Ruppert's Hall of Fame induction long overdue

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- The strange matter of Yankees owner Jacob Ruppert finally being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday is that so many people already thought he was enshrined in the red-brick museum on upper Main Street in this village, population 18,040.

"I confess for the first time, I thought he was already in," said Braves announcer Don Sutton, a 324-win pitcher who is in the Hall and was a member of the 16-man Pre-Integration Committee that voted Ruppert in late last year.

"'Why are we considering this guy? He's already in,'" he told the group.

Sutton wasn't the only member of that austere committee to think so. But Ruppert wasn't in. As one wanders around the room and peeks at the copper plaques of the 303 already hanging in the Hall, Ruppert is not yet among them. He will be on Sunday night, hours after this year's spare induction ceremony, which also includes catcher Deacon White and umpire Hank O'Day.

That's when those three plaques will be hung under a sign honoring the Class of 2013. All of them passed away before the museum opened its doors on June 12, 1939.

Ruppert died on Jan. 13, 1939, almost five months to the day before the Hall opened, thus ending his 24-year run owning and operating the club. Affectionately known as "The Colonel," Ruppert earned that title working his way up the ranks in the National Guard and was later a four-term member of the House of Representatives from New York.

He inherited what later became the Jacob Ruppert Brewing Company from his father and turned it into a thriving business. Dabbling in Florida real estate, he became a beer and land baron. He was already a figure of some major stature before buying the moribund Yankees in 1915.

A native of the city, he turned them into one of the most heralded sports franchises in history, buying them for $480,000 or, given inflation, about $11 million in today's dollars. Consider this: When George Steinbrenner and his multiple partners purchased the Yanks from CBS in 1972, he paid $8.8 million.

The worth of the Yankees now may be incalculable, considering the Dodgers sold last year for $2.15 billion.

Under Ruppert, the Yanks bought Babe Ruth for $100,000 from the Red Sox, signed Lou Gehrig straight out of Columbia University, and purchased the contract of Joe DiMaggio from the Pacific Coast League San Francisco Seals for $25,000 and five players.

When Ruppert bought into the Yankees, they were the sad stepchild of the National League's New York Giants and second tenant to manager John McGraw's great club in the Polo Grounds. After purchasing Ruth on Jan. 3, 1920, the history of the Yanks and Major League Baseball irrevocably changed.

Before that, Ruth largely had been used as a pitcher by the Red Sox, although he had a huge impact in Boston, where they won the World Series in 1915, '16 and '18. After the sale, they wouldn't win another Fall Classic until 2004.

In New York, Ruppert's Yankees turned Ruth into a full-time outfielder, and in 1921, he may have had the most dominant offensive season in MLB history. Ruth led the American League with 59 homers, 171 RBIs and 177 runs scored. He hit .378, but missed the Triple Crown when Detroit's Harry Heilmann led the AL at .394.

The Yanks won their first pennant that season, but lost to the Giants in the World Series and again in 1922.

Tired of playing second rung both economically and artistically to the Giants in upper Manhattan, Ruppert looked across the Harlem River to farmland in the Bronx to build his own baseball palace. He spared no expense, spending $2.4 million to construct Yankee Stadium, tailoring it with a short right-field porch to accommodate Ruth's big left-handed swing.

The Yankees moved to their expansive yard in 1923 and defeated the Giants in that World Series, their first of 27 such victories, a dominance in the sport that has lasted 90 years. By comparison, the Red Sox have won the World Series twice during that span, the New York/San Francisco Giants four times and the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers six.

With Ruth, Ruppert ushered in the era of the homer in MLB and set the Bronx Bombers on their path to manifest destiny. There are 45 players, managers and executives in the Hall of Fame with some sort of Yankees pedigree, but Ruppert is the first Yanks owner.

Different permutations of the Veterans Committee have been slow over time to vote in owners, most of them long after their passing. Charles Comiskey of the White Sox was the first in 1939. He died in 1931, five years before the first Hall vote. The most recent were Barney Dreyfuss of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Walter O'Malley of the Dodgers, who were both inducted in 2008. Dreyfuss died in 1932 and O'Malley in 1979.

Seventy-three years after Ruppert's death, it is about time he got in.

"As a fan, I'm glad to see it," said Jeff Idelson, the Hall's president who was once a top Yankees public relations executive. "He took a franchise that was struggling and built it into a model franchise. It's something that's very deserving and, frankly, long overdue."

Barry M. Bloom is a national reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog, Boomskie on Baseball. Follow @boomskie on Twitter. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Sori deal one Yanks couldn't afford to pass up

NEW YORK -- Here's what you need to know about the Yankees' acquisition of Alfonso Soriano: The veteran outfielder was immediately written into Friday's starting lineup against the Rays, batting cleanup and playing left field.

