Baseball Capsules: Selig: Too soon to determine if HGH test valid
NEW YORK — Baseball commissioner Bud Selig says it's too soon to determine whether a blood test for human growth hormone can be used for minor leaguers.
The United Kingdom Anti-Doping authority announced a two-year ban on Feb. 23 for rugby player Terry Newton, saying he had tested positive and was the first athlete suspended for using HGH.
Speaking Monday night before receiving a lifetime achievement award at the annual dinner of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Selig said Dr. Gary Green, baseball's outside expert, and other medical staff were examining the data. Selig said the scientific experts haven't been able to give him a timeframe for their conclusions.
"I want them to come back and tell me what this means, and they already have said they can't do it right now, so there's no sense in me speculating, because I don't know," Selig said. "They've got a lot of work to do to determine the authenticity of it."
Selig can start blood testing on players with minor league contracts at any time. Testing on players on 40-man major league rosters is limited to urine, and rules can't be changed without an agreement with the players' association.
Baseball has helped fund the development of a urine test for HGH, but efforts of Dr. Don Catlin have been unsuccessful.
"We're doing it with the USOC and the National Football League," Selig said. "All of us are spending a great deal of money trying to find a test."
Selig wouldn't speculate on whether he would ask the union to accept a blood test for major leaguers.
"At this point in time, I just want our people to come back and tell me what it is," he said. "Then I'll go from there."
Selig, who retired Jackie Robinson's No. 42 for all major leaguers in 1997, was proud of his efforts on minority hiring since becoming commissioner in 1992.
"Without Jackie Robinson, there's no Hank Aaron, there's no Willie Mays, there's no Bob Gibson, there's no Willie Stargell. You can go on and on," Selig said.
Black players accounted for 10.2 percent of major leaguers in 2008, the most since the 1995 season, according to Richard Lapchick, director of the University of Central Florida's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports. The sport had reached an all-time low of 8.2 percent in 2007, according to Lapchick.
"We just have to be very aggressive," Selig said. "We lost a generation maybe in the '60s and '70s."
Later, he told the crowd at the back-tie dinner: "We owe Jackie and will always owe Jackie an enormous amount of gratitude, for he truly made baseball the national pastime."
On another topic, Selig said he thought a report by IBISWorld last week that MLB's revenue will grow 4.5 percent to $6.9 billion this year was slightly lower than his hope.
"I'm doing the clubs one by one," Selig said. "It's a little premature to do that, but it's a goal that I have obviously. My goal is actually a little bit higher."
Baseball estimates revenue last year at $6.6 billion, up $100 million from 2008.
Other honorees included soprano Jessye Norman (ROBIE Humanitarian Award), and Willis Group Holdings PLC chief executive officer Joseph Plumeri and Unilever NV PLC chief executive officer Paul Polman (ROBIE Achievement in Industry Awards).
Alderson hired as Dominican consultant to MLB
NEW YORK — Former Major League Baseball executive vice president Sandy Alderson has been hired by the commissioner's office as a consultant to help reform Dominican Republic operations.
A former president and general manager of the Oakland Athletics and chief executive officer of the San Diego Padres, Alderson chaired a committee on Dominican operations last year.
Alderson was an MLB executive from September 1998 to April 2005.
Major League Baseball announced the hiring on Monday.
American League
Eric Chavez making smooth transition to 1B for A's
PHOENIX — There were moments in early spring games when A's manager Bob Geren could have been looking at a reflection in a mirror as Eric Chavez made plays at first base.
The six-time Gold Glove third baseman has no problem with grounders, pop ups and feeding the pitcher. Footwork may be a different story, along with handling throws up the line.
Geren wants Chavez to take it easy on his previously injured right shoulder, so those offline throws are a concern. Otherwise, it's been smooth sailing thus far and Chavez said he's feeling more comfortable every day.
"Really, it's being familiar over there," Chavez said. "I'm glad I got a game into the books and to use the old cliche, I'll take it one day at a time. I going to try and enjoy myself while I'm here."
While Chavez could see plenty of time at first base, he'll also start to see action at third and shortstop as the A's look for ways to keep his bat in the lineup.
Chavez has been working with infield coach Mike Gallego, listening to incumbent first baseman Daric Barton and taking timing tips from Geren.
"I just need to get familiar with everything, Chavez said. "The first pickoff throw was different for me and there were a couple of wild throws. I have to take it all in — when the ball is hit, go to first."
Chavez had a tendency to rush himself whenever the ball was hit on the ground, so Geren used a stopwatch to show him that the fastest runners would need four seconds to get down the line while Chavez needed just over two seconds to reach the bag from his deepest position.
