Padres sign Brocail to one-year deal

12/15/2005
SAN DIEGO -- Doug Brocail began his professional baseball career with the Padres, and now he has come full-circle.
The 38-year-old veteran reliever agreed to terms on Thursday with the Padres on a one-year, $1 million contract. The right-hander will join the mix of middle relievers when the club heads to Arizona for Spring Training.
Brocail went 5-3 with a 5.52 ERA with one save in 61 games for the Rangers in 2005, his second season with Texas. His 61 appearances tied for the second-highest total of his career and ranked third on the Rangers.
Brocail was the Padres' first-round pick (12th overall) in the supplemental January segment of the 1986 First-Year Player Draft. After his Major League debut in 1992, Brocail went 4-13 with a 4.86 ERA (86 ER/159.1 IP) in 39 games (27 starts) covering three seasons with the Padres. He was traded to Houston in the 12-player megadeal that brought Steve Finley and Ken Caminiti to the Padres prior to the 1995 season.
Over parts of 11 Major League seasons with the Padres, Astros (1995-96), Tigers (1997-2000) and Rangers (2004-05), Brocail has a career record of 37-40 with a 4.06 ERA (311 ER/688.2 IP) with seven saves in 442 games (42 starts).
In a separate move, the Padres sent right-handed pitcher Clay Hamilton to the Pirates as the player to be named later to complete the trade for infielder Bobby Hill.

Source: http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/

Club shouldn't be treated like a second-class citizen

Dec. 16, 2005
Major League Soccer has only three chances of succeeding in Houston: Location, location, location.
The most important part of today's City Hall festivities, where pomp will be followed by circumstance — followed by lots of shaking of hands and slapping of backs — is what happens after the celebration. Executives of the Anschutz Entertainment Group, which is relocating the San Jose Earthquakes to Houston, and city officials including Mayor Bill White officially will welcome the MLS franchise to town.
This is beautiful news for the beautiful game and Houston, of course. City and AEG leaders will hail the club's impact on the local economy. They will talk about the diversity of this city and how perfect a fit the San Jose Earthquakes franchise will be. They will announce the new temporary home of the club, most likely Robertson Stadium on the UH campus, and discuss progress on finding a local ownership group.
But if our fair leaders and the eventual new owner of this as-yet unnamed team make the same crucial mistake others have made, today's front-page headlines will be tomorrow's Page 13 agate.
The MLS must not be treated like a niche sport, like some kind of novelty attraction marketed to Spanish-speaking, blue-collar laborers and/or SUV-driving soccer moms.
The operative word in Major League Soccer that must be remembered every time city and county leaders make a decision, is "major."

Source: http://www.chron.com/

Bako answers Bell's ring to join K.C. Royals

Staying in Los Angeles for another try wouldn't have been the worst thing in the world for former Lafayette High and UL Ragin' Cajun catcher Paul Bako.
But when old manager Buddy Bell showed interest in him, it made his decision a lot easier.
So it'll be now eight different teams in nine Major League seasons for Bako when the Kansas City Royals make it official today that he's signed a one-year contract with their organization. "I'm excited to be able to play for my first manager in the big leagues (in Detroit in 1998),'' Bako said. "In Los Angeles, it just didn't work out. My agent and the Dodgers talked and they were decent about it, but just didn't go quite as far as we had hoped.
"Buddy wanted me to go there and I wanted to play for Buddy. I'm looking forward to helping them win some more games.''
Bako spent much of last season with the Dodgers on the disabled list after injuring his knee in a rundown at San Francisco on May 26.
"When you go through a year injured like that, you get a great respect for just getting a chance to play,'' Bako said. "Physically, I've been cleared. I feel real good. Mentally, I'm just ready to go back and play.''
Bako passed a physical in Kansas City earlier this week and says he'll fly back to Los Angeles in January to get a medical release to play from his doctor.
Bako is going to Kansas City with the understanding that he's going to back up promising young catcher John Buck, who he met briefly at Houston Astros training camp back in 1999.
"I know I'm being brought him to help him learn how to get big-league hitters out,'' he said. "And hopefully, I'll get to play some as well.''
Returning to the central time zone is another plus for Bako and his family.
"The different time zones definitely made things kind of wacky with my family, especially before school is out,'' he said.
The one down side to signing with the Royals is Kansas City's 56-106 record last season.
"They're going to have a little more of a budget this year,'' Bako said. "They're close on some solid big-league players like Scott Elarton and Mark Grudzielanek.''

