MLB Capsules: Clemens, in court, tells judge: 'Not guilty'
WASHINGTON (AP) — Roger Clemens put his right hand on the lectern, leaned down toward the microphone and made what might be the most important pitch of his life: "Not guilty, your honor."
Those words, uttered Monday in a strong, confident voice by the seven-time Cy Young Award winner sporting a black blazer and blond highlights in his hair, marked the official beginning of a court case that could taint baseball even further and land the "Rocket" in jail.
U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton presided over an arraignment hearing that lasted less than 14 minutes in the ceremonial courtroom at the federal courthouse, across the street from the Capitol.
Walton set April 5 as the start of jury selection — the Monday of the first full week of the 2011 baseball season, and also around the time a case involving Barry Bonds, the all-time home run king, could be wrapping up in San Francisco.
Pete Rose, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden and Denny McLain are among former baseball stars to have spent time in jail. Clemens and Bonds, who chased history on the field throughout their careers, now could be chasing history off it.
They are both in jeopardy of becoming the first baseball star jailed because of a conviction related to the performance-enhancing-drug imbroglio that has sullied their sport for much of the past 15 years.
If convicted of six counts — three of making false statements, two of perjury and one of obstruction of Congress — Clemens could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, although 15 to 21 months is the more likely sentence under federal guidelines.
As he has throughout the process, Clemens again fought any suggestion that he cheated during a 23-season career that ended with 354 wins and 4,672 strikeouts. He won his first three Cy Young awards in 1986, '87 and '91, dipped ever so slightly, then won four more in 1997, '98, 2001 and 2004, at the age of 42.
On Monday, he was in Washington because of testimony he gave to Congress in 2008. He went before a House committee to clear his name after becoming a prominent figure in the Mitchell Report, which came out the year before with an unflinching account of baseball's drug crisis.
Back then, Clemens testified: "Let me be clear. I have never taken steroids or HGH."
This time, his words were fewer but every bit as forceful. And his actions spoke of a man who refused to let a court appearance ruin his day.
He arrived at the courthouse four hours early to go through fingerprinting and paperwork that is often left for after the official work in court is complete.
Clemens apparently was trying to get to North Carolina in time to play in the first round of a weeklong amateur golf tournament. He arrived at The Pearl golf course in Calabash, N.C., shortly after 5 p.m. and shot a 12-over 84, matching wife Debbie's first-day score.
Clemens declined to answer questions about his court appearance, but did thank tournament organizers for allowing him to compete in the event under the circumstances.
After going through processing early in the day, Clemens and his team of lawyers — led by Rusty Hardin of Houston — ate in the main cafeteria.
In the lunchroom, Clemens offered no comment, other than a friendly "Hey, how ya doing," to an Associated Press reporter. Hardin also didn't comment, saying he didn't want to violate the gag order Walton has imposed on those involved in the trial.
Before the short hearing, Clemens could be seen striding between meeting rooms on the sixth floor as Hardin and prosecuting attorneys Daniel Butler and Steven Durham exchanged discovery documents.
Then, Clemens walked into the 300-seat chamber, adorned with statues depicting ancient arbiters of justice and portraits of former federal judges. He adjusted his cuffs and collar a few times, said a word or two to Hardin, sat down, then stood when Walton entered.
Hardin waived his client's right to have the charges read, then Walton asked for Clemens' plea.
"Not guilty, your honor," he said, before going back to the defense table where he sat still while the lawyers and judge parsed over hearing dates and discovery issues.
Clemens was released with no bail and no real restrictions. His only discernible reaction came when Durham asked that the court hold his passport, and Clemens turned to one of his attorneys and shook his head.
"I think he's well-known enough that if he were to depart the country, someone would know who he is," Walton said.
The case has been portrayed, probably simplistically, as one of Clemens' word against those who gave unfriendly testimony against him in Congress. The key figures there are his former trainer Brian McNamee, who said the pitcher did use steroids and HGH. Former teammate Andy Pettitte also told congressional investigators that Clemens told him he had used HGH — a conversation Clemens said Pettitte "misremembers."