That says something about Soriano, to be sure. But it says at least as much about the state of New York's lineup. In exchange for a pitcher with a 4.25 ERA at Class A Advanced, the Yankees brought in a player who instantly becomes one of the most dangerous threats on their roster.

Soriano has his flaws, and they're not hard to see. He's a limited fielder (though likely better than his reputation), and he makes far too many outs -- he has a .287 on-base percentage this year.

But even so, Soriano is an upgrade for this team, on this day. He'll be replacing players with very similar limitations, but without the advantages he brings. And all it took was Corey Black, a right-hander who projects as a middle reliever, and a fairly modest amount of money.

Soriano will eat into the at-bats of Vernon Wells and perhaps Travis Hafner, and that's nothing but good news for Yanks fans. Those guys also aren't getting on base, but unlike Soriano, they're not hitting for any power to balance it out.

"When you look at our club, it's been a struggle this year to score runs," manager Joe Girardi said. "So I think we're looking for run producers and people who can hit the ball out of the ballpark. Those are some of the things I think the organization is looking for."

The numbers are fairly gruesome. The Yankees entered Friday 12th out of 15 teams in the American League in runs scored, last in slugging percentage and 14th in home runs. They're 14th in the AL in OPS against left-handed pitching and last in OPS by left fielders.

The composite line by Yanks left fielders on the year is a .223 batting average, a .268 OBP and a .330 slugging percentage. Soriano is at .254/.287/.467. That's an upgrade.

"We need a right-handed bat, obviously," said first baseman Mark Teixeira, who is out for the year due to a right wrist injury. "We need that thump. We need to score a few more runs, and he's one of those guys that can beat you with one swing."

It really was a fairly simple equation, in the end, for general manager Brian Cashman. Soriano, though not a perfect player, was a clear and significant upgrade over what the Yankees had in the way of left fielders and right-handed bats. He came at a low cost in talent, and a low cost in salary.

So while Soriano wouldn't make sense at all for some teams, his acquisition was virtually a no-brainer for New York.

"By far, he is the best available bat to date -- one that I could certainly get my hands wrapped around," Cashman said. "We had a bird in the hand, and I know we're going to be better for it."

Cashman also acknowledged, by the way, that Soriano might not be enough. He made it quite clear that he is still seeking additional upgrades to his offense.

But in the short term, Cashman had an opportunity to make his team noticeably better, at minimal cost. He really couldn't afford not to do it.

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Yankees bring Soriano's bat back to Bronx

NEW YORK -- Alfonso Soriano played his 539th game as a member of the Yankees on Oct. 25, 2003, going 2-for-3 at the plate as New York lost the deciding Game 6 of the 2003 World Series to the Marlins. On Friday -- nine years, nine months and two days later -- he played his 540th.

The Yankees acquired the veteran outfielder from the Cubs on Friday for cash considerations and Minor League pitcher Corey Black, reuniting Soriano with the organization with which he began his Major League career.

Soriano hit .254 with 17 home runs, 51 RBIs and 10 stolen bases through 93 games with Chicago this year, and he batted fourth and played left field against the Rays in his Yankees season debut.

Soriano finished his first game back with the Yankees 0-for-5 with an RBI and a run, recording two flyouts, a groundout and two reached by fielder's choice, the second plating New York's final run of the night in a 10-6 loss.

"I'm very happy. This is my house, my home," Soriano said before the game. "So I'm happy that I'm back after 10 years. It's never too late, and I'm happy that I've come back."

The trade had been rumored to be close to done as early as Tuesday, but it took both sides a while to hammer things out. Soriano was scratched from the Cubs' lineup before Thursday's game because the deal was almost complete, but the trade didn't become official until after 4 p.m. ET on Friday.

In the deal, the Cubs agreed to pay $17.7 million of the $24.5 million Soriano is owed on his contract, which runs through the 2014 season. The Yankees will play $6.8 million, $5 million of which will be paid next season. Outfielder Thomas Neal was optioned back to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room for Soriano.

"I've talked to [Cubs president of baseball operations] Theo [Epstein] on a number of occasions," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. "By far, [Soriano] is the best available bat to date. ... This was one that was a match we could make with the Cubs, and a player who had been here before and loved being here, was very interested in returning, so we've got the bird in the hand, and I know we're going to be better for it."

Soriano's addition gives the Yankees a right-handed power bat they have sorely missed this season. The team hasn't hit a home run from the right side of the plate since infielder Jayson Nix hit one against the Rays on June 25, which is the only right-handed home run New York has hit since May 23.

The Bombers' current 28-game streak without a right-handed home run is the Yankees' longest since 1971, according to Elias Sports Bureau.