"Range has never been an issue with him," Geren said. "I want him to go after anything he thinks he can field. It's the throws up the line and things like it that he has to experience out there."
The first throw he saw — from third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff — sailed to his left and went for a throwing error.
"That's the one throw I've been worried about since I've been here, the wild throw to the left," Chavez said. "I've talked it over with Barton to see what he would do. Of course that play happened the first play I saw. If I can pick it up a little earlier, I'll go get it instead of waiting on the bag a half-second too long."
He made a backhand play that reminded Geren of plays Chavez made at third.
"It really was like seeing a mirror image," Geren said. "I told him he could look into a mirror and pretend he's playing third."
The one thing Chavez can do, when he's healthy, is hit the ball — hard. It's also been his primary focus outside of getting a feel for first base. He tripled in his first spring at-bat.
"As spring goes on it'll be the way I'm making contact," Chavez said. "I know by the way I hit the ball if the bat speed is there. It's something I'll just know as we get along here; how I'm making my outs and taking swings at some pitches. Only time can tell."
Chavez has hit over 30 home runs in a season twice and driven in more than 100 four times. If he stays healthy and comes close to those numbers, he adds another element of power that was missing when he sat out most of the last several years. In a lineup build with speed in mind, he would be a welcome addition.
Notes: LHP Brent Anderson will start Monday's game against the Chicago Cubs. He was rained out of Sunday's game at the Los Angeles Angels. ... OF-IF Eric Patterson received three stitches for a cut above his left eye, which occurred in Saturday's game against the Angels on a bad-hop grounder. He's listed day-to-day. ... RHP Justin Duchscherer is following a throwing program and is two or three weeks behind the rest of the pitching staff, meaning he may start the season on the disabled list. ... RHP Joey Devine will throw another bullpen session Monday. Geren said Devine, recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw his best session yet on Friday.
Indians' Masterson starting to get comfortable
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Justin Masterson isn't ready to kick back in a bullpen and wait for his chance.
The big right-hander, bounced to the bullpen and back in Boston, became a full-time starter in Cleveland after the Indians acquired him just before the trade deadline in July.
"I like being able to concentrate on one role," Masterson said Monday in the Cleveland clubhouse as he waited out a desert drizzle before going outside for some conditioning work.
"Mentally, it's a good place to be," he said. "In one sense, I can relax, just throw strikes, and get the work in. In another sense, I'm working hard, because I know what I'm working toward."
Red Sox manager Terry Francona liked Masterson coming in with runners on base and throwing his sinker to hopefully induce a ground ball and end the rally.
"I understood their thinking: to get two outs with one pitch at a crucial time," Masterson said.
New Indians manager Manny Acta wants Masterson to start. He believes Masterson working more innings can boost a pitching staff that in 2009 ranked next-to-last in the AL in earned run average.
"You look at his size (6-6, 250 pounds) and his stuff and what's not to like?" Acta said. "He's going to have some ups and downs. All young pitchers do, but he's one who can give us some big ups and be a workhorse."
Acquired with prospects Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price for All-Star catcher Victor Martinez, Masterson is the player Indians fans hope brings a quick return on the unpopular deal that sent away Cleveland's best hitter. They angrily talk about the Indians not getting enough in return — pointing to Masterson's 1-7 record after the trade and that the other two players are still in the minor leagues.
Catcher Wyatt Toregas says not to worry. He caught Masterson's first career complete game — a four-hitter with 12 strikeouts in a 1-0 loss to the Chicago White Sox on Sept. 30. The young catcher says that was just a preview.
"He's got nasty stuff, real nasty," Toregas said. "He's not only tough to hit, he's tough to catch. His fastball has great sink and his slider is sharp. It really dives.
"The key in that game was how he was in a comfort zone. Before that, it was a learning experience."
Masterson brought Red Sox theories with him, mixed in a few from former Indians pitching coach Carl Willis and added some of his own. It became a frustrating jumble.
"We worked on some ideas," he said, "and it didn't necessarily work as well as I wanted."
This spring, Masterson has gone back to basics and is working on a changeup. Actually, he's seeking to rediscover the offspeed pitch he once had.
"The funny thing is, when I got drafted (in the second round in 2006), I went to the Instructional League and had an awesome changeup," Masterson said. "I didn't necessarily remember how I threw it. It's been a constant search to re-find it."
New Indians pitching coach Tim Belcher wants Masterson to maintain his delivery, develop an effective change, and improve against left-handed hitters. Masterson has held right-handers to a .200 batting average in 78 career games. Lefties have hit .291, including .323 a year ago.
