Now playing : Cheap Trick, “Staph Competition” From the Toronto Star :
The Toronto Blue Jays have placed right-handed pitcher Ty Taubenheim on the 15-day disabled list and recalled right-hander Vinnie Chulk from triple-A Syracuse, the club reported Saturday.
Taubenheim was placed on the DL retroactive to July 10 with a staph infection in his left foot. He has a 1-5 record with a 4.89 earned run average with the Jays.
With all-star outfielder Alex Rios also suffering from an infection, the Jays worked with health inspectors to ensure their home clubhouse was not the source of the infections. The clubhouse was disinfected following the inspection.
(the 100% non-contagious John McDonald, going deep off Jame Moyer in the 4th inning)
Chulk could well figure in today’s game against the Mariners. Toronto have already used 5 pitchers as Seattle have erased deficits of 4-2, and 6-4, as they’re tied at 6 in the top of the 8th. Brandon League allowed back-to-back solo HR’s to Richie Sexson and Carl Everett earlier in the inning ; B.J. Ryan is now on for the Jays.
As the Cubs look to end a rare beatdown of the Mets (7-2, bottom of the 7th), the day’s most startling sight other than Carlos Zambrano stealing 2nd, was Bill “It Gets By” Buckner singing “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” during the 7th Inning Stretch. No truth to the (inappropriate) rumor the Red Sox have invited Steve Bartman to sing “How Do You Know?” at an upcoming home game.
The other night at Katz’ Deli, Jose Valentin was spotted clutching his chair, moaning, groaning, shaking and shuddering. Edgardo Alfonso was overheard to remark, “I’ll have what he’s having.” And just like that, the Mets have signed their former infielder to a minor league contract. Fonzie will be joining the Tides’ other young hopefuls (!) Jose Offerman and Michael Tucker for today’s doubleheader at Louisville.
Lastings Milledge might’ve been sent down to Norfolk two weeks ago, but whatever he did to thoroughly annoy the New York press corps hasn’t been forgotten. In a piece entitled “Big League Ego”, the New York Post’s Brian Costello all but organized a parade to celebrate the prospect’s mediocre performance since demotion, along with reminding us that Milledge makes his way around the bush leagues, “wearing a diamond-encrusted cross around his neck, a sparkling watch on his wrist and with a designer bag slung over his shoulder.” Presumably, he’s supposed to be wearing David Wright’s old sweatpants.
Tides hitting coach Howard Johnson and manager Ken Oberkfell said Milledge has not caused them any problems and is always on time. While Milledge’s teammates were careful not to criticize the organization’s top prospect on the record, off the record they said the kid’s ego is as big as his upside.
“It’s gone to his head,” one member of the Tides said.
When asked if anyone treated him differently when he went home to Florida over the All-Star break, Milledge’s cockiness came through.
“They knew ever since I was in Little League that I was going to be in the big leagues, so it didn’t freak them out,” he said.
During the next few weeks, Milledge knows his name will be featured in trade rumors. The outfielder said he is paying attention to the rumors, and a trade won’t bother him.
“It’s no big deal,” he said. “I’m still going to play no matter what. It’s not like I’m going to get released or anything. I’ve got a job.”
But doesn’t he want to play in Queens?
“Obviously, I want to be with the Mets, but that’s out of my reach,” he said. “I’m pretty sure the Mets would be glad to have me and any other team would be glad to have me. We’ll see what happens.
“It’s cool. It’s funny how 11 other teams passed on me and now all of a sudden they want me.”
Milledge also said he would not be upset if the Mets trade for an outfielder, presenting him with more competition for a job with the big club later this year and next year.
“I don’t care who they get,” he said. “It don’t affect me. I’m going to compete for a job anyway. It don’t matter who they get. If they can’t use me, they’ll make a trade.”