Source: http://www.acadiananow.com/

Clemens doesn't say magic words

Fri, Dec. 16, 2005
The Chicago White Sox, having acquired Javier Vazquez, have extra pitching to trade and the Rangers have already placed the call, knowing they have extra outfielders.
The White Sox are willing to talk about Jon Garland, who can become a free agent after next season, but right now they want too much in return.
So, the Rangers keep looking for starting pitchers, and the one they want most was in Fort Worth on Thursday night accepting the Legends Award at the Texas Collegiate League banquet at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel.
Former major league pitcher Danny Darwin presented the award and titillated the crowd by announcing, "I want to introduce to you the newest Texas Ranger ... Roger Clemens."
Rangers owner Tom Hicks wasn't there to hear that, but a sellout crowd seemed to like the idea, even if it's far from becoming a reality.
Clemens even admitted that he and Hicks, both former Texas Longhorns, might have something to talk about Jan. 4.
"I guess I'll see the owner out at the Rose Bowl," Clemens told the crowd. "I'm sure he'll be bending my ear. He's a great man."
What Hicks wants to hear is that Clemens wants to pitch again next year and wants to pitch for the Rangers. Clemens did admit the Rangers were one of four teams that are under consideration, but made it clear he has yet to decide if he'll pitch in 2006.
He's not even sure if he'll pitch for the United States in the World Baseball Classic in March, even though he said he will pitch for his country if he is able to take the mound at all.
"I have to see how my body feels in late January or early February," Clemens said.
He was 13-8 for the Houston Astros last season and his 1.87 ERA was the lowest in the National League and the lowest of his career.
But Clemens' season ended with him pitching only two innings in Game 1 of the World Series, allowing three runs against the White Sox before he left with a strained left hamstring.
But he said Thursday night that his back problems were even worse and his body "looked like the brakes on my car ... I've got so many ice bags on my body."
Clemens is 43 and, since the Astros lost to the White Sox, he has given no indication if he'll pitch again in 2006. The TCL banquet was his first public appearance since the Astros announced last week they would not offer him arbitration.
"I was fine with it," Clemens said. "It doesn't affect me at all."
Clemens said the Rangers, Astros, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have all expressed interest in having him pitch for them next season. He started his career with the Red Sox and won two World Series with the Yankees (1999-2000) before moving to the Astros in 2004.
The Rangers are the only one of those four teams whom he has never pitched with, although they have been trying as far back as 1991 when President Bush was managing general partner and openly hoped the Red Sox were interested in making a deal.
"They have all paid their respects, but at the same time, we're not talking to any of them," Clemens said.
Clemens spent much of his time at the banquet regaling the crowd with stories, including how the batboy had to run three bananas out to the bullpen before his relief appearance against the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs because he hadn't eaten anything since early that morning.
The crowd loved the stories. But they never heard what they and Tom Hicks really wanted to hear, that Roger Clemens is ready to pitch for the Rangers in 2006.
Time for another call to the White Sox.

Source: http://www.dfw.com/

Clemens in No Hurry to Decide About Future

12.15.2005
Roger Clemens is leaving all his options open and plans to take his time deciding whether to pitch again - or retire again. Speaking publicly for the first time since the Houston Astros declined to offer him salary arbitration last week, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner reiterated Thursday night that he won't make a decision about his future until at least late January or early February - just as his agents have been saying. "If I'm going to make a decision at all, that would be the time frame," Clemens said at a dinner for the Texas Collegiate League. "I'm still enjoying what we did last year." In his second season with his hometown Astros, the 43-year-old Clemens helped Houston reach its first World Series. He was 13-8 with a career-best 1.87 ERA, though he was hampered by back and hamstring problems late in the season. Those injuries forced him out of Game 1 of the World Series against the White Sox after only two innings, and Chicago went on to a four-game sweep. The Astros' decision not to offer arbitration means Clemens cannot re-sign with them until May 1. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers have contacted his representatives about the possibility of Clemens pitching for them next season. "I love all those places," he told the crowd. The Rocket retired after pitching in the 2003 World Series for the Yankees, then changed his mind and joined buddy Andy Pettitte in Houston. Clemens wants to pitch for the United States during the inaugural World Baseball Classic next March, but said he will wait to see how his body feels in January.