"We want him controlling both sides of the plate," Belcher said. "If he's got to go a little further inside to back batters off a bit more, so be it. Make them take notice.
"Not many right-handers enjoy standing in against him now. We want that respect from lefties."
Masterson still will rely on his fastball and slider.
"(The changeup) may not be something that's used a lot," he said, "because if we execute the pitches we have, we can have success. It's all about execution, no matter what you throw."
Yankees closer Rivera has first BP session
TAMPA, Fla. — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera threw 34 pitches during his first batting practice session Monday.
Rivera has taken a slower approach at spring training for the past few years. The 40-year-old right-hander went 3-3 with 44 saves and a 1.76 ERA in 66 games last season.
"Delicious," Rivera said of facing hitters. "It was great."
Also, the Yankees announced that tests done by a neurologist Monday on backup catcher Francisco Cervelli, who left Saturday's game with a concussion after being hit in the helmet by a pitched ball, were normal and that he can resume physical activites Tuesday. He could catch a bullpen session and take batting practice, with manager Joe Girardi "leaning" toward playing him in a game on Friday.
"He got a good report, and I'm happy with that," Girardi said. "I want to see how he does the next couple days."
Girardi said Rivera will make the first of his eight or nine game appearances either March 16 or 17. The latter date would be a rare road game for the pitcher.
"Somewhere around there," Rivera said. "When the time comes I'll be ready."
Left-handed reliever Damaso Marte faced hitters for the first time, throwing 27 pitches. He is scheduled for his initial game March 16.
Chan Ho Park had his batting practice session pushed back to Tuesday due to gluteal muscles soreness.
"I'm OK," he said.
Nick Johnson was back in the lineup after missing the previous four games with lower back stiffness and went 0 for 2 with a walk in the Yankees' 7-5 win over Philadelphia.
Original, Big, Dugout and Dinger: Twins hot dogs
MINNEAPOLIS — What's old is new again at the Minnesota Twins new ballpark.
The team said Monday it will offer four different hot dogs at Target Field, including one that will taste familiar to old-timers who remember Metropolitan Stadium: the Original Twins Dog.
The team says it's made from the same recipe as the hot dogs served at the Twins' original stadium.
The popular Dome Dogs that ruled the Metrodome will be replaced with the Twins Big Dog.
Schweigert Meats, a subsidiary of Cargill Inc., will make both of those, plus the Dugout Dog in a natural casing and the extra-long Dinger Dog. Schweigert's Minnesota roots date back to 1937.
National League
Phillies like what they see from OF prospect Brown
TAMPA, Fla. — For the first time in three games, Dominic Brown's name was not in the Philadelphia Phillies' starting lineup when it was posted in the team's clubhouse on Monday.
But with the way the top prospect has played in the first week of exhibition baseball in Florida, Brown is primed to be an everyday staple in the Phillies' star-studded batting order in the near future.
The 22-year-old Brown, rated the 15th best prospect in the game by Baseball America last month, is hitting .467 (7 for 15) with two doubles and four RBIs in four games.
Brown came off the bench Monday and nearly added to that RBI total in the top of the ninth of Monday's 7-5 loss to a New York Yankees split squad. With two on and two out, Brown launched a ball to the warning track.
"I'm just trying to be myself and slow everything down. Everything moves fast up here," Brown said of his impressive spring debut. "There's a long way to go — a long way to go."
Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel said he's letting Brown play because he likes the talent on display from the young outfielder.
"He's going to be a good player," Manuel said. "He's got a lot of tools. He can run, throw, hit, got power. He's got to keep playing (and) keep getting better."
Brown collected his first three-hit game of the spring Sunday, when his two-run, opposite-field double down the left field line tied the game against the Tampa Bay Rays. In the two previous games, against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Toronto Blue Jays, Brown banged out four hits and showed off his speed and defensive prowess, too.
Brown, a right fielder, has gunned down a pair of runners at home plate in the last four games. He threw a frozen rope from right field to home plate to nail down a runner Friday against the Jays, and sprinted in to make a diving catch to rob Lastings Milledge of a hit Saturday against the Pirates.
The 6-foot-5, 204-pound Brown, who bypassed a football scholarship to the University of Miami to sign with the Phillies out of high school, has also exhibited his athleticism on the base paths, legging out two infield singles and nearly stretching a double to left into a triple.
"He's got quiet speed — with long strides, he gains ground in a hurry," said Phillies hitting coach Milt Thompson. "He's got it all."