But in asking to push the start of the trial to next year — with the agreement of the prosecutors — Hardin said there is much scientific evidence to comb through, as well, including presumably the syringes McNamee says he used to inject Clemens with drugs.
On Monday, Hardin was given access to the grand jury testimony and FBI interviews that were used to indict Clemens, along with a 34-page master index and 12 computer discs of evidence. Durham called the evidence "voluminous."
"There's a good deal of scientific evidence that needs to be tested," Hardin told the judge. "We're at the mercy of the experts."
While the crux of the case is whether Clemens used steroids or HGH, any conviction would have to come on evidence that he lied to Congress about it. It's a sort of backdoor way that authorities have used to ensnare some of America's most high-profile athletes who have been accused of using PEDs.
Sprinter Marion Jones went to jail when, threatened with years in prison because of an illegal check-writing scheme, she finally admitted to lying about drugs, too.
The Bonds case is also a perjury case, set to start March 21. He has pleaded not guilty to charges that he lied to a grand jury in December 2003 when he testified that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.
As Clemens hustled out of the courtroom, he was followed by at least 50 reporters, then met by 100 more cameramen. Two security guards trying to help him out of the building and into his waiting Escalade nearly tackled the pitcher as they tried to keep onlookers at bay.
One fan yelled "I love you!" but Clemens likely didn't hear. He already had his iPod on.
American League
Manny Ramirez joins White Sox
CLEVELAND (AP) — Manny Ramirez will have to follow two nonnegotiable rules if he's going to play for White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen.
No. 1: Stretch with your teammates.
No. 2: Be on the field for the national anthem.
That's it. Well, he may have to trim the dreadlocks. But that's about it.
"I want him to feel comfortable here," Guillen said Monday. "I want him to like it here. I want him to have fun and I want him to be Manny."
Back to frighten pitchers who haven't seen him regularly in a few years, Ramirez will try to get Chicago back to the AL playoffs.
As expected, the White Sox claimed the unpredictable but productive 12-time All-Star slugger on waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, counting on his powerful bat, full of so many October swings and homers, to help them make a postseason push.
"Hopefully, he can come in here and give us some help," White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said. "We need to make up some ground. There's no doubt Manny can hit. He makes any team better."
Chicago began a key 10-game trip to Cleveland, Boston and Detroit on Monday night, although Ramirez is not expected to join the White Sox, his fourth major league team, until Tuesday. They began the day 4½ games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central.
The 38-year-old Ramirez returns to the AL after spending parts of three seasons in Los Angeles, a stay that ended on a somewhat sour note. He batted .311 with eight homers and 40 RBIs in 66 games with the Dodgers this season, but was on the disabled list from July 20 to Aug. 20 with a right calf strain and missed 33 games.
Guillen said it's possible Ramirez could play on Tuesday if he feels up to it. Guillen plans to use Ramirez primarily as a designated hitter and will bat him fifth.
The White Sox are trying to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008. That year, they traded for Ken Griffey Jr. before the July 31 deadline, but he had little impact down the stretch or in the postseason.
Griffey and Ramirez certainly were different characters.
Guillen feels Ramirez is misunderstood. He doesn't anticipate having any trouble with him, and he's confident the enigmatic superstar will be easily accepted in Chicago's clubhouse.
"People have the wrong idea about Manny," he said. "I don't think Manny is a bad guy or a pain in the butt. It's funny how people say Manny is being Manny. Manny is being real. I never see anyone on his team get mad at him because he goes about his business."
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said he consulted with his staff before pursuing Ramirez.
In the end, it was an easy call.
"If I felt that this was something that was going to be disruptive, then obviously we wouldn't have done it," Williams said. "But I think this is something we need in order to help us achieve our goals this year. It's not just about adding another bat, it's adding a bat that can do damage against the league's very best pitchers, and there is a difference."
His first appearance for Chicago will come against the lowly Indians, the team that drafted him and enjoyed his production for eight seasons. He'll then head to Fenway Park, where he was adored by Boston fans before he was traded to the Dodgers in 2008.
That summer, he hit .396 with 17 homers, propelling LA to a postseason berth.
