Texas Rangers shut down Josh Hamilton for rest of season

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Texas Rangers shut down outfielder Josh Hamilton for the remainder of the season Tuesday to rest the pinched nerve in his back.

Hamilton

The Rangers began the day six games behind Boston in the AL wild-card standings with six games to play. Texas' loss to the Angels on Monday night clinched Los Angeles' fifth AL West title in six seasons.

Hamilton has missed 21 of the Rangers' past 23 games with a back problem related to injuries from a crash into an outfield fence. Manager Ron Washington said the Rangers are looking toward Hamilton's future by deciding not to ask their slugger to limp through the pain for a few final games.

"His back trouble isn't getting any better," Washington said. "Even if he did happen to go out on the field and play these last few games, we think it's better to let Josh get healthy and come back to spring training ready to go."

Hamilton was an All-Star last season while leading the AL in RBIs, and the former No. 1 pick's improbable recovery from drug addiction and alcohol abuse became a national inspiration. But this season has been an ordeal at times -- including the Rangers' previous trip to Anaheim in August, when online publication of party photos forced Hamilton to publicly acknowledge a slip in his sobriety last January.

Hamilton hit .268 with 10 homers and 54 RBIs this season while missing long stretches with injuries. He spent two weeks on the disabled list ending in early May with a strained rib cage muscle from a run into a wall, but he hurt himself again six days after returning while charging into another wall.

Hamilton had surgery June 9 to repair a slight abdominal tear, but said the pinched nerve and accompanying pain were related to his earlier injuries and rehabilitation. He received several painkilling injections while attempting to come back earlier.

Hamilton was batting .346 with 25 RBIs over his last 32 games before his latest injury absence, raising his average 48 points. He was the Rangers' designated hitter on Friday and Saturday against Tampa Bay after missing their previous 19 games, but his health didn't improve.

Although Washington refuses to make excuses, the Rangers' chase of just the fourth playoff berth in franchise history was seriously hampered by the injury absence of their two best hitters. In addition to Hamilton's woes, third baseman Michael Young just returned to the lineup with two hits Monday night after missing all but one game since Sept. 1, when he strained his hamstring.

"You can't expect young players to come in there and pick it up to the same level as these guys," Washington said. "We're still trying to win some games because we don't want Seattle to catch us [for second place in the AL West], but we're thinking about the future as well."

Texas (85-71) began the night five games ahead of the Mariners (80-76), who host the Rangers for a season-ending, three-game series this weekend.

Washington said he wants to take a look at Julio Borbon in center field before the season ends, and Taylor Teagarden will get a chance to catch "several games." Young relievers Pedro Strop and Guillermo Moscoso also will get ample work.

European reviewTexas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton returns to lineup

Doubt cast upon game-ending grab by Colorado Rockies' Clint Barmes

DENVER -- The Catch might not have been a catch after all.

Clint Barmes returned from a day off in the mountains with his family Tuesday to learn that doubt had been cast upon his sensational game-ending grab that cinched the Colorado Rockies' victory over the St. Louis Cardinals 48 hours earlier.

Barmes

The second baseman's tumbling catch of Ryan Ludwick's one-out flare to shallow right field, followed by his strike to first base to double up Albert Pujols and seal the NL wild-card leading Rockies' 4-3 win was immediately termed "the defensive play of the year" by manager Jim Tracy.

However, a fan, Craig Welling, posted images on his photo blog from his vantage point in right field, and one of the shots clearly showed the ball on the grass for a split second as Barmes rolled over.

Barmes' body blocked television angles as well as those of professional photographers.

So, did he make the catch or not?

"When I popped to my feet, the ball was in my hand," Barmes said. "I never said I caught it clean."

After the game, Barmes said he thought he made the catch but that it happened so fast, he wasn't sure.

Barmes said Tuesday that all he knows for sure is that the ball bobbled around his body as he tumbled.

"Once I was heading down, the ball bounced off my glove," he said. "I felt it hit my chest. I'm reaching for it, trying to battle to catch it before it hits the ground. At that point, it happened so fast, my knee hit [the ground], I flipped, I knocked my hat and my glasses off, scratched my forehead. I come up and the ball's in my hand."

Right fielder Ryan Spilborghs immediately hollered at him to throw to first base to double up Pujols, who, like Julio Lugo at third base, had run on contact.

First-base umpire Sam Holbrook ruled it a catch, and the throw to first ended the game.

"It's not like I'm sitting here trying to play it off and try to cheat them out of an out or whatever," Barmes said. "I honestly thought that I caught the ball at the time. ... I wish I could say I'm good enough, my hand-eye coordination is good enough, as I'm rolling that fast and I'm in full-speed and I hit the ground rolling that I can react and try to pick a ball up on the ground."

Spilborghs, who had the best view of the play, was coy when asked Tuesday whether the Rockies got away with one.

"It was a good play, that's all it was," he said. "It doesn't really matter because the play's over."

But did he see the ball hit the ground?

"It's more fun not to say whether I did or I didn't," Spilborghs retorted.

Barmes even held a news conference Tuesday before the Rockies faced the Milwaukee Brewers so that he didn't have to talk about the play over and over with individual reporters.

"You look at my quotes on Sunday, I never once said I for sure caught the ball. I said, 'All I know is whenever I hit, I rolled, the ball was not in my glove, it somehow was in my throwing hand when I came up and I finished the play out of reaction,'" Barmes said. "I went and looked at the replays and I saw two, slowing it down frame by frame and I couldn't tell. And so, I just assumed it worked out great -- the ball, I caught it clean.

"And obviously today showing up, the picture showed that I didn't."

Even if baseball had instant replay for these types of situations, the call wouldn't have been reversed because there was no video angle that conclusively showed the ball had hit the grass.

"The bottom line, like a lot of the guys in [the clubhouse] said, we got the win and that's all that matters," Barmes said.

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Texas Rangers' Omar Vizquel, 42, hopes to play again in 2010

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Omar Vizquel wants to extend his term as the oldest position player in the major leagues.

The 42-year-old Rangers infielder said Sunday that he's planning to play another season.

Vizquel

"I'm going to play. I'm going to try to give it another shot," Vizquel said before the Rangers' home finale against Tampa Bay. "I still feel physically pretty good. When my body feels like that, I better take advantage of it."

Vizquel is wrapping up his 21st major league season, his first in Texas. He signed with the Rangers last winter knowing he would serve primarily as a mentor to rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus.

An 11-time Gold Glove winner, Vizquel's 2,680 games at shortstop are a major league record. Only Ozzie Smith has won more Gold Gloves at shortstop (13), but Vizquel is the only shortstop to win the award multiple times in the American and National League.

Before coming to Texas on a $1 million deal, Vizquel had played all but two of his games defensively at shortstop. He had one game at second base in 1991 and one in right field 10 years ago.

Vizquel has started 43 games for Texas -- 21 at shortstop, 14 at second and eight at third -- and has 202 fielding chances without an error, the most among any non-first baseman in the major leagues. In 59 games overall, he has a .266 batting average.

"I'm pretty happy about what I did," he said.

Vizquel, whose 2,702 hits are the most by a native of Venezuela, becomes a free agent after the season.

"If he wants to play another year, we want him another year," manager Ron Washington said. "He's certainly part of my plan if that's what he wants to do."

A .273 career hitter in 2,739 games, Vizquel also played for Seattle (1989-93), Cleveland (1994-2004) and San Francisco (2005-08). He turns 43 on April 24.

Texas Rangers’ Omar Vizquel, 42, hopes to play again in 2010Romaric out of Rangers tie

Texas Rangers' Omar Vizquel, 42, hopes to play again in 2010

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Omar Vizquel wants to extend his term as the oldest position player in the major leagues.

The 42-year-old Rangers infielder said Sunday that he's planning to play another season.

Vizquel

"I'm going to play. I'm going to try to give it another shot," Vizquel said before the Rangers' home finale against Tampa Bay. "I still feel physically pretty good. When my body feels like that, I better take advantage of it."

Vizquel is wrapping up his 21st major league season, his first in Texas. He signed with the Rangers last winter knowing he would serve primarily as a mentor to rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus.

An 11-time Gold Glove winner, Vizquel's 2,680 games at shortstop are a major league record. Only Ozzie Smith has won more Gold Gloves at shortstop (13), but Vizquel is the only shortstop to win the award multiple times in the American and National League.

Before coming to Texas on a $1 million deal, Vizquel had played all but two of his games defensively at shortstop. He had one game at second base in 1991 and one in right field 10 years ago.

Vizquel has started 43 games for Texas -- 21 at shortstop, 14 at second and eight at third -- and has 202 fielding chances without an error, the most among any non-first baseman in the major leagues. In 59 games overall, he has a .266 batting average.

