MLB
– A number of sources have told Sports Illustrated that Yankees’ 3B Alex Rodriguez tested postive for two types of anabolic steriods in 2003 while playing for the Texas Rangers. A-Rod was approached with the news in a Miami gym Thursday. “You’ll have to talk to the union. I’m not saying anything,” he responded when asked to discuss the report. MLB had no set penalties for a positive test in 2003, but steroids have been expressly prohibited in baseball since 1991. A lab in California contains 103 other positive urine samples. The names of those players are, for now, being protected by the federal government.
– The Blue Jays have avoided arbitration with RHP Shawn Camp, agreeing a one-year/$750K contract.
– MLB.com reports that the Braves have offered LHP Tom Glavine a one-year/$1-$2M contract.
– FOXSports.com reports that the Angels are interested in OF Adam Dunn and OF Bobby Abreu. With OF Garret Anderson gone, the Halos need a lefty at-bat, so it’s safe to assume one of them will sign with them, assuming the money is there.
– In an interview with Roch Kubatko of MASN, O’s LHP Rich Hill related his ’08 control issues to a lower-back injury that he suffered in the middle of spring training. Let’s see if these control issues are behind him.
– The Dodgers have signed LHP Randy Wolf to a one-year/$5M contract.
– The Orioles have agreed to terms with LHP George Sherrill on a one-year/$2.75M contract.
– The Indians are trying to make C Victor Martinez the full-time first baseman. C Kelly Stoppach would resume the full-time duties behind the plate.
NHL
– According to the Toronto Sun, both Leafs’ GM Brian Burke and head coach Ron Wilson have been critical of G Vesa Toskala lately. Burke has questioned Toskala’s work ethic by suggesting he doesn’t practice hard enough. Coach Ron Wilson wasn’t much kinder, saying;
“I would have expected Vesa to have much better numbers than he has to this point. He’s been inconsistent at best. A team in our situation requires solid efforts from our goalie every single night. And that necessarily hasn’t been the case.”
Toskala’s numbers aren’t flattering. He’s 17-17-8, with a 3.34 GAA and .883 SV% in 44 starts. Toskala countered the criticisms by playing the “injured” card, citing hip and groin issues this season, which have caused him to sometimes appear that he’s not working as hard in practices. Toskala was asked if he’s been more hurt this season than he or the organization left on, but Toskala dodged the question by saying it’s something that can be discussed in the off-season…if the team even has him by then. Toskala’s name has popped up in trade rumours, so who knows what will happen.
NBA
– According to the Newark Star-Ledger, the Nets are listening to offers for F Vince Carter and his remaining $33M contract. The Nets have reportedly talked to the Spurs, Cavaliers, Bulls and Raptors (WHAT!?). All discussions are preliminary, so don’t get your hopes up Raptors fans.
– Suns’ F Shaquille O’Neal had 12 points and seven rebounds in Friday’s win over the Warriors, giving him his 27,000th career point in the win. Only six other players have scored 27,000 points – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone and Elvin Hayes.
NFL
– According to the New York Post, LB Ray Lewis is interested in the Jets. The Cowboys are also rumoured to be interested in him.