"When you look at our club, it's been a struggle this year to score runs," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "We're looking for run producers and people who can hit the ball out of the ballpark."

Girardi said he will use the veteran in left field and at designated hitter.

"He's going to a place that is obviously one of the better stadiums, and he's been there before and has performed in that atmosphere before," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "Obviously, they've had a lot of injuries, and he's the guy who can fill that void."

Soriano began his career with the Yankees in 1999 and he played for them until 2003, when he was traded to the Rangers in the deal that brought Alex Rodriguez to New York.

The 37-year-old batted .284 over his career with the Yankees, hitting 98 home runs and driving in 270 runs over five years with the club. His best year came 2002, when he hit .300 with 39 home runs, 102 RBIs and 41 stolen bases, and finished third in the American League MVP Award race.

"I'm happy I have the opportunity to come back to New York, where I stated my career," Soriano said. "I'm happy I can try to help the team win and make the playoffs."

Friday was Soriano's first career appearance in the new Yankee Stadium, but he's already comfortable with his surroundings. He played with shortstop Derek Jeter and pitchers Mariano Rivera and Andy Pettitte during his first stint with the Yankees, and he spent two seasons playing alongside first baseman Mark Teixeira in Texas.

Before the game, he embraced many of his former teammates during batting practice and met some of his new teammates.

Soriano will wear his old number, too. Outfielder Vernon Wells had been wearing No. 12 this season, but he switched his jersey to No. 22 so Soriano can wear the number he's worn every season since 2002.

"I think it's a great addition. He's one of my favorite teammates of all time," Teixeira said. "We had a great time together. He's like Robinson Cano; he's one of those guys that's always happy, loves playing the game. He's an incredible talent. I love the move."

After two years with the Rangers, a year with the Nationals and seven years with the Cubs, Soriano is happy to be back in New York.

"This is my house. I played here to start my career, and I had great moments here with the Yankees," Soriano said. "I was happy when I played here, so I'm happy I came back here."

Josh Vitale is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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Support no concern as Kuroda baffles Rangers

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Soriano's trade to Yankees nearly complete

PHOENIX -- Alfonso Soriano is apparently headed back to the Yankees, where he began his Major League career.

Soriano was in the Cubs' starting lineup on Thursday for the series finale against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but president of baseball operations Theo Epstein called manager Dale Sveum and asked him to pull the 37-year-old outfielder, saying a deal was "99 percent" completed.

Major League Baseball has to review the financial terms of the deal, and an official announcement may not come until Friday.

Players were visibly upset at the news that Soriano was leaving. The seven-time All-Star was a mentor to some of the young players, such as Starlin Castro, Junior Lake and Luis Valbuena.

The Yankees are 6 1/2 games back in the American League East entering Friday's action. Can Soriano help the Yankees?

"He's going to a place that is obviously one of the better stadiums, and he's been there before and has performed in that atmosphere before," Sveum said. "Obviously, they've had a lot of injuries, and he's the guy who can fill that void as [designated hitter] and in left field."

Soriano has hit 10 home runs in his last 21 games and was batting .286 in that stretch with six doubles, 21 RBIs and a 1.044 OPS, dating to June 28. He has homered in five of his last 14 games and ranks seventh among active players in career home runs with 389.

"He's put together a pretty good run," Sveum said. "Last year at 36 years old, he hit 32 [home runs] and drove in 108 [runs]. That's a legacy in itself. He's a guy who when he's on the field, he's lived up to his media guide, so to speak, besides the stolen bases he's had in his career early."

This was Sveum's second season with Soriano, and he was impressed with his professionalism.

"He's 100 percent completely different than I thought," Sveum said. "There hasn't been a day of disappointment in his attitude, his work ethic, what he brings to younger players and his professionalism has been off the charts."

Soriano signed the most lucrative deal ever given in Cubs' franchise history, eight years, $136 million, in November 2006.

"It's a big contract, but that's not my goal," Soriano said when he inked the deal. "My goal is to play hard and give you a championship. It's not about the contract, it's about the city and the fans here."

The Cubs won the Central Division that season but not a championship. And they repeated as Central champs in '08. Chicago failed to make the playoffs after that, and lost 101 games last season for the first time since 1966. If the team had won, Soriano's contract most likely wouldn't have been criticized by fans as much as it has.

"There's no doubt, he's one of the top five ultimate professionals I've been around in this game," Sveum said.

On Tuesday night, Epstein and Sveum met with Soriano to go over his options. Soriano has a no-trade clause and said he gave Epstein a list of teams he would consider.

"The Yankees are on the list," Soriano said.

Soriano's deal runs through the end of next year, when he is scheduled to earn $18 million. The Cubs likely will have to cover part of Soriano's remaining salary in any trade.