"I'm pretty happy about what I did," he said.

Vizquel, whose 2,702 hits are the most by a native of Venezuela, becomes a free agent after the season.

"If he wants to play another year, we want him another year," manager Ron Washington said. "He's certainly part of my plan if that's what he wants to do."

A .273 career hitter in 2,739 games, Vizquel also played for Seattle (1989-93), Cleveland (1994-2004) and San Francisco (2005-08). He turns 43 on April 24.

Texas Rangers’ Omar Vizquel, 42, hopes to play again in 2010Romaric out of Rangers tie

Texas Rangers' Omar Vizquel, 42, hopes to play again in 2010

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The oldest position player in the major leagues is planning to play another season.

Vizquel

Rangers utility infielder Omar Vizquel says he feels good physically and "better take advantage" of how he feels.

The 42-year-old Vizquel is wrapping up his 21st major league season, his first in Texas, where he served primarily as a mentor to rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus and a part-time player. He went into the Rangers' final home game Sunday hitting .266 in 59 games, with 43 starts -- 21 at shortstop, 14 at second base and eight at third.

Vizquel, an 11-time Gold Glove shortstop whose 2,702 hits are the most by a Venezuelan native, becomes a free agent after the season.

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Philadelphia Phillies plan to use other options at closer besides Brad Lidge

MILWAUKEE -- The Philadelphia Phillies suddenly are auditioning potential replacements for struggling closer Brad Lidge and juggling their rotation with Pedro Martinez still bothered by a stiff neck.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Friday that the World Series champions will consider other options for closing games, adding that manager Charlie Manuel could keep Lidge in the mix.A Tale of Two Years

Brad Lidge's 2009 has been the complete opposite of his 2008 campaign.

 2008 2009 

W-L 2-0 0-8 

ERA 1.95 7.48 

Saves 41 31 

Blown saves 0 11** 

Opp. BA .198 .305 

**Most in NL since 1998

"I don't think any decision's been made officially," Amaro said. "I think Charlie's going to put people in to pitch in the seventh, eighth, ninth inning that he feels are going to be most effective. It doesn't necessarily mean Lidge isn't one of those guys. He still could be one of those guys."

FoxSports.com first reported that the Phillies would try other pitchers as their closer.

Philadelphia also decided to scratch Martinez from his start Saturday against the Brewers and replace him with right-hander Kyle Kendrick. Martinez injured his neck during an at-bat in Atlanta last Saturday and it's not clear when he will pitch again.

Martinez, 5-1 with a 3.32 ERA since signing with the Phillies on July 15, said he is feeling better but didn't want to push himself.

"I'm not going to put anything in jeopardy," Martinez said. "I'm going to be smart."

Lidge has blown 11 of 42 save chances this season for the NL East leaders. He is 0-8 with a 7.48 ERA. Last year, Lidge was perfect in 48 save tries in the regular season and playoffs.

Lidge pitched the seventh inning of Friday's 8-4 loss to Milwaukee. The Brewers were leading 7-2 when Lidge came in and gave up a run, but he still considered the outing valuable.

For now, he's more concerned about straightening himself out than he is about his role.

"Keep giving me the ball," Lidge said. "It doesn't matter, the situation. I need to get myself ready to pitch this postseason. It doesn't matter to me if it's a one-run game or we're down by seven. Work like that tonight is very productive for me."

Lidge said 20 of the 24 pitches he threw in a blown save at Florida on Wednesday were sliders. He used Friday's outing to work almost exclusively on his fastball.

"The command hasn't been there, and I think that sometimes you kind of fall into patterns that become super-predictable," Lidge said. "After Florida, when I thought about that outing in my mind, throwing that many sliders, that's never smart."

And with the end of the regular season approaching, the team is running out of time for Lidge to regain the form he showed last year.

"It may take some guys to step up and pitch in different roles that they are not typically accustomed to," Amaro said. "And Brad may be asked to do something different than he's been doing for us. Again, at the end of the day, it's about how we can get the last six or nine outs."

Left-hander J.C. Romero and right-hander Brett Myers, both on the DL, might be able to help out. The Phillies are hoping each will be able to return next week.

Romero has been on the disabled list since July 23 with a strained left forearm and Myers, who missed most of the season because of a strained right hip, has a muscle strain in his back.

"If [Manuel] feels they can get them out, he'll put them out there," Amaro said. "And again, maybe Brad Lidge is one of those [players] out there."

Other potential ninth-inning options include right-hander Tyler Walker, who earned 23 saves for San Francisco in 2005, and rookie left-handed starter J.A. Happ.

"Our best [plan] is to have Lidge pitch the ninth," Amaro said. "Right now, he hasn't been doing that effectively. And we might have to make an adjustment off of that."

Amaro said he hasn't talked to Lidge about his confidence.

"He has not performed the way he knows he can perform and the way we know he can perform," Amaro said. "He'll show us how confident we are."

Is this an unsettling situation with the playoffs approaching?

"Well, we'd rather have the seventh, eighth and ninth locked up like we have in the past," Amaro said. "This isn't a perfect world, unfortunately."

Manuel said the return of Romero and Myers would provide a boost, but acknowledged it wasn't an ideal situation.

"There's always challenges," Manuel said. "That's what makes it good."

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Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton returns to lineup

ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton was back in the lineup Friday night after missing 19 games because of a pinched nerve in his back.

Hamilton

Hamilton was batting third as the designated hitter for Texas in the opener of its final homestand of the season against Tampa Bay. It was his first game since Sept. 1.

"I'm very happy to be back out there," Hamilton said. "Obviously, it has been frustrating. At the same time, it ain't like I got hurt from not being in shape, or by swinging the bat, or running or throwing or anything like that. It was from hitting a wall."

Literally, and "very hard," he said.

An All-Star last year, Hamilton has been out a lot this season as Texas faded from postseason contention.

Hamilton hurt himself crashing into an outfield wall making a catch May 17, less than a week after he came off the disabled list following a strained rib cage muscle sustained when he ran into another wall.

He had surgery June 9 to repair a slight abdominal tear. He said the pinched nerve and accompanying glute pain was related to the earlier problems and rehabilitation to get back on the field.

"Physically, I'm good enough, and that's what matters at this point," Hamilton said. "The pain over the past week hasn't gotten any worse. That's a positive. If it stays like it is, I can deal with it."

Hamilton had several injections in an attempt to come back sooner.

Last year's AL RBI leader entered Friday night's game hitting .270 with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs in 87 games.

All-Star third baseman Michael Young was out for the 20th time in 21 games because of a strained left hamstring. His one game in that stretch was a single at-bat when he tried to come back Sept. 15.

Manager Ron Washington said Young "probably won't" play in the weekend series against the Rays.

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Eric Wedge, of Cleveland Indians, not worried about job security

AVON, Ohio -- Sitting on the gym stage, Indians manager Eric Wedge looked across at the bleachers packed with screaming elementary school kids and observed the future.

He's not so sure about his own.

With two weeks left in Cleveland's disastrous season, Wedge does not yet know if he'll be back for an eighth season and the final year of his contract.

Wedge

That decision rests with Indians owners Larry and Paul Dolan, who along with general manager Mark Shapiro, are expected to determine the fate of Wedge and his staff shortly after the Oct. 4 season finale in Boston, where coincidentally Wedge played briefly for the Red Sox.

Wedge, of course, would like to return.

"I've always been a big believer in trying to finish what you start," the 41-year-old Wedge said Monday. "But I also understand the situation we're in, the business end of where we are and the realities of where we are. That's not for me to decide. I've been here for a long time and I'm very vested in this organization, so you always want to see it through.

"We'll see what happens."

The Indians are staggering to the finish. They lost their season-high ninth straight on Monday night, 3-1 to Detroit, and dropped to 3-17 in September. It's not the conclusion Wedge had hoped for, and not the kind of last-lap kick his teams have mustered in previous seasons, but he's not worrying about what he can't control.

Wedge is at peace.

"This has been difficult, but it's harder for everybody outside of baseball that's around me," he said. "It's part of it. I understand that."

Wedge isn't sitting around waiting for the end. On Monday, he took part in an assembly to reward the children at Avon Heritage Elementary for their academic achievement. Wedge was joined by Indians players Chris Gimenez and Trevor Crowe as well as the Indians' furry mascot, Slider.

Just back from a brutal 0-7 road trip to Minnesota and Oakland, and with his job in jeopardy, Wedge could have been home with his family. Instead, he kept his commitment.

Wedge and his wife, Kate, are active in Cleveland's community. This is home, where his two children were born and where he has tried to keep the Indians competitive while contending with the mid-market constraints that are threatening to crumble baseball's infrastructure.