Source: http://www.forbes.com/

Clemens will decide among four MLB teams

12/16/2005
Should Roger Clemens return to baseball next season, he already has his preferable teams picked out.
"It's Houston, Texas, New York and Boston," Clemens told a banquet in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday. "I love all those places, they have great players that I respect very much."
Clemens came out of retirement two years ago and helped his hometown Astros reach their first World Series. The Astros declined to offer salary arbitration last week. The move means the seven-time Cy Young Award winner can't re-sign with then National League champions before May 1.
Clemens still intends to pitch for the United States in March during the inaugural World Baseball Classic.
He made $18 million US this season, when he led the major leagues with a 1.87 ERA and went 13-8. He finished third in the NL Cy Young Award voting behind 20-game winners Chris Carpenter and Dontrelle Willis.
With 341 victories, Clemens is ninth on the career list with the most wins among living pitchers. His 4,502 strikeouts are second only to Nolan Ryan's 5,714.

Source: http://www.tsn.ca/

CC Hooks' baseball banquet in January

December 16, 2005
The Corpus Christi Hooks will host the second annual South Texas Winter Baseball Banquet at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 at the Omni Bayfront Hotel in downtown Corpus Christi.
"Last year over 350 people attended our first banquet and it really helped to set the tone for the 2005 season," said Hooks president J.J. Gottsch. "We're adding some new touches for this year's event that we feel will enhance the presentation as we strive to raise awareness about the start of the baseball season - not just ours, but the coming high school and collegiate seasons as well."
New in 2006 will be the awards for the Hooks' player and pitcher of the year from the inaugural 2005 campaign. Awards also will be doled out to the professional and collegiate players and pitchers of the year.
All will have ties to the greater Corpus Christi area.
There will also be a presentation of the South Texas preseason high school all-star team.
The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award, which last year was bestowed upon Burt Hooton, a graduate of King High School who went on to an illustrious 15-year career as a pitcher in the major leagues.
Hooton continues to work in the game as a pitching coach in the Astros' farm system.
This year's honoree will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the event are being combined this year with the Houston Astros' Caravan Luncheon, which is slated for Feb. 7. Individual tickets are priced at $100 and are available by contacting the Hooks at 361-561-4665.Corporate table sponsorships are also available and will also include the Astros' luncheon.

Source: http://www.caller.com/

Astros' new road voice won't be named till '06

Dec. 16, 2005
While negotiating the drive Thursday from Dallas to Fort Worth, which isn't as frigid as driving from Gdansk to Warsaw but may have worse traffic, Astros owner Drayton McLane said he doesn't expect to decide on the team's new road radio voice until early next month.
McLane, who has been traveling in Poland on business, said he will consult with team executives Pam Gardner, Jamie Hildreth and Jay Lucas before making a decision.
"We interviewed several people but haven't really narrowed it down," McLane said. "We hope to get back on the project by the first of next week, but it probably will be January before we make a decision. This is a monumental decision for us."
Eight names remain on the Astros' list, including two locals — current analyst Alan Ashby and longtime Houston radio voice Tom Franklin — and two others were discussed in some detail — former CNN and WFAA newsman Mike Capps, now with the Round Rock Express, and Wayne Hagin, formerly of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Of the remaining four — Scott Franzke, Dave Jageler, Brett Dolan and Dave Raymond — three currently have minor-league jobs.
Franzke hosts pregame and postgame radio shows for the Texas Rangers network, does fill-in work on Rangers radio and works for KRLD radio and the Texas State Network in Dallas. Jageler, who just finished his first year with the Pawtucket Red Sox, has co-hosted a talk show on WWZN-AM in Boston and was formerly studio host for Host Communications' Texas radio network.
Dolan, who is in his sixth year with the Tucson Sidewinders, has called minor-league games for 12 years and has broadcast some Montreal Expos games. Raymond called games for the independent Brockton Rox last year after five years with the Iowa Cubs and also has worked with the San Francisco Giants.

