a postseason plagued by blown calls.
Marty Springstead, Rich Garcia and Jim McKean, all veterans of at least 40 years, were fired in January, according to USA Today. Retired umpires Randy Marsh and Charlie Reliford were hired as replacements. Ed Montague, a recently retired ump of 34 years, is a candidate to fill the other position.
Rob Manfred, MLB executive vice president, told USA Today, "The change in supervisors is part of our ongoing effort to make our organization as strong as possible."
According to the report, Springstead said the firings were directly related to last year’s playoffs. The umpires who made the questionable calls were all retained. In Game 2 of the ALDS, Phil Cuzzi incorrectly ruled a ball hit by Joe Mauer as foul, costing the Twins a double. Crew chief Tim McClellenand missed two key calls in Game 4 of the ALCS. He called Nick Swisher out on appeal for leaving third base too early, although replays showed that Swisher left after the ball was caught. He then called Robinson Cano safe on a rundown even though Cano was clearly standing off the base while getting tagged. One responsibility of the supervisors is to make recommendations to MLB for postseason crews.
Sporting News staff reports
Major League Baseball has fired three of its seven umpire supervisors in response to a postseason plagued by blown calls.
Marty Springstead, Rich Garcia and Jim McKean, all veterans of at least 40 years, were fired in January, according to USA Today. Retired umpires Randy Marsh and Charlie Reliford were hired as replacements. Ed Montague, a recently retired ump of 34 years, is a candidate to fill the other position.
Rob Manfred, MLB executive vice president, told USA Today, "The change in supervisors is part of our ongoing effort to make our organization as strong as possible."
According to the report, Springstead said the firings were directly related to last year’s playoffs. The umpires who made the questionable calls were all retained. In Game 2 of the ALDS, Phil Cuzzi incorrectly ruled a ball hit by Joe Mauer as foul, costing the Twins a double. Crew chief Tim McClellenand missed two key calls in Game 4 of the ALCS. He called Nick Swisher out on appeal for leaving third base too early, although replays showed that Swisher left after the ball was caught. He then called Robinson Cano safe on a rundown even though Cano was clearly standing off the base while getting tagged. One responsibility of the supervisors is to make recommendations to MLB for postseason crews.