The Indians came into 2009 expected to do more than contend in the AL. Some experts even picked them to make the World Series. But an atrocious start was followed by key injuries, and Cleveland was out of the race by early June. The sudden slide led to ownership's decision to trade some of the club's top assets, including third baseman Mark DeRosa, first baseman Ryan Garko, pitcher Carl Pavano, reigning Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez.

Those deals came one year after Cleveland was forced to ship ace CC Sabathia to Milwaukee for prospects before he could leave after the season as a free agent.

Once this season was surrendered, Wedge, the AL's manager of the year in 2007, was charged with two goals: win and develop younger players.

It's not easy to do both, but it's not new to Wedge, whose tenure in Cleveland since 2003 has included two massive rebuilding projects.

This season has been especially challenging.

"We felt if we could get healthy, stay healthy and the guys we were counting on in the bullpen to step up into their roles, then we would have a pretty good shot at it, but none of that happened," Wedge said. "And then there were the trades we made and I understand they were out of necessity, but that's tough. But I understand it."

The feeling was that if the Indians ended the year with a flourish, Wedge's job would be saved.

Now, it appears the team may have no choice but to go in a new direction.

Closer Kerry Wood, who signed a two-year, $20 million free agent contract with Cleveland in December, said the players should be the ones held accountable for the Indians' plunge.

"It's not the coaching staff," Wood said. "They do what they can for us to be better. They suggested adjustments and we didn't make them. We have nobody to blame but ourselves for where we are. The organization has the right stuff in place. They pay attention to the small stuff that a mid-market team has to do, but the players just underachieved."

Wedge has earned the respect of Cleveland's opponents.

"He's one of my favorite managers," Tigers third baseman Brandon Inge said. "He's a smart man and I've talked to their players and they all say he treats them fairly and they respect him. That's what you want in a manager."

In the days ahead, there's a possibility that the Dolans may ask Wedge to make dramatic changes to his coaching staff to keep his job. It's not known how Wedge, who has fired coaches in the past but is fiercely loyal to his staff, would react to such a proposal.

It was just two years ago that Wedge was considered one of baseball's brightest managers. The Indians came within one win of a World Series trip in 2007, and with a core of young, talented players, it only seemed a matter of time before they won it all.

But they're rebuilding again, and soon, they may be doing it with a new manager.

"I know that sometimes change has to be made for change's sake," Wedge said. "You've got to be professional about it. You've got to understand it and I do."

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Atlanta Braves' Bobby Cox to retire as manager after 2010

NEW YORK -- After 50 years in baseball, Bobby Cox figured the only way he would ever give up managing was to pick a specific time and announce it publicly.

So that's what he did Wednesday, revealing his plans to retire as manager of the Atlanta Braves after next season.

Now comes the hard part: sticking to it.

"There is a little bit of relief once you come to grips with announcing it," Cox said. "I've never lost the love to manage, period. But you have to make a decision. At my age, you have to make a decision. Somebody a little younger can start up."

KNOWING HIS WAY AROUND

In a job notorious for turnovers and abbreviated tenures, Bobby Cox stands out. He is one of five managers to spend at least 20 straight seasons managing the same team.

Manager Years Span 

Connie Mack, Phila. Athletics 50 1901-50 

John McGraw, NY Giants 31 1902-32 

Walter Alston, Brooklyn-LA Dodgers 23 1954-1976 

Tommy Lasorda, LA Dodgers 21 1976-96 

Bobby Cox, Atlanta Braves 20 1990-2009 

The 68-year-old Cox, a four-time Manager of the Year, agreed to a one-year contract extension for 2010, the Braves announced before Wednesday night's game against the New York Mets. He will start a five-year consulting agreement to advise the team in baseball operations after he steps down as manager.

"I'll believe it when I see it," Braves slugger Chipper Jones said.

During an illustrious career on the bench, Cox has guided Atlanta to 14 consecutive postseason appearances (1991-2005) and the 1995 World Series title.

"They asked me to come back, and I said I would do it for one more year, and we'll announce the retirement along with it. It's the only way I think I'm ever going to walk away from the game, is to go ahead and say I'm going to, and then I've got to," Cox said. "There's no turning back now -- win, lose or draw. Whatever happens next year is going to be it."

A cigar-smoking baseball lifer, Cox managed the Braves from 1978-81, switched to manage the Toronto Blue Jays from 1982-85, then returned to manage Atlanta in 1990. He led the Braves to five NL pennants and a record 14 straight division titles from 1991-2005.

"He's one of the greatest -- not only managers, but people," Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre said in Washington. "He's a Hall of Famer."

Atlanta's 5-2 victory Wednesday night gave Cox 2,409 regular-season wins as a manager, fourth behind Connie Mack (3,731), John McGraw (2,763) and Tony La Russa (2,550). Cox and Joe McCarthy are the only managers with six 100-win regular seasons.

Mike and Mike in the Morning

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"Bobby's one of the best ever," Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland said in Cleveland.

Braves general manager Frank Wren said he won't start thinking about a successor for Cox until an appropriate time next season. Both men said Cox will have input.

"He's been the one constant through the entire run that we've had over the last 20 years," said Jones, who has played for Cox his entire career. "It'll be a sad day, a sad day when he leaves."

Still feisty, Cox has been ejected seven times this season, extending his major league record to 150.

"What you can always say about Bobby is that he always gets the best out of his players and that he's a class act," umpire Ed Rapuano said in Cleveland. "You could toss him, but the next day all was forgotten."

The 37-year-old Jones said the Braves will have added incentive next season to send Cox out a winner. But Jones said he's not sure he'll stick around long enough to play for a different manager.

"I'm just glad he'll be around for one more year," Jones said.

Wren said the agreement was reached last weekend while the Braves were playing Philadelphia, but Cox didn't want an announcement to take the focus off that series. The team had decided to reveal the news when it returned home to Atlanta next week, but Wren said all the public speculation and false information about Cox's future persuaded the club to make an announcement Wednesday.

Cox's entire coaching staff will be retained next season, too.

"We know we're growing older. I know Bobby feels like he's still capable. His mind is as good today as it will be five years from now. But there's a demand of pressure and energy on his job. We all come to that point," Braves president John Schuerholz said at a Turner Field news conference in Atlanta.

"He's comfortable with this. It's his plan. He's at peace managing a team next season to a championship level," Schuerholz added. "He's handled the highs and lows better than any other manager in baseball I've ever seen."

Cox said his role as adviser likely will include visiting Braves farm clubs to offer advice, evaluations and perhaps even hands-on instruction. He said it's a job he's excited about.

Still, many in baseball have a hard time imagining anyone besides No. 6 in the Braves' dugout.

"He may change his mind. Bobby loves the game. It's in his blood," La Russa said in Houston before his Cardinals played the Astros. "He always had his team ready to play."

Mets manager Jerry Manuel called Cox "an icon in the sport."

"Managers look to try to attain that level of status that he has," Manuel said. "I think that's unfortunate for the Braves -- probably fortunate for everybody else in the division.

"He's had a tremendous, tremendous run. He has really set the bar tremendously high over there. So anybody that steps in there will have some big, big shoes to fill as far as stability and strategy."

Cox said the person he consulted most about the decision was his wife, Pam, and he acknowledged she was happy about it.

"She's been after me for quite awhile," Cox said.

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Curt Schilling won't run for Edward M. Kennedy's Senate seat

NEW YORK -- Curt Schilling won't test out just how popular he is in Massachusetts.

The former Boston Red Sox pitcher, beloved in the state for his starring role in ending an 86-year championship drought, announced Tuesday he isn't running for Edward M. Kennedy's seat in the U.S. Senate.

Earlier this month, Schilling expressed interest in pursuing the post held by the Massachusetts Democrat for almost 50 years before he died in August. But appearing on "Joe Buck Live" on HBO on Tuesday night, Schilling quashed the notion.

Schilling

"Regardless of the amount of support and outreach that's been given to me, it just did not make sense," he said.

Kennedy, who was first elected to the Senate in 1962, died Aug. 25 of brain cancer at age 77. Primaries are scheduled for Dec. 8, and the general election will be Jan. 19.

The 42-year-old Schilling cemented his place in Boston sports lore with the "bloody sock." For a Red Sox team that hadn't won a world championship since 1918, he twice took the mound during the 2004 playoffs despite an ankle injury that left red seeping through the fabric.

Renowned for his big-game performances and big mouth, Schilling won three World Series titles, earning rings with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2001 and again with the Red Sox in '07. He also helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to the 1993 World Series.

Schilling retired in March after pitching for five teams over 20 years.

Days after the Red Sox won in 2004, he went on national TV to urge everyone to vote, "and vote Bush." Schilling stumped for Republican John McCain in 2008. But he has said he also voted for Bill Clinton, a Democrat.