Source: http://www.chron.com/

Hot Stove: Garciaparra narrows it down

12/15/2005
A four-team fight for Nomar Garciaparra could come to a conclusion very soon.
As of early Thursday afternoon the Yankees, Indians, Dodgers and Astros were believed to be the clubs still remaining on the list of teams the free agent was considering.
At this point it is difficult to label any of the four teams as a favorite to win Garciaparra's signature. Garciaparra's agent, Arn Tellem, was unavailable for comment.
The Yankees' attractiveness is lessened in that Garciaparra would probably not be an everyday player, a role he has never been asked to take during his career. The Yankees would presumably use Garciaparra at first base or designated hitter when he wasn't spelling Alex Rodriguez at third base or Derek Jeter at shortstop.
It is uncertain whether such a support role and fewer plate appearances would appeal to Garciaparra, 32, at this point in his career.
Cleveland manager Eric Wedge is a former teammate of Garciaparra's and Wedge indicated at last week's Winter Meetings that his preference would be to give Garciaparra regular playing time at one position.
For the Indians that could mean first base or right field, though Wedge wouldn't say. Either way it would mean a move for Garciaparra, who has never played right field.
The Dodgers were thought to be Garciaparra's favorite, but they signed infielder Bill Mueller to a two-year deal worth $9.5 million Wednesday. The Dodgers are still interested but with the left side of their infield filled (they previously signed shortstop Rafael Furcal), Garciaparra would likely play the outfield in Los Angeles.
"He has been an infielder most of his career," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told The Associated Press. "That doesn't mean he couldn't make the switch to left field."
Houston GM Tim Purpura confirmed his team's interest in the former All-Star shortstop and Garciaparra owns a home in Austin, Texas, a few hours drive from Houston.
The Astros have Adam Everett at shortstop but view Garciaparra as insurance at the position, as well as a starting left fielder. Either way, Garciaparra would receive regular playing time in hitter-friendly Minute Maid Park.
A lifetime .320 hitter with 191 home runs, Garciaparra hit .283 with nine homers and 30 RBIs last season with the Cubs. He was limited to just 62 games because of a torn groin muscle.
Elsewhere on the Hot Stove front:
Blue Jays: The Canadian Press reported denials from Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, who says dethroned closer Miguel Batista isn't trying to pave his way out of town after the Jays signed B.J. Ryan to be their new closer.
On Wednesday, Batista reportedly told The Associated Press' Spanish-language service that Mets GM Omar Minaya had expressed an interest in him to his agent, a claim Minaya later denied.
Cubs: Cubs GM Jim Hendry is waiting to hear from the agent representing outfielder Jacque Jones. Jones, who could fill the vacant right-field spot, was believed to be seeking a three-year deal. The Cubs aren't expected to go that long, not with highly regarded prospect Felix Pie in the wings.
Hendry also has talked to the Orioles to let them know if the team is serious about wanting to move shortstop Miguel Tejada to call the Cubs. Tejada, however, has backed off his initial demand to be traded.
Dodgers: The Dodgers signed third baseman and former American League batting champion Bill Mueller to a two-year contract through 2007.
Mariners: The Seattle Times reported that the Mariners have added right-hander Sidney Ponson to their list of potential starting pitching candidates. Ponson, 29, was released by Baltimore in September.
MLB.com has learned that the Mariners are no longer pursuing right-hander Scott Elarton. They remain in the mix for Scott Boras clients Kevin Millwood and Jarrod Washburn.
The Mariners signed Carl Everett to a one-year deal, with a club option for 2007. Everett, 34, hit 23 home runs with 87 RBIs last season, and has averaged 21 home runs over the past seven years. The switch-hitting Everett will split time between the outfield and designated hitter.
Nationals: The Nationals are considering bringing back reliever Mike Stanton. Washington acquired Stanton before the trade deadline this past season, and he had a 3.58 ERA in 30 games before being dealt to the Red Sox for right-handers Rhys Taylor and Yader Peralta on Sept. 29.
"I'm open to coming back to the Nationals," said Stanton. "I had a good time there. We have to wait and see. Even though it's mid-December, it's still pretty early in the free agent process."
Orioles: The Baltimore Sun reported that the Orioles are attempting to sign Jeff Conine to a one-year deal worth between $1.75 million and $2.5 million.
"We certainly made a lot of progress in the last 24 hours," agent Michael Watkins told the Sun. "But I wouldn't characterize it as close to being done. We all want to make sure he fits with the club. It's nice that the Orioles want him back so badly. He is very excited about it. Jeff loves Baltimore."
Red Sox: Red Sox president and chief executive Larry Lucchino spoke out on several topics Thursday on Sportsradio WEEI, the club's Boston-based flagship station.
"We still have three or four months before baseball season begins," Lucchino said concerning the status of Manny Ramirez. "A lot of work has gone on in the last two months but there's still January, February and March and till we get to the opening of the season. Our commitment to Manny is to make a good faith and extensive effort to see if there is a trade that is a win-win proposition that gets him to a part of the country or a team that he would like to be with going forward, and gets us something approximating fair value. And we have been faithful to that obligation we have made to him and we are still engaged in that undertaking."
Lucchino confirmed the club's interest in Miguel Tejada if Baltimore decides to trade the All-Star shortstop.
"There have been some discussions, that much I will say," Lucchino said. "We haven't doused any lights with respect to the possible trade of Manny to other teams and we certainly haven't eliminated Baltimore either. We're talking to a bunch of teams trying to find the right fit that Manny's comfortable with and gives the Red Sox fair value."
Boston has offered Rudy Seanez an incentive-laden one-year contract for 2006. Seanez's agent, David Schwartz, says the Braves, Devil Rays and Rangers are also interested in the 37-year-old reliever who held opponents to a .222 average while working for the Padres in 2005, striking out 84 while walking only 22 in 60 1/3 innings.