The White Sox can't expect that, but that's why they got him.
"That's the reason we made the move," Guillen said. "He's not going to be a savior. He will help us, but he can't save us. We need to get all our guys as a group to play better."
Although Guillen doesn't have many rules, the White Sox will require Ramirez to abide by their appearance clause, which maintains players keep their hair neat. Ramirez will have to cut his dreadlocks, which currently flow to the middle of his back.
Williams expects Ramirez to comply with the club policy established by owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
"From my understanding it is not going to be an issue and he is going to make an adjustment and conform to how we like to have our players represented out there," Williams said.
Guillen made it clear that he won't tell Ramirez anything other than where he's hitting.
"If Jerry has any problem with his hair or the way he wears his uniform, they got to go directly to him," Guillen said, pretending to wash his hands. "That's not my department. Guys can go out there buck naked, and if they win games for me, I'm happy."
Ramirez had early success with the Dodgers, but the last two years haven't gone as well. He was slapped with a 50-game suspension after a failed drug test last year. This season, he has been slowed by leg injuries, which led to the Dodgers deciding to part ways with him for nothing in return.
Ramirez's salary is $20 million in the final season of a two-year contract, but only $5 million is due this year, with the rest to be paid over the next three years.
The White Sox were awarded a waiver claim on Ramirez last week, giving them until 1:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday to complete a trade with the Dodgers.
In Guillen's lineup, Ramirez and his 554 career homers will fit nicely into a batting order that already has Konerko, Alex Rios and Carlos Quentin.
"He's a Hall of Fame hitter," Konerko said. "But just because we have him, we can't ignore the other aspects of the game. We've got to play defense, we've got to pitch. He's a great piece to have but we can't let down anywhere else."
White Sox infielder Omar Vizquel was thrilled to be reunited with Ramirez. They were teammates on two Cleveland teams that made the World Series.
"It's going to be a lot of fun to be around Manny again," Vizquel said. "He's still a great hitter and can help us. He can swing the bat and no doubt he keeps everybody loose with his jokes. It's nice to have a guy who can change the outcome with one swing."
A fan favorite when he arrived in Los Angeles, Ramirez left with little fanfare. His last start was Wednesday at Milwaukee. And in his final game with the Dodgers, he was ejected as a pinch-hitter after arguing a called strike on the only pitch he saw.
Ramirez's reputation for being unpredictable made him an instant celebrity in the land of celebrities. He had a section of seats named in his honor at Dodger Stadium, where wigs imitating his hairstyle became fashionable.
"Mannywood" was the place to be, and the star attraction put on a show.
He's taken it to Chicago.
For the White Sox, who finished third in their division last year, Ramirez is a low-risk gamble with a potentially high reward. If Manny is no longer Manny, they can simply let him go as a free agent at the end of the season.
"If he hits we'll be better," Williams said. "If he doesn't we won't be better."
-- Tom Withers
Teixeira back in Yankees' lineup at first base
NEW YORK (AP) — Mark Teixeira returned to the New York Yankees' lineup with a bang Monday night after missing a game with a bruised right thumb.
The slugger singled, homered and doubled in his first three trips to the plate against Oakland. He scored all three times.
Teixeira sat out Sunday against the Chicago White Sox. He was at first base and batting third Monday for the opener of a four-game series against the Athletics.
The two-time All-Star hurt his thumb making a diving stop Friday night and left Saturday's game after two innings. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said Teixeira tested his thumb in the batting cage Monday and was ready to go.
Teixeira entered the game hitting .257 with 28 homers and 91 RBIs.
In other news, Girardi said injured left-hander Andy Pettitte is slated to throw another "pretty intense" bullpen session Wednesday. Then, his next step will be determined.
Pettitte is on the disabled list with a strained left groin and has said he could return in about two weeks.
Girardi also said Alex Rodriguez (strained left calf) is expected to come off the DL when he's eligible on Sunday, and the slugger probably won't go out on a rehab assignment.
White Sox 2B Beckham hit by pitch, bruises hand
CLEVELAND (AP) — White Sox second baseman Gordon Beckham bruised his right hand when he was struck by a pitch in the seventh inning against the Indians.