Schilling laid out his political beliefs on his blog, 38pitches.com, earlier this month, while insisting there was a "slim chance" he'd run.

He was still dishing out opinions Tuesday even as he announced he wouldn't pursue Kennedy's seat.

"I think the country is sick and tired of elected officials beholden to special interests," Schilling said. "I think we're at a time and a place where we're voting for the lesser of two evils instead of the best candidate."

Rep. Michael Capuano, Attorney General Martha Coakley and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca have announced they're seeking the Democratic nomination in Massachusetts.

State Sen. Scott Brown and Canton Selectman Bob Burr are seeking the Republican nomination.

Schilling would have had to run as an independent.

Gov. Deval Patrick could announce a temporary replacement for Kennedy as soon as Thursday.

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Houston Astros' Roy Oswalt to visit orthopedic surgeon to get second opinion on sore back

HOUSTON -- Houston Astros ace Roy Oswalt will visit orthopedic surgeon Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas on Thursday to get a second opinion on his sore back.

Oswalt

Oswalt (8-6, 4.12 ERA) reported discomfort in his arm after pitching five-plus innings in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Sept. 15. He's been bothered by hip and back pain for much of the season and the team said after the start that Oswalt wouldn't pitch again this season.

Also Tuesday, Wade said relief pitcher Alberto Arias will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Wednesday. Arias (2-1, 3.35 ERA) has been on the disabled list since Aug. 24.

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Toronto Blue Jays' Marco Scutaro likely out for the season with tear in right heel

TORONTO -- Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Marco Scutaro will likely miss the rest of the season after an MRI on Monday revealed a tear in his right heel.

Scutaro

Scutaro left Sunday's game at Tampa Bay in the sixth inning after he felt something pop in his sore heel while charging a grounder.

Scutaro, 33, has been bothered by heel pain since late July. Monday's MRI revealed a tear in his plantar fascia, a band of thick tissue in the foot.

John McDonald started at shortstop against Baltimore on Monday night, with manager Cito Gaston saying Scutaro was unlikely to return for Toronto's final 13 games.

Playing every day for the first time in his career, Scutaro has posted career highs in average (.282), home runs (12), doubles (35) and walks (90) and has matched his career high in RBIs (60). He is eligible for free agency following the season.

The season may also be over for left-hander Scott Downs, who injured his right hamstring covering first base at New York on Sept. 16. Downs (1-3), who has nine saves and a 3.09 ERA, is still day to day, but Gaston said there may not be enough time left for him to return.

Left-hander Brian Tallet, who started Sept. 16 and left after two innings when he took a line drive off his right foot, is expected to make his next start Tuesday against the Orioles, Gaston said.

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St. Louis Cardinals' Kyle Lohse gets 3 starts to earn playoff spot

ST. LOUIS -- St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse, who's struggled to recover from a forearm injury, gets three starts to dial everything in beginning Monday night in Houston.

Lohse, a 15-game winner last season, is 5-8 with a 4.83 ERA and has had trouble regaining a familiar feel. The Cardinals are trying to decide what to do with the right-hander, who could lose his spot in the postseason rotation to John Smoltz if he's not able to make strides the rest of the season.

Lohse

Lohse said his only concern is facing the Astros and left-hander Wandy Rodriguez in a ballpark with a short porch in left field, not about showing the team he's ready.

"I just know I've got a job to do," he said. "They've got a good lineup and I've got to bear down every pitch."

Lohse said it'll take extended rest to get the forearm, injured when he was hit by a pitch on May 23, back to 100 percent. He said the forearm affects his delivery off and on.

"It's not a pain so much as I'm used to my body reacting a certain way," Lohse said Sunday. "When I release a ball I'm used to the way it feels coming out, and off and on it's been a normal feel, and sometimes it feels like it's not there."

Lohse is also trying to rebuild strength in the forearm and reported favorable results from a pair of bullpen sessions.

"I know he's working on stuff," manager Tony La Russa said. "He's got three opportunities, so the timing's right for him."

Troy Glaus, who pulled a left side muscle on a checked swing eight days earlier, reported no progress although he's expected to accompany the team on a nine-game trip. Glaus has only 17 at-bats this season following shoulder surgery in January.

"He hasn't gotten any clearance that he's available," La Russa said. "We're running out of time."

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Setback might end Carlos Delgado's tenure with New York Mets

NEW YORK -- Carlos Delgado might have played his last game for the New York Mets.

Delgado

The slugger had another setback while rehabbing from right hip surgery and it appears increasingly unlikely that he'll be able to return to the lineup before the season ends.

Sidelined since May 11, Delgado tried again to run outside last weekend but his hip became inflamed. He said the recent soreness in his side and back also were related to the hip injury.

"It's been a long, kind of frustrating four months," Delgado said Friday. "I don't have very much time, so I mean, I don't want to rule anything out. We'll see how it is over the weekend and I guess soon we'll have to make a decision. It's kind of unfortunate because you like to see things go smooth."

The 37-year-old Delgado can become a free agent after this season, his fourth in New York. Ravaged by injuries all year, the Mets might look for a younger and perhaps less expensive option at first base in 2010.

"I like it here. We have a great team. A player in my situation where I've been around for a few years, you walk in this clubhouse, you've got a chance to win. Obviously, we've got to get healthier, but I think we're in the process of doing that. It offers you a great opportunity," Delgado said. "We haven't really talked to the front office in regard to that, but if that's the case I'd like to come back."

The Mets picked up Delgado's $12 million option for this season after he had a huge second half last year. He finished 2008 with a .271 batting average, 38 home runs and 115 RBIs.

Delgado, who is 27 homers shy of 500, said swinging a bat feels fine but running still gives him trouble. He's confident he can still be a dangerous power hitter -- once he gets healthy.

"Absolutely. Not a doubt in my mind," he said. "I'm going to play. I'll find a way."

The Mets would like to see Delgado come back this season, even if it just provides a quick glimpse of his skills following the May 19 operation. That could help them make a decision about next year.

"I think time is running out for him," manager Jerry Manuel said before his slumping team opened a three-game series against last-place Washington.

Delgado said he doesn't think he'll need another operation this winter.

"I got checked out a couple weeks ago and structurally the hip is good," he said. "I'm guilty of trying to come back too soon."

A two-time All-Star, Delgado was batting .298 with four homers and 23 RBIs when he went on the disabled list. Since then, he's watched the fourth-place Mets fall 21 games below .500 going into Friday night.

"We've been pretty bad about playing fundamental baseball," he said.

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Texas Rangers' Michael Young decided 'just not ready' to play

ARLINGTON, Texas -- All-Star third baseman Michael Young isn't ready to get back in the Texas Rangers' starting lineup.

Young

Young has batted only once since straining his left hamstring Sept. 1, but had hoped to return for the start of the weekend series against the AL West-leading Los Angeles Angels.

After hitting off Kevin Millwood in a simulated game Friday afternoon, Young decided he's "just not ready" to play.

Young says he's disappointed but still considers himself "day to day."

He woke up Tuesday and felt ready, and was the designated hitter after testing himself. But he left after one at-bat when he got off-balance on a swing. He says his hamstring has been "pretty tight and stiff" the last couple of days.

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New York Yankees starter Andy Pettitte is ready to test shoulder against Los Angeles Angels

SEATTLE -- Andy Pettitte just wants Monday to arrive and get a true gauge of how his tired left shoulder is feeling.

The Yankees, already looking ahead to the postseason, would like to see a healthy Pettitte as well and put to rest some of the concerns about New York's playoff rotation.

Pettitte came away from his regular bullpen session without any problems on Friday before the Yankees opened a six-game road trip in Seattle, and the lefty is expected to start on Monday night in Anaheim against the AL West leading Los Angeles Angels.

Pettitte

"Monday will be good. I'll be happy when I get through Monday and don't have any problems," Pettitte said. "I want to stand on the mound in the sixth and seventh inning and still feel strong, and they have to come pull me. Not [that] I'm running on fumes like how I felt in [Baltimore] trying to get through that last inning there."

Pettitte's last scheduled start on Wednesday was skipped because the veteran was experiencing tiredness in his pitching shoulder. Pettitte especially felt the fatigue in his start last Friday against Baltimore when he when he threw 103 pitches while laboring through five innings.

Pettitte probably could have thrown on Wednesday against Toronto. But the Yankees want to be cautious with Pettitte after pain in the same shoulder hampered him during the second half last season. Pettitte went 2-7 with a 6.23 ERA in his final 11 starts of 2008. He said last year's problems began with an ache similar to what he felt in his most recent outing, but he's not worried because he has no pain this time.