Brown, a first-time invitee to major league camp, will most likely begin the season at Double-A Reading. Despite being sidelined over a month with a hand injury, he hit .294 with 14 home runs, 64 RBIs and 23 stolen bases in 103 games between Class A Clearwater and Double-A Reading in 2009.
If the uber-athletic Brown continues to progress as a pro prospect this summer, there's a decent chance he could be roaming the outfield at Citizen Bank Park in 2011. Current right-fielder Jayson Werth is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2010 season, and the franchise has already committed over $130 million to 15 players in 2011.
If Werth does return, Brown could also be the heir apparent in left field since Raul Ibanez, who turns 38 this summer, will be entering the final season of his three-year contract in 2011.
"All you can do is play ball and hopefully the rest will take care of itself," Brown said. "I really don't worry about it."
The popular subject of the nonstop trade rumors involving Roy Halladay in the last year, Brown has already adapted an approach that limits his concentration to on-field matters. His performance this spring provides the proof.
No matter when a spot opens on the major league roster, Phillies officials are confident his participation in major league camp this spring — chatting and taking batting practice with the likes of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Co. — will benefit Brown in the long run.
"You hope it's not only humbling, but also motivating," assistant general manager Chuck LaMar said. "You hope, in a humble way, he can look around and say, 'I can play with these guys.' He doesn't have to say it, but hopefully he gets that feeling that, 'You know, they're really good, but I've got a chance.'"
Furcal ready to put two frustrating years behind
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Felling better than he has in years, Rafael Furcal is poised to put two years of frustration behind him.
The Dodgers shortstop suffered a lower back injury in 2008 that eventually required surgery. He played all of the 2009 season but admits now that he wasn't at full strength.
Those last two Dodgers teams advanced to the NL Championship series, and while Furcal played in the playoffs both years, he was not a significant contributor in the team's regular-season success.
As the defensive captain on the infield and the team's leadoff hitter, Furcal is anxious to do his part.
"It's different when you feel healthy, you don't feel any pain or have any concern," Furcal said. "You can't ask for more that that. I worked out a little bit in the Dominican to get in shape for this year and want to do better."
Furcal was limited to only 36 games in 2008, going down to injury on May 5 after opening the season with a team-leading .366 batting average, 12 doubles, five home runs and 34 runs.
He tried to rehab the injury but on July 3 he underwent microdisectomy surgery to remove parts of a ruptured disc that was pinching a nerve. Unexpectedly, he was able to return for the 2008 postseason and even batted .333 (4 for 12) in a division series sweep of the Cubs.
He signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the Dodgers before last season, but failed to produce to his standards. Furcal's .269 batting average and 12 stolen bases were career lows.
A positive sign was that six of those 12 steals came during the final three weeks last season.
"Sometimes I was a little afraid to steal bases because I was thinking too much about my back," Furcal said. "In September, I was feeling so good, my back didn't hurt. I didn't feel anything, just like this year. We'll see what happens."
Manager Joe Torre plans on taking it easy on veterans like Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake but not with the 32-year-old Furcal.
"I'm not planning on resting him as much as we did in the first half of last year," Torre said.
Already this spring Furcal is putting in extra time on the field, something his body wouldn't let him do last year at this time.
"I keep working with (the coaches) and come in early sometimes," Furcal said. "During batting practice I try to take as many ground balls as I can and I'm getting better. Just making all the routine plays will help the team to win."
NOTES: Dodgers reliever Cory Wade had a cortisone shot in his right shoulder and is expected miss two weeks. ... Dodgers pitching prospect Josh Lindblom was impressive in two innings of a B game against the White Sox and could get an extended look in the battle for the open fifth starter spot.
K-Rod feeling better, returns to Mets camp
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez returned to New York Mets camp on Monday after being hampered by conjunctivitis for more than two weeks.
Rodriguez had been told to stay away from the team until the pink eye cleared, but the contagious infection took longer than expected to improve. He was sick when he reported to New York's spring facility, but it went undiagnosed until just before full-squad workouts began Feb. 25.
The right-hander said he went to the doctor on Friday and was cleared to return Monday, although he still is infected. He continues to take eye drops and isn't allowed to wear contacts yet.
"It feels much better," Rodriguez said. "It's still a little uncomfortable, but it's good to be around. I was cleared to be around the guys, so it's fine."
While away from the team, Rodriguez was limited to playing catch with his brother, Edward, in the driveway of the closer's home. But Rodriguez is not worried about his progress. He said he probably only needs one bullpen session before pitching in a game, and is looking forward to getting back into a regular routine.
Rodriguez last stepped on a mound about a week ago when he emerged from hiding for a light bullpen session.