Beckham, who had two hits and has been one of Chicago's top hitters in the second half, was hit on the back of his hand by rookie reliever Frank Herrmann. Beckham dropped in the batter's box and was replaced after being checked by Chicago's trainer and concerned manager Ozzie Guillen.
Beckham was replaced by Brent Lillibridge.
The team said X-rays were negative and Beckham is day to day.
In his past 44 games, Beckham has hit .349 with 13 doubles, seven homers and 27 RBIs. He has raised his average from .205 to .257.
Indians 1B LaPorta out with hip injury
CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland Indians first baseman Matt LaPorta is out of the lineup for Monday night's game with the Chicago White Sox because of a strained left hip.
LaPorta was injured while batting in the fourth inning Sunday against Kansas City. He said he heard a cracking or popping in his hip. It's the same hip he had surgery on last October.
Indians manager Manny Acta says LaPorta is feeling better and isn't expected to miss much playing time. Acta says LaPorta is likely to be back in the lineup on Wednesday.
LaPorta is hitting .234 with nine homers and 34 RBIs in 87 games.
National League
Manny era in Los Angeles comes to a close quietly
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Manny Ramirez captivated Los Angeles when he arrived two years ago, lifting the Dodgers into the playoffs and beguiling the fans with his dreadlocks, his smile and his big swing.
It all ended Monday when the Chicago White Sox claimed the slugger on waivers from the Dodgers, who received nothing in return. In reality, though, Mannywood went into foreclosure a long time ago.
"It was time for us and it was time for him," general manager Ned Colletti said. "If he could've played a lot in the outfield, I would've kept him."
But the 38-year-old left fielder was on the disabled list three times this season, missing a total of 58 games because of two right calf strains and a right hamstring strain.
He landed on the DL a second time in just his second game back after being reinstated the first time this season.
"He wasn't faking it. He was banged up," Colletti said.
After returning from his latest injury on Aug. 21, Colletti said it was clear to him that Ramirez couldn't play the outfield even though the slugger said he wanted to play every day. Without a designated hitter in the NL, Ramirez became expendable.
"He wasn't going to do that here," manager Joe Torre said.
Torre didn't start Ramirez in his final four games with the team, choosing instead to go with recently acquired Scott Podsednik as the leadoff hitter.
"Podsednik gave us a different dynamic that seemed to give us more energy," said Torre, acknowledging that Ramirez isn't the defensive player Podsednik is.
"The lack of defense was part of his inability to keep his legs healthy, and that wasn't his fault."
Colletti said the White Sox rejected the Dodgers' offer of $1.5 million for a prospect. Chicago turned down subsequent offers of $1 million and $500,000 for a lower-level prospect. Colletti said Ramirez didn't ask to be compensated for waiving the no-trade clause in his two-year, $45 million contract.
Ramirez went to the White Sox as a straight waiver claim, making them responsible for the entire $3.8 million remaining on his deal.
That gave the cash-strapped Dodgers a break financially on the same day owner Frank McCourt and his estranged wife Jamie's divorce trial began in Los Angeles Superior Court. They are fighting over ownership of the franchise.
"It doesn't hurt," Colletti said of the savings, "and we'll be able to use it on the baseball side now and in the future."
Ramirez parted ways with his teammates after the team's flight from Colorado arrived on Sunday night. Some didn't get a chance to say goodbye, while others like Casey Blake gave him a hug.
On Monday, his nameplate was gone from his old locker in the clubhouse, with someone else's bag resting on the shelf.
But he was remembered fondly, with the consensus being that Ramirez's short stint was well worth everything it brought, both good and bad.
The good included helping the Dodgers reach the NL championship series the last two years before being eliminated by Philadephia one step from the World Series.
"He did a lot of great stuff while he was here," Colletti said. "He showed a lot of our younger players how to win and how to play. He excited the city and the franchise."
Matt Kemp and Blake disagreed with the public perception that Ramirez quit on the team.
"I don't think he quit, he was hurt," Kemp said. "Manny is a little older now and he can't do the things he used to do."
