Covering the bases

Alright, so this is late. What else is new? I’ve been super busy lately, but it’s time that I catch you up. I’ll even write another post later on to make it up for you. Expect it to be a lot later, though, since I’m going out for the evening and will probably be back somewhat late.

Yankees: Kei Igawa was brought up to take a turn in the 5 spot in place of Ian Kennedy. He did worse than Kennedy had done in his last two starts, though, giving up 6 runs in three innings. Ouch. Chris Britton was sent down to make room for him…but he needn’t wonder when his next opportunity would be handed to him. Jonathan Albaladejo came in during the game and strained his elbow in the sixth inning, sending him to the DL. Britton was tracked down and brought back up. Kyle Farnsworth had his suspension reduced from three games to one and served that game yesterday. During Saturday’s game, Wilson Betemit suffered a hamstring injury and will almost certainly be put back on the DL.

Mariners: Richie Sexson received a 6-game suspension for his actions in the brawl with Kason Gabbard of the Rangers. After getting a high pitch, Sexson charged the mound and threw his helmet at Gabbard, sparking the brawl. Sexson will appeal, allowing him to play until his hearing.

Blue Jays: Bad news for the Jays. Vernon Wells is out 6-8 weeks with a broken left wrist. He broke it while diving for a ball against the Indians on Friday. Pitcher Jeremy Accardo joined him on the DL with right forearm tightness. Pitcher Armando Benitez (yeah, that one) and IF Joe Inglett got the call from AAA. Pitchers Tracy Thorpe and Gustavo Chacin, as well as IF Sergio Santos have been DFA’d. The Jays signed OF Brad Wilkerson. They also acquired IF Kevin Mench from the Rangers for cash.

Marlins: Maybe the Marlins aren’t so cheap after all. It looks like that shortstop Hanley Ramirez might have agreed to a 6-year, $70 million extension. He probably could have gotten more money by arbitration, which would have started this year, but financial security is certainly a nice thing for Ramirez. He might not even have to worry about where his next house will have to be.

Nationals: Painful time for the Nats. Catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada were placed on the 15-day DL. Catcher Jesus Flores was recalled from AAA and OF Elijah Dukes was activated from the 15-day DL.

Padres: The Pads cut ties with OF Jim Edmonds by releasing him on Friday. They also picked Sean Henn off of the waiver wire from the Yankees. Catcher Luke Carlin and OF Jody Gerut were brought up from AAA and catcher Colt Morton was sent down to AA.

A’s: Pitcher Keith Foulke was activated from the 15-day DL.

Reds: Pitcher Kent Mercker was put on the 15-day DL (retroactive to May 6). Pitcher Bill Bray got the call from AAA.

Cubs: Pitcher Scott Eyre was activated from the 15-day DL. Pitcher Sean Marshall was sent down to AAA.

Brewers: Pitcher Derrick Turnbow accepted an assignment to AAA.

Mets: Catcher Ramon Castro was activated from the 15-day DL. Catcher Raul Casanova was DFA’d.

NBA: The Jazz took game 3 of their series against the Lakers. The Lakers lead the series 2-1. The Magic are currently leading the Pistons in game 4 of their series. The Pistons lead the series 2-1.

IRL: Scary moment in racing yesterday as racers prepare for the Indy 500. While coming out of a pit, Danica Patrick’s car struck a crewman of another person’s pit crew in the crowded row. Charles Buckman, the one who was hit, suffered a concussion and lacerations to his scalp and face. Alex Lloyd also had a hard day, crashing into a wall at 223 MPH. Both men will be alright.

US WNT: The US WNT takes on Canada in a friendly match today at RFK Stadium. Check it out on MatchACCESS or MatchTracker. You know you want to. Really. Hurry on over there to watch it at 4 PM PT. The US WNT also announced some new travel plans for the summer. The team will head to Europe only six days after returning from the Peace Queen Cup to face Sweden and Norway for a couple of friendly matches. Pia Sundhage, a native of Sweden, will have an interesting time I’m sure.