"It's not the same thing playing catch as doing bullpens, being on the field and doing field drills," Rodriguez said. "It's completely different, but the good thing is I played winter ball and I am good."
Rodriguez first had conjunctivitis in his left eye but it quickly spread to the right eye. He said his entire family back in Venezuela has conjunctivitis as well, and now his brother has it in both eyes.
Rodriguez plans to wear prescription sunglasses for a few weeks until his eyes feel completely healthy.
"The first couple days the infection was really strong, and I kind of lost the vision," Rodriguez said. "It made it a little blurry, but right now I don't have that, so it's good."
Rodriguez had 35 saves last year in his first season with New York, finishing with a 3-6 record and a career-worst 3.71 ERA.
Padres thrilled when Muhammad Ali visits clubhouse
PEORIA, Ariz. — Muhammad Ali provided the San Diego Padres will the thrill of a lifetime when he made a clubhouse visit on Monday.
Dozens of players and coaches waited in a long line to shake hands and take pictures with the boxing great, who made a 45-minute appearance for the Athletes for Hope foundation.
"This is the top unless I ever meet Michael Jordan," outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. said. "I'm typically not star-struck, but I was today. I'm taking that picture home and I'm going to show it to my wife and have that for my kids when they get older."
Outfielder Aaron Cunningham and reliever Mike Adams heard on Sunday that Ali might be visiting, so they each purchased a pair of boxing gloves just in case. Both walked away with autographs and a cherished memory.
"This was a different kind of shook up," Cunningham said of his nerves. "You know how people just joke around and say, 'The man, the myth, the legend?' He really is the man, the myth, the legend. It was really cool and it was something I'll never forget."
Ali's appearance coincided with the 39th anniversary of his loss to Joe Frazier in a 15-round title fight. Manager Bud Black said he watched many of Ali's fights and was in awe of the boxer being in the clubhouse.
"Any time you meet a legend, you feel the presence, the aura. It was cool," Black said.
Padres officials say Ali is only scheduled to meet with a few big league teams.
Cardinals' Pujols scratched with back discomfort
FORT MYERS, Fla. — St. Louis Cardinals slugger Albert Pujols did not make the cross-state trip for Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox because of discomfort in his lower back.
The three-time National League MVP did not play Sunday against the Florida Marlins — a scheduled day off — and is not expected to play against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday, a game also being played in Fort Myers.
"We'll definitely give him tomorrow," said Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. "Even if we were home, I don't think he'd play. We'll see how he feels on Wednesday."
Pujols first experienced discomfort in his back on Sunday. Joe Mather will take his place at first base against the Red Sox.
Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said he spoke to a trainer at the team's spring training complex in Jupiter and that Pujols is feeling better.
"It's just precautionary because obviously it's a three-hour bus ride over here, and we thought it made more sense to allow him today and see how it feels tomorrow morning," said Mozeliak.
"Obviously you want to be smart. You don't want to take something small and make it big."
Injured Maybin to miss at least a few games
JUPITER, Fla. — Florida Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin learned a scary lesson over the weekend.
Maybin said his strained left groin felt better Monday, but he'll miss at least a few spring training games. He was hurt rounding third base while scoring from first on a double Sunday against St. Louis.
"I was trying to hit another gear," Maybin said. "I felt so fast and I was thinking, 'Let's see if I can run a little faster.' I think I tried to do too much."
A day later, Maybin said his groin felt tight, but there was little pain. The best-case scenario would be for him to rejoin the lineup late this week, manager Fredi Gonzalez said.
"I'm definitely going to take my time," said Maybin, who had never injured his groin before. "I talked to a lot of guys who have had groin injuries, and they all say whatever you do, don't rush it, because the last thing you want to do is pull it."
Maybin, 22, was a key part of the trade that sent Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to the Detroit Tigers, and two years later he's still trying to establish himself in the big leagues. He hit .250 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 54 games with Florida last year.
The Marlins have said the center field job is Maybin's to lose after he spent most of last season in Triple-A.
Wang returns to Nats, long-tosses in first workout
VIERA, Fla. — Chien-Ming Wang is back with the Washington Nationals, but there's no timetable for the right-hander's return to the mound.
Nationals manager Jim Riggleman says Wang's health will determine when he pitches. Wang is recovering from right shoulder surgery.
The 29-year-old pitcher played long toss with Jordan Zimmermann from about 120 feet for 20 minutes Monday morning. He also threw some soft pitches from both the stretch and windup from about 90 feet.
Wang signed a one-year, $2 million deal last month that could earn him another $3 million in performance incentives. Wang was 1-6 with a 9.54 ERA for the New York Yankees last season.
The injury ended his 2009 season in late July.