Blake added, "Some of the things he does in the public view people have looked down on. There's a lot of people out there who see and hear things and they want to judge. That's unfair. He's a different cat. He beats to his own drum. I have nothing but respect for the guy."
Ramirez hadn't talked to the media since the spring, when he said this was going to be his final season in Los Angeles. As a result, the fans hadn't heard much from him, either.
His final at-bat with the Dodgers ended after one pitch Sunday against the Rockies, when he was ejected for arguing a first strike. Some fans calling into sports talk radio shows felt Ramirez did it deliberately.
"I don't think the incident was premeditated," Blake said. "It just didn't look good."
Philadelphia's Charlie Manuel, in town for his team's series with the Dodgers, spent seven years with Ramirez in Cleveland as the Indians' hitting coach and later manager.
"Manny's definitely not a bad guy, and he definitely doesn't mean to cause trouble or get into trouble. But his nonchalant way — being funny and happy and the way he goes about that — I can see where at times it can hurt a team," Manuel said.
"The only time where I felt like he pressed was last year in the postseason. That's the first time I ever saw him have a lot of tension on him. I used to say that every day this guy is tension-free, and that's how he played the game. But I imagine as he's gotten older, it's hard for him to understand some of the things that really mean a lot to the team."
However, Torre said Ramirez maintained his professionalism to the end.
"He never was a malcontent or someone who was late coming to the ballpark," he said. "We just didn't play well and I can't drop it all on him."
A poster of Ramirez scheduled as the giveaway on Sept. 17 has been canceled, with the posters never having been printed.
Earlier this month, the "Mannywood" sign on the short fence in the left-field corner was removed after an insurance company purchased signage in each corner for the final two months of the season.
When he arrived from Boston in a deal at the trade deadline two years ago, Ramirez quickly won over the fans. Dreadlocked wigs and his No. 99 jersey began flying off the racks at Dodger Stadium.
He showed a flair for the dramatic playing near Hollywood, with a pinch-hit, tie-breaking grand slam that landed in "Mannywood" during a game in July 2009 on his own bobblehead night.
It came a few weeks after Ramirez returned from a 50-game suspension for violating baseball's drug policy. After that, he wasn't the same offensive player and injuries began piling up.
"2009 was a tough time," Torre said. "He was very embarrassed about it and it really ruined his whole year."
Back then, Ramirez had said, "I'm back, Part 2."
Asked if his second act would be better than his first, he said, "Remember, you always leave the last part for the best. So that's what we're going to do."
It never happened.
-- Beth Harris
Braves recall RHP Kenshin Kawakami from minors
ATLANTA (AP) — Kenshin Kawakami is back with the Atlanta Braves and is on standby as the team awaits a health update from Derek Lowe.
The Braves recalled Kawakami from Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday. The right-hander could be insurance for Lowe, who has lost three straight decisions.
Lowe gave up six hits and five runs in three innings against Florida on Sunday and after the game and again on Monday deflected questions about possible discomfort in his arm or hand.
Lowe said Monday he would update his status on Tuesday.
Braves general manager Frank Wren said he doesn't expect bad news from Lowe.
"I don't think there's going to be anything but that's why we sent Kenshin down there to get stretched out," Wren said. "If we needed another starter he'd be the first guy in line to make a start for us."
Lowe shook his right hand several times on the mound on Sunday but said after the game there was nothing wrong. He said Monday he'll throw his regular side session on Tuesday.
"Obviously when guys make their starts you always look to their side day," Wren said. "If a guy's going to have difficulty, that's usually when it shows up. But I don't expect there to be any problem."
Lowe is 11-12 with a 4.53 ERA.
Kawakami was 1-9 with a 4.75 ERA in 16 games, including 15 starts, with Atlanta. He lost his job as the Braves' No. 5 starter before he was sent to Gwinnett on Aug. 7.
The Braves optioned right-hander Cristhian Martinez to Gwinnett on Monday. Martinez had a 3.05 ERA in 13 games.
Meanwhile, right-hander Peter Moylan said Monday he had a cortisone shot to relieve discomfort in his inflamed right shoulder on Friday. Moylan, who ranks fourth in the National League with 66 appearances, said his shoulder felt "awesome" on Monday.