Still, the Yankees want to be careful with a proven playoff pitcher who could be crucial to their World Series aspirations. The 37-year-old lefty has been one of the team's most consistent starters all year, going 13-6 with a 4.14 ERA for the AL East leaders. He has thrown 178 1-3 innings in 29 starts.

By the time he takes the mound Monday, it'll be 10 days since Pettitte's last start.

"I'm anxious to see how he does," Girardi said. "You want to know that one of your horses is in really good shape when he goes out there Monday and you hope that the 10 days rest got him over that hump and he'll go on another roll like he was on."

New York could afford to be cautious with Pettitte this week thanks to its comfortable cushion in the division. The Yankees began Friday seven games ahead of second-place Boston and 6 1/2 in front of the Angels in the race for the league's best record and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Pettitte said his shoulder felt so good during his throwing session on Friday that he found himself holding back to make sure he didn't overexert himself. He also threw long-toss on Thursday.

"I hope I can just get back in a good rhythm with all my pitches. Before I skipped this last one I was feeling pretty comfortable with all my pitches, and that's all I really care about getting back into the routine as far as that," Pettitte said. "But we have nothing wrapped up. It's important to go out and pitch well and get this thing wrapped up."

Getting confirmation that Pettitte is healthy and pitch deep into games would relieve one stress for Girardi as the postseason quickly approaches. The Yankees second-year manager said that some in the front-office are looking ahead to how a playoff roster might look, but that Girardi is trying not to look too far ahead until a playoff spot is wrapped up.

Depending on how the weekend breaks down, New York could have a playoff spot clinched before leaving Seattle.

"I think there are decisions still to be made. ... You have a pretty good idea of who 22, 23 guys are, but there are some decisions to be made," Girardi said. "The guys upstairs know I don't like to get too ahead of myself, but we've talked about it, different scenarios."

Malaga secure Obinna loanNew York Yankees’ Andy Pettitte has tired shoulder, will miss next start Wednesday

Milwaukee Brewers could decide to end season for right-hander Yovani Gallardo

CHICAGO -- Yovani Gallardo's season could be over.

Yovani Gallardo#49 SP
Milwaukee Brewers

2009 STATS

GM29W12L12BB91K197ERA3.84

The Milwaukee Brewers' 23-year-old right-hander ranks sixth in the NL with 3,125 pitches after missing most of 2008 while recovering from surgery to repair a torn meniscus and then a torn knee ligament.

He is 12-12 this season with a 3.84 ERA in 29 starts and 180 2/3 innings. With the Brewers out of contention for the playoffs, Milwaukee might decide he's pitched enough.

Right-hander Josh Butler, whose contract was purchased from Double-A Nashville on Tuesday, threw a side session Thursday, as did Gallardo. The Brewers are unsure who will start Sunday against the Houston Astros.

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Carl Crawford angrily yells at teammate Pat Burrell in Rays' clubhouse Wednesday before game

BALTIMORE -- Tampa Bay outfielder Carl Crawford angrily shouted at teammate Pat Burrell in the clubhouse before Wednesday night's game against Baltimore, the latest breakdown in a lost season for the Rays.

BBTN: Rays Implode

Carl Crawford and Pat Burrell got into a shouting match Wednesday, continuing the disintegration of this year's version of the Rays, writes Buster Olney in the Baseball Tonight Clubhouse. Story

It was not clear what caused the dispute shortly before the Rays took the field for pregame stretching.

Crawford, the MVP of this year's All-Star Game, repeatedly yelled across the clubhouse at the Rays' designated hitter. Burrell did not respond.

A teammate then stepped in front of Crawford, trying to calm the situation. Crawford was ushered into a side room.

Manager Joe Maddon said he met with both players after confrontation and cleared the air.

"Everything's good," Maddon said.

The AL champion Rays have lost 12 of 13 and steadily dropped out of playoff contention.

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San Francisco Giants activate Randy Johnson to work out of bullpen

SAN FRANCISCO -- The Big Unit is back, albeit as a reliever.

The San Francisco Giants activated 303-game winner Randy Johnson from the 60-day disabled list after Tuesday night's 10-2 victory over Colorado and plan to use him out of the bullpen.

Johnson

"We'll have to give him time, we know it," manager Bruce Bochy said. "Right now it'll be short, two or three innings. Hopefully we can gradually build this up."

The 46-year-old Johnson threw 53 pitches, including warmups, in a simulated game on Monday. He joined the Giants this year for his 22nd major league season to try to help the team reach the playoffs after a five-year absence. San Francisco pulled within 2 games of the Rockies in the NL wild-card race with Tuesday's win.

"We missed him the last couple months," Barry Zito said after pitching the Giants to victory. "That's a golden bullet for us. We're excited. ... Energetically, he's great to have around."

The five-time Cy Young Award winner injured his left shoulder more than two months ago. Johnson last pitched July 5, when he came out of a game against Houston because of a left shoulder strain, an injury that was later called a torn rotator cuff.

Johnson, who has 4,869 strikeouts, is 8-6 with an ERA of 4.81 in 17 starts for San Francisco. In June, he became the 24th player in major league history to reach 300 wins.

"You're happy he's going to be back on the mound," lefty starter Jonathan Sanchez said. "He said he can't be in the rotation but he's another person to help and I know he can get two or three quality innings. We need him."

The Giants cleared roster room by placing right-handed reliever Justin Miller on the 60-day DL with inflammation in his throwing elbow, ending his season.

Miller, emotional and discouraged, said his elbow injury was a problem for him last year while with Florida. It's bothered him more in the last three weeks.

"It's something I tried to pitch through," said Miller, who went 3-3 with a 3.18 ERA in 44 outings this season. "It's tough. It's disappointing. I'll root these guys on. For me, it was the last thing I wanted to hear."

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Houston Astros shut down Roy Oswalt with back and hip pain

CINCINNATI -- Roy Oswalt will miss the last couple weeks of the season after the Houston Astros decided to shut down their ace on Wednesday.

Oswalt

Oswalt has been bothered by back and hip pain. The 32-year-old right-hander pitched five-plus innings in a no-decision at Cincinnati on Tuesday night and reported a different arm soreness than usual after the start.

Oswalt met with manager Cecil Cooper, general manager Ed Wade and team medical personnel Wednesday before the club announced the decision.

"It's just not getting better," said Oswalt, who was examined by a back specialist in Houston on Saturday. "It lingers more and more. If it was the playoffs, I would block it, but I don't want it to linger into next year."

The Astros were 14 games behind NL Central-leading St. Louis with 17 games left heading into Wednesday's action.

Oswalt went 8-6 with a 4.12 ERA in 30 starts this season. His eight wins were a career low.

Wade said the three-time All-Star isn't expected to need surgery.

"It's not a 'surgical' back," said Wade, describing a rehab effort that includes swimming. "He's got changes in his spine that are creating nerve issues. Hopefully, we'll be able to navigate through this."

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New York Yankees' Andy Pettitte has tired shoulder, will miss next start Wednesday

NEW YORK -- Andy Pettitte and the New York Yankees hope a little rest now will go a long way toward a healthy October.

Pettitte's next turn in the Yankees' rotation will be skipped because the left-hander has a tired pitching shoulder. He was slated to start Wednesday night against Toronto. Instead, Chad Gaudin will get the ball and Pettitte will be pushed back to Monday night at the Los Angeles Angels.

Pettitte

"I think they just think that with the rest, skipping a start, that that should clear it up," Pettitte said Tuesday. "I definitely don't want to be standing out on the mound in a postseason game or a game during the year that might matter a little bit more, with my arm aching a little bit."

Pain in the same shoulder hampered Pettitte during the second half last season and he went 2-7 with a 6.23 ERA in his final 11 starts. He said last year's problems began with an ache similar to what he felt in his most recent outing, but he's not worried because he has no pain this time.

Still, the Yankees want to be careful with a proven playoff pitcher who could be crucial to their World Series aspirations. The 37-year-old lefty has been one of the team's most consistent starters all year, going 13-6 with a 4.14 ERA for the AL East leaders. He has thrown 178 1/3 innings in 29 starts.

"It is a concern," manager Joe Girardi said. "That's why we chose to skip him. We want to knock this out sooner than later."

Girardi and Pettitte both said the Yankees simply want to nip the problem before it gets any worse.

"I am confident that this will work," Girardi said. "It's important that we have Andy the whole way."

New York can afford to be cautious thanks to its comfortable cushion in the division. The Yankees began the night 7 games ahead of second-place Boston and six in front of the Angels in the race for the league's best record and home-field advantage throughout the postseason.

Pettitte reported feeling fatigue in his shoulder during his last start, when he threw 103 pitches while laboring through five innings Friday night against Baltimore.