Source: http://mlb.mlb.com/

Fans tab Ensberg for Continental Award

12/15/2005
Astros third baseman Morgan Ensberg enjoyed a breakout 2005 season with a performance that earned the 30-year-old Houston's Most Valuable Player honors from the Houston chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
The writers weren't the only ones who noticed Ensberg. His hard work on and off the field also earned Ensberg honors as Astros fans' choice for the Continental Airlines "Work Hard. Fly Right." Player of the Year Award.
Fans voted for their favorite Astros player based on the candidate's hard work and good attitude. The player that accumulated the most votes received 1 million Continental Airlines OnePass® miles to donate to his favorite charity, courtesy of Continental Airlines.
Ensberg helped the Astros reach the World Series for the first time in franchise history, hitting .283 with 36 home runs and 101 RBIs. His home run and RBI totals were franchise records for a third baseman and he also contributed a career-high 30 doubles.
Selected to the All-Star team for the first time in his career, Ensberg appeared in the Midsummer Classic at Detroit's Comerica Park.
Ensberg finished the regular season ranked among the top 10 in the league in homers, total bases and slugging. He finished fourth in the National League Most Valuable Player Award balloting.
Ensberg's contributions didn't end on the field. He is active in the community and lends support to charities. He will donate the 1 million OnePass® miles to the Astros in Action Foundation. The Foundation strives to enhance the quality of life in the community through educational, health, and spiritual endeavors and is committed and supports the efforts of non-profit organizations or programs related to: Literacy, Education/ Scholarships, Health Issues, Faith Based Organizations, and Reviving Baseball in the Inner City.
Continental Airlines and the Astros would like to thank all who participated in the "Work Hard. Fly Right." Award and Sweepstakes this season. Be sure to vote next season for your favorite player and chance to win an Astros road trip package.

Source: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/

Astros among four teams trying to sign Garciaparra

Dec. 15, 2005
The Astros, one of what is believed to be four teams in pursuit of free agent Nomar Garciaparra, are still awaiting a decision from the five-time All-Star on his future.
Arn Tellem, Garciaparra's agent, said Thursday his client was still considering his options. In addition to the Astros, the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians are reported to be interested.
"Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for next season," Tellem said. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near future. The decision will not, however, be made today."
Astros general manager Tim Purpura said Thursday he hadn't spoken with Tellem since Wednesday and that the club has yet to make a formal offer to Garciaparra.
"We've talked about parameters," Purpura said. "We haven't really negotiated anything. He's whittling down his list, and as he whittles that down presumably he'll start talking more about money and that type of thing."
Garciaparra, 32, is a career .320 hitter who won a pair of batting titles with the Boston Red Sox in 1999 and 2000. He spent the last 1 1/2 years with the Chicago Cubs and was limited to 62 games last season because of a groin injury.
Although Garciaparra has played shortstop for much of his career, the Astros are interested in him as a left fielder, which is the only position without a starter firmly entrenched.
The Astros, who also met with free-agent outfielder Rondell White earlier this week at Minute Maid Park, are in search of a righthanded bat to add punch to what was often a punchless offense last season.
White, 33, has a .289 career average with 187 home runs in 13 seasons with Montreal, the Cubs, Yankees, San Diego, Kansas City and Detroit. He is a left fielder.
"We're trying to add offense, and that's the only place I can add it right now," Purpura said. "Had Brad (Ausmus) not come back, obviously we would have looked at alternatives via a trade or free agency regarding catcher. You're just a little stuck as to where (to add offense)."
The Astros started nine players in left field last season. With 73 starts, Chris Burke — who made the move to the outfield from second base — made the most starts. Lance Berkman started in left field when not playing first base.
One factor perhaps working in the Astros' favor is that Garciaparra's wife, former U.S. women's national soccer team star Mia Hamm, lives in Austin.
"He's expressed interest in coming here and has expressed it in the past," Purpura said.
White met with Purpura, Astros owner Drayton McLane, club president Tal Smith and manager Phil Garner on Tuesday before taking a physical. White played in only 97 games for the Tigers last year after dislocating his shoulder on Aug. 14. He hit .313 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs.
"We're still having our medical people evaluate his situation," Purpura said. "It's a little different because he did not play at the end of the season, and he had surgery. With Nomar, you've got two months of performance at the end of the season, and with Rondell you don't. It's a little more risk you have to evaluate."

Source: http://www.chron.com/