Also, first baseman Derek Lowe was in the starting lineup against the New York Mets. He didn't play Sunday after leaving Saturday night's game with a strained side muscle.
-- Charles Odum
Reds calling up LHP Aroldis Chapman
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman is bringing his 105 mph fastball to the big leagues.
The Reds plan to call up the hard-throwing lefty before their game Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Brewers, trying to strengthen their bullpen for a playoff push in September and beyond.
By adding him in August, the Reds will make him eligible for the postseason — and unleash him on opposing hitters who have never seen him.
The NL Central leaders had a five-game edge over St. Louis heading into Tuesday's games.
"I think Dusty (Baker) will ease him into a role until he gets his feet on the ground, he gets accustomed to pitching up here," general manager Walt Jocketty said in an interview. "Then depending on how he does, we'll see how the role develops."
The 22-year-old Chapman signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with Cincinnati in January. He was in the competition for the fifth starter's spot during spring training until he was sidelined by back spasms.
The Reds sent him to Triple-A Louisville to start the season. He got mixed results, throwing a lot of pitches to get through five innings. He went 5-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 13 starts.
Cincinnati has plenty of starters, but decided to see if Chapman could help the Reds out of the bullpen this season. They moved him into a relief role at Louisville last month and he was even better, going 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA in 26 relief appearances.
His fastball was clocked at 103 mph as a starter. Jocketty said he's been throwing consistently harder as a reliever, hitting 105 mph recently. He has struck out 49 in 30 relief innings.
"We felt with his stuff, if you shorten the game more he should be successful," Jocketty said. "That's why we put him in there for now. We'll get him back to starting next year."
Chapman has handled his many adjustments — new country, new culture, new baseball team — without much trouble. Jocketty thinks he's ready to handle the pressure of making his major league debut in the middle of a pennant race.
"That's why we left him down there a little bit longer, to get more experience in the bullpen," Jocketty said. "And he's adapted really well to it. He actually enjoys it."
-- Joe Kay
Cubs honor Hall of Famer Dawson at Wrigley Field
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs honored 2010 Hall of Fame inductee Andre Dawson in a pregame ceremony Monday night at Wrigley Field before their game against Pittsburgh.
Dawson was introduced by chairman Tom Ricketts and presented with numerous awards, including a No. 8 from the center field scoreboard.
"I owe a great deal to the Montreal organization. But this is my home," Dawson said to a sparse crowd.
Dawson spent six seasons with the Cubs beginning in 1987, when he won the National League MVP award. Despite entering the Hall with an Expos cap, Dawson showered the Cubs fans and organization with praise.
"You are the greatest fans ever," he said. "Without you I wouldn't be standing here tonight."
Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaimed the day "Andre Dawson Day" in Chicago.
Family says McGregor died of virus
DENVER (AP) — The family of Colorado Rockies president Keli McGregor said he didn't die of a heart attack or other preventable cardiac condition but from a rare virus that attacked his healthy heart.
In a statement released through the team, his family said they wanted to "share this information with all of those who, like us, have searched for answers."
The family said McGregor, who was 48, likely contracted the virus in the last week of his life, causing lymphocytic myocarditis that led to his death on April 20 while on a business trip in Salt Lake City.
The family said the organism infiltrated his heart and disrupted the electrical pathways that signal the heart to beat properly. McGregor was an advocate for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease and had frequent checkups, the family said.
Cut ups: Cardinals get new 'dos
HOUSTON (AP) — Things have gotten hairy in the St. Louis Cardinals' clubhouse.
Most of the players got their heads shaved before Monday's game at Houston as a way to break the monotony of their longest road trip of the season. The players took turns doing the cutting and a large pile of multicolored locks covered the floor.
Several Cardinals took cell phone pictures of themselves after their cuts.
Manager Tony La Russa says he likes the new styles because they're so ugly, he won't have to worry about his players staying out late. La Russa says he told his players he won't join in unless they get a five-game lead in the NL Central race.
St. Louis entered Monday night's game five games behind Cincinnati.