Rain delayed the start of that game for 87 minutes and Pettitte pitched in wet, windy, messy conditions. He said it's possible the poor weather contributed to his shoulder fatigue, but there's no way to know for sure.

"I didn't have the command the last two innings," he said. "My cutter was flat."

Pettitte said he threw a light bullpen Monday and "felt great." He said he probably won't play catch for a couple of days, but then he'll throw his regular bullpen sessions this weekend in preparation for Monday's start.

"We'll watch very carefully Monday. If we feel that he starts to fatigue, then we've got to get him out," Girardi said. "But we feel that this is going to knock it out."

Girardi said Pettitte's shoulder showed full strength when he was examined by doctors.

"Everything came out great," the manager said.

Pettitte said he hasn't received a cortisone shot or anything like that -- but if rest doesn't work, there are plenty of other treatment options.

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Detroit Tigers' Magglio Ordonez reaches at-bat incentive, will earn $18 million in 2010

DETROIT -- Detroit Tigers outfielder Magglio Ordonez has earned $18 million with a fifth-inning groundball.

Ordonez

The at-bat Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals, was Ordonez's 1,080th plate appearance since the start of the 2008 season, the number that he needed to automatically trigger his $18 million contract option for 2010. The option will make the contract that began in 2005 worth $93 million over six years.

The appearance was also Ordonez's 455th of 2009. If Ordonez comes to the plate 1,080 times between 2009 and 2010, he'll activate another $15 million option for the 2011 season.

Ordonez reached on Alex Gordon's error in the fifth.

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Houston Astros left-hander Mike Hampton to miss next season after shoulder surgery

Hampton

HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros say starting pitcher Mike Hampton will miss next season after undergoing surgery on his left shoulder.

A statement issued by the Astros on Tuesday say surgeons at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York repaired a full left rotator cuff tear in Hampton's pitching shoulder. Dr. David Altchek, the New York Mets' medical director, also repaired partial damage to the labrum in the shoulder.

The 37-year-old lefty was 7-10 in 21 starts this season with a 5.30 ERA in 112 innings. He's 148-115 in 409 career appearances with a 4.07 ERA in 2,264 career innings.

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St. Louis Cardinals' John Smoltz feels fine despite skipping Monday start

ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Cardinals skipped John Smoltz's turn in the rotation Monday night after he complained of shoulder tendinitis two days earlier. The 42-year-old right-hander said he felt good enough to pitch but realized it was wise to take precautions.

"I'm not saying it's the most probable situation, but I could have pitched," Smoltz said. "So we're not taking any chances. It's progressed the way I thought."

Smoltz

Todd Wellemeyer filled in for Smoltz against the Florida Marlins, making his first start since July 26. Smoltz, 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in four starts with St. Louis, thinks he's set to start Sunday against the Cubs, although manager Tony La Russa said he hasn't set his rotation beyond the three-game Florida series.

The Cardinals beat the Marlins 11-6 in the series opener Monday night.

Smoltz received an anti-inflammatory shot for the pain, which he said crops up from time to time. He was scheduled for a bullpen session Tuesday, which would help him regain a feel for pitching.

"You play mental games more than anything else and I'm used to those," Smoltz said. "'Oh, I haven't picked up a ball in nine days, How am I going to be?' I'm not like that. I just think I'm going to be like where I left off."

La Russa said the Cardinals haven't decided whether to use Smoltz as a setup man or as a starter in the postseason. One factor is the health of starter Kyle Lohse, who said he received encouraging results from an MRI exam on a forearm injury originally sustained in late May.

Lohse said the MRI showed no structural damage and he thought he might be able to make his next start, although his forearm doesn't feel 100 percent.

"I was a little worried that something might be wrong," Lohse said. "I don't know what normal soreness is compared to abnormal at this point.

"We know we can't hurt it. I've just got to keep working."

Lohse lasted 3 1/3 innings and gave up four runs on Saturday against the Braves in his first start since Aug. 21 after returning from the 15-day disabled list from a groin strain. A 15-game winner in 2008, he's struggled much of the year with mechanics after the forearm injury, sustained when he was hit by a pitch, and was 5-8 with a 4.83 ERA.

"It's hard to put a finger on," Lohse said. "The ball is coming out with the same velocity as it was before, I'm just fighting every pitch to try to get the same release out of my hand."

La Russa said every start Smoltz makes strengthens his case for a key role in October.

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St. Louis Cardinals RHP John Smoltz to miss start with hurt shoulder

ST. LOUIS -- Cardinals right-hander John Smoltz is being held out of his scheduled start Monday against the Florida Marlins because of shoulder tendinitis.

Smoltz

Smoltz, 1-1 with a 3.27 ERA in four starts with St. Louis after being released by the Boston Red Sox, said Saturday he expects to miss only one start. His next scheduled outing is Sept. 20 against the Chicago Cubs. While Smoltz will not throw again until then, he indicated he could pitch now if this was the postseason.

"As I've said many times before, if it was the playoffs starting, I'm sure I could have cranked it up," Smoltz said. "Like any tendinitis, once you get heated, you're fine."

Cardinals manager Tony La Russa says Todd Wellemeyer (7-9) will start Monday for the first time since July 26.

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Japanese HR king Sadaharu Oh praises Ichiro Suzuki's hit mark

TOKYO -- The high praise for Ichiro Suzuki came from none other than Japanese home run king Sadaharu Oh.

"Sometimes we forget how difficult it is to accomplish these things amid a baseball schedule which is much tougher in the U.S. than in Japan," Oh said. "It's hard to find the words to describe what he has accomplished."

Suzuki

Oh was among the baseball luminaries, players and fans to hail Suzuki on Monday after the Seattle Mariners outfielder became the first player in major league history with at least 200 hits in nine straight seasons.

Suzuki set the record with an infield single in the second inning of Sunday's second game against the Texas Rangers. In his second at-bat, he beat out a roller to shortstop Elvis Andrus to break a tie with Willie Keeler, who had at least 200 hits for eight consecutive seasons (1894-1901).

The mass circulation newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun printed a special edition with the headline "Ichiro breaks major league record."

It was just six months ago that the 35-year-old Suzuki delivered the winning hit to help Japan defend its title at the World Baseball Classic with a 5-3 win over South Korea. His record-breaking hit against the Rangers added to his status as Japan's greatest athlete.

"Ichiro gives everyone in Japan something to feel proud about," office worker Masahiro Koga said. "He is the ultimate professional."

Former Yomiuri Giants great Shigeo Nagashima said Suzuki's accomplishments will resonate with youngsters.

"I hope he keeps aiming to break more records to inspire young players in Japan," he said.

Suzuki left Japan in 2001 after winning seven straight batting titles for the Orix BlueWave between 1994 and 2000. In April, he collected his 3,086th career hit to break Isao Harimoto's hits record for Japanese players.

He missed eight games in August because of a calf injury and sat out eight games to begin this season following a bleeding ulcer.

"As a pitcher, it's hard for me to imagine what he's gone through," said Rakuten Eagles pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, a teammate of Suzuki's on the WBC team. "Two hundred hits in nine seasons is an incredible number and I hope he shoots for 10."

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Charlie Manuel, Brad Lidge meet to discuss closer's role with Philadelphia Phillies

WASHINGTON -- Brad Lidge and Charlie Manuel had a meeting to discuss the struggling closer's role with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Lidge and Manuel spoke after Wednesday night's game against the Washington Nationals. The following day, the manager wouldn't say if or when Lidge will get his job back as closer.

"We're really on the same page with everything. We had a good talk," Lidge said.

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Lidge converted all 48 of his save chances last year, including the postseason, to help the Phillies win the World Series. This year, he has 10 blown saves in 38 opportunities.

"I see him as a closer," Manuel said.

But with 24 games left in the regular season, he wasn't promising a specific role. Philadelphia began the day with a six-game lead over the Florida Marlins in the NL East.

"I don't see us using him in the seventh or eighth inning," Manuel said. "We might use some time to give him some work."

Manuel would like the luxury of using Lidge in a one-sided game, but those can't be predicted. Lidge is 0-7 with a 7.11 ERA this season.

"I told him I'll take the ball when he needs me to," Lidge said. "I feel like I'm very close to where I need to be, but it wouldn't hurt to get a couple more outings."

Lidge

Manuel turned to Ryan Madson to close out Wednesday night's 6-5 win over the Nationals while Lidge stayed in the bullpen.

The previous day, the manager pulled Lidge in the ninth inning after he allowed three of his four batters to reach base. Manuel went to Madson, who bailed out Lidge and the Phillies by nailing down a 5-3 victory.

The manager said he had a simple reason for yanking Lidge in that one.

"I had a bad feeling," Manuel explained.

Despite that, Manuel is convinced Lidge will close again. He just doesn't know when.

"It's hard to explain. He definitely hasn't lost nothing. I'm telling you right now, he definitely can still close," Manuel insisted.

Manuel said he likes having Madson, Lidge and Brett Myers -- all with closing experience -- in the bullpen.

In other news, reliever Scott Eyre had an MRI on his ailing left elbow. A "loose body" was found in the elbow, Philadelphia assistant general manager Scott Proefrock said.

Proefrock said Eyre wouldn't throw for several days while options were examined. Eyre is 2-1 with a 1.61 ERA in 39 games.

Missing Eyre and J.C. Romero, who's been on the 15-day disabled list since July 20 with a strained left forearm, the Phillies are without a proven lefty in the bullpen.

Jamie Moyer, who had been in the 'pen since Pedro Martinez joined the rotation, will start Saturday due to J.A. Happ's strained oblique muscle.

The only lefties available in Philadelphia's bullpen are veteran Jack Taschner, who is 1-1 with a 5.08 ERA in 23 games, and rookie Sergio Escalona, recalled from the minors for the sixth time this season on Wednesday.

Escalona is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in six games.

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Colorado Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki out third game with stiff back

DENVER -- Huston Street doesn't have to hurry up and heal.

Even with the Colorado Rockies in the middle of a pennant race, the closer has been afforded the luxury of time to rehab his biceps tendinitis.

Tulowitzki

For that, he credits Franklin Morales, who's saved five straight since stepping into Street's ninth-inning role.

"As long as he keeps doing what he's doing, it makes it easier on me to get right before I come back," said Street, who hasn't pitched since Sept. 1.

That's been the story for the Rockies lately -- someone goes down, someone steps in and picks up the slack.

It was the same thing again Thursday, when the Rockies finished off a four-game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds with a 5-1 win. Troy Tulowitzki and Ian Stewart sat out a third straight game with back stiffness.

No matter, the Rockies went with Clint Barmes at shortstop, Garrett Atkins at third and Eric Young Jr. at second.

Atkins came through with a two-run homer, and Young ignited a rally with a two-out bunt hit.

"When you get these bumps and bruises like we're dealing with over the last couple of weeks, you're creating an opportunity for somebody," Rockies manager Jim Tracy said. "They're responding to that."

Sure, Street is eager to return to his job. He's been highly dependable all season, converting 33-of-34 save opportunities.

But Street also doesn't want to risk aggravating his inflamed biceps tendon. That's why he and the Rockies are being so cautious.

With Morales pitching so effectively, the team can afford to be more conservative.

"We want to make sure that for the stretch run at the end of the season I'm going to be there," Street said. "That's the No. 1 goal. We're not trying to force anything."

Tracy is encouraged by Street's progress, especially since he reported feeling good after playing catch Wednesday.

"It's as if something 'let go' [in the arm] ... like something had broken up," Tracy said. "It made him feel very, very good. I don't know what that correlates to when he starts throwing the ball, but we'll find that out as we go along."

The Rockies lost starter Jose Contreras in the third inning Thursday when he strained his right quadriceps trying to beat out a grounder. He is listed as day to day.

Contreras was filling in for the injured Aaron Cook, who's out with a right elbow strain.

Now, the team has decided to push back the next start of Ubaldo Jimenez. The hard-throwing right-hander is hampered by a hamstring he tweaked while running the bases Monday.

Colorado is expected to call up righty Esmil Rogers from the minors to start Saturday at San Diego. Jimenez is slated to go Tuesday in San Francisco.

"Could he pitch on Saturday? Yeah, he could," Tracy said of Jimenez. "Would we be taking a little bit of a chance? Yes, I think so. His bullpen [Thursday] went fine. My concern is if you get a quick twitch situation where you have got to go over and cover first base or be involved in a 3-6-1 double play -- that burst off the mound.

"I would be feeling really, really bad if we pushed this and something happened and then we end up losing him for the season," he said.

Jason Giambi reportedly agrees to deal with Colorado RockiesNegredo set for Tigers talks

Report: Roger Clemens' suit vs. Brian McNamee dismissed in Houston

A federal judge has dismissed Roger Clemens' defamation suit against his former trainer, Brian McNamee, ending that chapter of the litigation in Texas and shifting the focus to New York, where McNamee has filed his own defamation suit against the former Cy Young Award winner.

Clemens

The New York Daily News first reported the dismissal, which took place Aug. 28.

Clemens' attorney, Rusty Hardin, filed the suit on Jan. 6, 2008, in Houston, claiming McNamee was "malicious and grossly negligent" in his remarks about Clemens to baseball investigator George Mitchell and SI.com.

Federal judge Keith Ellison of the U.S. District Court dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning Clemens cannot file the suit again. Clemens does, however, retain the right to appeal.

"Brian has defeated Clemens in Texas," McNamee's lawyer, Richard Emery of the Manhattan firm of Celli, Emery, Brinckerhoff & Abady, told the Daily News. "And now the battleground moves to New York."

Clemens is under investigation by a federal grand jury in Washington that is trying to determine whether he lied when he told a congressional committee in February 2008 that he had not used steroids.

McNamee has told federal agents, Mitchell and a House committee that he injected Clemens more than a dozen times with steroids and human growth hormone from 1998 to 2001. Clemens has denied using performance-enhancing drugs.

Ellison previously had dismissed much of Clemens' lawsuit in February 2009, saying the Southern District in Houston did not have jurisdiction, and McNamee's conversations with Mitchell were protected by his immunity deal with the government.

In late June, Clemens' legal team sought to revive some of the claims in the defamation suit against McNamee, but Ellison affirmed his February ruling.

In late July, McNamee sued Clemens in federal court in Brooklyn, alleging the pitcher "waged a defamatory public relations campaign against McNamee ... intended to deceive the public and Congress into falsely believing that McNamee is a liar."

The lawsuit quotes Clemens saying in a YouTube video in 2007 that McNamee "did not inject steroids into my body either when I played in Toronto for the Blue Jays or the New York Yankees."

It also cites an interview with ESPN in May in which Clemens, when asked about McNamee, responded that it was a case of "somebody out there that is really crawling up your back to make a buck."

The suit, which seeks unspecified damages, claims Clemens' statements have "humiliated McNamee, destroyed his reputation, both personally and professionally, and caused him severe emotional distress."

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Hitting is an art form for Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki

Nine years after crossing the Pacific Ocean to become the first Japanese position player in the major leagues, Ichiro Suzuki recently faced his most daunting challenge yet in America, one that pretty much defeated him: sitting on the bench.

Ichiro missed eight games at the beginning of the season when he was on the disabled list, but at least most of that stretch was spent rehabbing in extended spring training games. More recently, he spent eight games on the bench due to a sore calf muscle. Well, he spent part of the time on the bench. He also spent it in the batting cage, in the clubhouse, in the trainers' room -- anywhere to kill the time until he was able to play again.

"The thing I learned from this experience is that I would much rather play in a game where I don't get any hits or play in a game where I make an error than not play,'' Ichiro said through the Mariners' interpreter last week. "Having to go through that is a lot better than not playing in the game.''

In other words, he is not looking forward to a designated hitter role anytime soon.

[+] Enlarge

Bob Stanton/Icon SMIIchiro is the second fastest player in major league history to reach 2,000 hits.

"I think one of the requirements for being a DH is weighing at least 200 pounds, so maybe if I was that heavy I would do it,'' he said. "[But] the day I weigh 200 pounds is the day I'm inside a coffin.''

Sitting on the bench is one of the few things Ichiro has failed to do well. As his ninth season enters its final weeks, he has played in nine All-Star Games; broken an 84-year-old hits record; won two batting titles (a third is possible this year), eight Gold Gloves and an MVP; and had eight .300 seasons (with a ninth on the way). With a double Sunday, he became the first player to reach the 2,000-hit mark in less than 10 seasons. Despite missing as many games this season as the previous eight seasons combined, he needs just five more hits for his ninth consecutive 200-hit season.

He also has been refreshing proof that in an age in which so many players resemble Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons, you don't have to hit the ball into the upper deck to provide excitement. For that matter, you don't even have to hit it out of the infield.

Of Ichiro's 2,000 hits, 452 are infield singles, the most since 2001 (Juan Pierre is second with 390). The way he places the ball, his first infield double is only a matter of time. Eventually, he's going to hit a high chopper off the plate that bounces over the charging third baseman's head, squirts past the stumbling pitcher and rolls to a slow stop in front of the frustrated shortstop while Ichiro slides into second base with a double. Or maybe into third base with a triple. Or perhaps all the way around the bases for an inside-the-infield home run. You can't rule anything out with Ichiro.

The ground ball is Ichiro's art form, and the infield is his canvas.

Other players hit a ground ball, and fans groan, shake their heads in disgust and go back to the important matter of texting friends ("Justin Morneau just grounded out, and I'm going to get a beer''). Ichiro hits a grounder, and fans sit up and lean forward expectantly. This is when the fun begins.

"He's sort of specialized his approach to hitting,'' Mariners pitcher Ryan Rowland-Smith said. "He's running out of the box as soon as he makes contact. It's not like those guys who try to hit the crap out of it, and they hit a ground ball instead and then take it easy out of the box. He's two steps out of the box as soon as he makes contact.''

Two steps out of the box? Ichiro is halfway to first when the pitcher is still pulling on his stirrup socks before the game. He reaches first base faster than Derek Jeter on a date.

"I still remember the look and reaction of Jeter the first time Ichiro played against the Yankees,'' Seattle broadcaster Rick Rizzs said. "Ichiro hit a routine ball to Jeter. He got it, didn't waste any time, fired, and the throw to first base barely beat him. I saw Jeter go like, 'Wow, who is this guy?'''

Ken Griffey Jr. recently told manager Don Wakamatsu that if he had Ichiro's tools, he would have hit .450 with 750 home runs. Asked about a typical Ichiro infield single last week, Griffey said, "That's what I'm talking about. Right there, I'd be at .650. I mean, if you put those infield hits on top of anybody else's average, what's going to happen?''

“

All you just have to watch him in [batting practice] to see how far he can hit the ball. But he doesn't get outside of himself during the game, which is a compliment to the discipline he has to stay in his approach and do what he wants to do.

”-- Mariners teammate Bill Hall about Ichiro

And to think, we once weren't sure whether a Japanese player could hit in our leagues. Remember that? And now, nine years later, he has 2,000 hits and is nearing his ninth consecutive 200-hit season. The only other player with eight consecutive was Wee Willie Keeler, who did it from 1894 to 1901, when hitting them where they ain't was easier, as Stephen J. Gould suggested, because the fielders didn't know where to be.

"He understands he's a leadoff hitter and his job is to get the bat on the ball and get on base for the people behind him because he can use his speed on the basepaths,'' new Mariner Bill Hall said after watching Ichiro up close for a few weeks. "Obviously, he can hit the ball out of the ballpark whenever he wants. All you just have to watch him in [batting practice] to see how far he can hit the ball. But he doesn't get outside of himself during the game, which is a compliment to the discipline he has to stay in his approach and do what he wants to do. Yeah, he can probably hit 30 to 40 home runs if he wanted to, but he might strike out a little more and his average would drop a little more.''

The obvious question, if Ichiro truly could hit 30 to 40 home runs a season, is why he doesn't do it. Another 20 to 30 home runs a season would seem worth a drop in average or a rise in strikeouts, especially for a team that scores as seldomly as the Mariners. But it's also a pointless question, because after nine seasons, it's clear Ichiro is not going to change an approach that has worked so well for him that a career that began in Japan likely will end in Cooperstown.

Ichiro turns 36 in October, but he shows few signs of slowing down. With 54 infield hits this season, he likely will finish with the second largest total of his career (63 is his high, in 2001). Religious about keeping himself in shape, he remains as trim as the day he put on the Mariners' uniform his rookie year. Who knows what the future holds, but it isn't at all unreasonable to think he could reach 3,000 hits in the majors, which would give him 4,278 between here and Japan (more than Pete Rose's 4,256).

"I'm not a fortune teller, so I don't have the ability to look into the future,'' he told reporters Sunday about the possibility of 3,000 hits. "But that's why it's fun, because the future is unknown.''

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Kansas City Royals' Jose Guillen shutting it down for the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Royals outfielder Jose Guillen will miss the rest of the season because of a right knee injury.

Guillen

"I won't play anymore for the rest of the season to recover well from the injury," Guillen told ESPNdeportes.com's Enrique Rojas Saturday on the phone from Kansas City.

"It's a team decision, I feel bad sitting down while my teammates are playing hard on the field," he added in a text message.

That was just the beginning of the bad news Saturday for the Royals, who have the worst record in the American League. Gil Meche and Brian Bannister will miss their next scheduled starts with right shoulder fatigue, and left-handed reliever John Bale is likely through for the season with a hamstring injury.

With right-hander Kyle Farnsworth also hurting, Kansas City promoted three pitchers from Triple-A Omaha.

The team purchased the contracts of left-hander Dusty Hughes and right-hander Victor Marte and recalled right-hander Carlos Rosa, the only one of the three who has big league experience -- and that was two relief appearances and 3 1-3 innings last year.

"We need arms," manager Trey Hillman said. "These guys have stuff and they are healthy. That's where we're at."

Farnsworth injured his back on an awkward throw to first base Friday.

Guillen sat out 37 games with a ligament tear in his knee, but was activated from the disabled list Tuesday. He struck out as a pinch hitter that day and was the starting designated hitter Wednesday, but left after only two at-bats with pain in his right hamstring.

"After reviewing Jose's situation, we are just going to shut him down for the rest of the year and give him an opportunity to get his body as healthy and strong as possible going into spring training next year," Hillman said. "He will not be playing any more ballgames this season."

The 33-year-old Guillen is in the second season of a $36 million, three-year contract, making him the highest paid position player in Royals history.

Guillen, who also was on the DL in April with a partial tear of his right hip flexor tendon, appeared in 81 games this year, hitting .242 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs.

"This is the best thing to do," Guillen said. "Nothing is wrong with the knee, but the smart thing is to rest it. I want to make sure I'm 100 percent for next year."

Hillman said Robinson Tejeda, who limited the Los Angeles Angels to one single in 5 1/3 scoreless innings Friday in his first start of the season, would start again in Meche's place.

Hillman also said lefty Bruce Chen, who is 1-6 with a 5.24 ERA in eight starts and six relief outings, would go back in the rotation, replacing Bannister.

It is uncertain whether Meche, who had an 8.14 ERA in four starts since coming off the disabled list Aug. 13 from a back injury, and Bannister, who left his Wednesday start after 1 1-3 innings with a sore shoulder at Oakland, will miss more starts.

"We will continue to evaluate it as we get more information," Hillman said.

Bale pulled his right hamstring after throwing only one pitch Friday in a 2-1 loss to the Angels. Hillman said it's a "good possibility" Bale is finished for the season.

"He's still having difficulty walking," Hillman said.

Second baseman Alberto Callaspo, who leads the Royals with a .295 average, was not in the lineup Saturday night against the Angels after fouling a pitch off his right ankle Friday.

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Jonathan Papelbon of Boston Red Sox fined $5,000 for taking too long to pitch

Baseball's attempts to speed up the pace of the game have taken some getting used to for Boston Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon -- to the tune of thousands of dollars.

Papelbon was fined $5,000 by Major League Baseball for taking too long to deliver his first pitch Tuesday night, according to Boston-area media reports. It was at least the fifth time he's been cited for failure to adhere to baseball's new speed limits for pitchers and Papelbon says he's been fined more than $10,000 total.

Papelbon

"After this, I don't know, man," Papelbon said, according to the Boston Herald, which first reported the fine. "I think they're going to call my parole officer and put me away."

Baseball put two pitching-related rule changes in place this season to speed up play. The pitcher must throw the first pitch of a half-inning no more than 2 minutes, 20 seconds from the final out of the previous half-inning. And pitchers have 12 seconds to throw once a batter settles into the box.

Papelbon also had a ball called on him Tuesday night for taking too long between pitches.

"It's something I've got to get used to," Papelbon said, according to The Boston Globe. "When I come in from the bullpen, I've got to speed it up."

But that doesn't mean Papelbon is happy about paying.

"I know it's a new rule and everything and they're trying to enforce it," he said, according to the Herald. "I guess I'm just the one they decided to enforce it on. A rule's a rule. I don't know who else is getting fined. I can't say I'm being picked on. They may be saying the same thing to everyone else.

"If I have to get my agent involved and see if there are other guys doing the same thing I'm doing and not getting fined, then I have a case. If I don't, then I don't."

Papelbon has 34 saves in 37 opportunities this season, with a 1.84 ERA.

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The MRI on Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy revealed bruise and fluid retention

MRI results on the pitching elbow of Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy revealed a bruise and some fluid retention.

Peavy

The White Sox have no firm plan as to how to handle Peavy. For the short term, Peavy likely will be shut down until the swelling subsides.

Chicago's long-term view might dictate that the $61 million man sits out the final month of the season. The plan would be to work with pitching coach Don Cooper and the team's trainers toward debuting with the rotation in 2010.

Peavy is known as a workaholic who might balk at not pitching competitively the rest of the season.

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