Soriano did not play Wednesday to give him time to think about his options.

"You sit back, and you're like, 'Well, he's going to a place he's been and is comfortable,'" Sveum said. "Obviously, he accepted [the trade]. It's something he felt is right at this time for his family and in his career, and being part of a pennant race."

Soriano broke into the Major Leagues with the Yankees in 1999 after they purchased his contract from a Japanese team. He stayed there until 2003 when he was dealt to the Rangers for Alex Rodriguez. Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera were his teammates then, and Robinson Cano lives in the same town as Soriano in the Dominican Republic. Soriano could end his career back where he started.

The Cubs have already made five trades in July, including Monday's deal that sent Matt Garza to the Rangers for five prospects.

Epstein used the meeting to thank Soriano for how he's mentored some of the younger players.

"Sometimes there's a natural time to move on, to clear opportunities for younger players, to get 'Sori' into a pennant race and play every day," Epstein said Wednesday. "We just wanted to outline it [in the meeting]. It seems like it might be an appropriate time if he is going to move on to do it now. We can keep Lake in the lineup a little bit while he's hot. We've got [David] DeJesus coming back from the DL, we've got [Brian] Bogusevic and [Ryan] Sweeney coming back. We're looking to give opportunities for young players."

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. She writes a blog, Muskat Ramblings, and you can follow her on Twitter @CarrieMuskat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Granderson plays five innings in first rehab game

By Adam Berry / MLB.com | 7/26/2013 2:08 A.M. ET

TAMPA -- It took all of three innings Thursday night for another ball to hit Curtis Granderson. Fortunately for Granderson, he was able to appreciate the irony this time.

The Yankees outfielder began the season on the disabled list with a broken right hand after being hit by a pitch in Spring Training. He returned in mid-May to play eight games for the Yankees then got hit by another pitch on May 24, fracturing his left pinkie. So it was only fitting that he was hit in the arm again during his first Minor League rehabilitation game since then, this time by a deflected double-play relay throw while sliding into second base.

Granderson and infielder Jayson Nix each went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored for Class A Advanced Tampa on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where they'll remain through the weekend as they work their way back to the Bronx.

Granderson said his Tampa Yankees teammates told him, "'You've got a magnet on you right now with the ball.'" But the 32-year-old outfielder didn't even suffer a bruise and went on to play five innings in left field. Nix, working his way back from a right hamstring strain, played five innings at third base and said he's scheduled to stay there for seven innings Friday night.

Granderson considered his first game in more than two months to be a step in the right direction. He said his legs felt good while chasing after two doubles hit to the wall, and he started to see pitches better in each of his three plate appearances. His timing at the plate is still a work in progress, but that was to be expected after such a long recovery.

He expects to be back in left for at least five innings Friday, and though he doesn't know exactly when he's set to rejoin the Yankees, he'd prefer it to be "sooner than later."

Granderson admitted he didn't feel completely comfortable at the plate Thursday, though part of that might have had to do with the adjustment to playing under the lights again.

"The first at-bat, the pitcher looked really close to me. Something just didn't seem right. It could've been the night game. It could've been the lights. It could've been the stands, the fans, whatever the case it might have been," Granderson said. "Something was just a little different.

"One thing that both Nixy and I were talking about -- him only for two weeks, but myself for two months -- everything's been at 10 in the morning when the sun's been out. ... In Spring Training, I remember a lot of guys saying stuff that your first night game is always interesting. Sure enough, tonight was one of those. It was a good one, so tomorrow night should be hopefully a little bit better."

While Thursday was Granderson's first game in more than two months, it was the second game of Nix's rehab assignment after playing Wednesday afternoon for the Gulf Coast League Yankees. Nix said he is "a few more days" from returning to the Majors, as he'll likely be re-evaluated after Sunday's game if all goes well.

Nix said his hamstring felt "great" Thursday, with "no pain, no hesitations, being able to run hard [and] not feel anything.

"It's feeling good the last couple weeks," Nix added. "I haven't had any problems, and I've been running hard and it feels good. It feels strong."

Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.24 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pettitte passes Koufax for latest milestone

By Bryan Hoch and Adam Berry / MLB.com | 7/24/2013 9:20 P.M. ET

ARLINGTON -- Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte tied and surpassed Sandy Koufax on baseball's all-time strikeouts list on Wednesday, tying former Yankees pitcher Kevin Brown for 39th place.

Pettitte equaled Koufax's lifetime mark of 2,396 strikeouts with a swinging punchout of the Rangers' Mitch Moreland in the second inning, then passed Koufax by freezing Geovany Soto looking.

Of course, Koufax compiled his lifetime total in a much shorter career than Pettitte's. It took Koufax just 2,324 1/3 innings to reach his mark, pitching for the Dodgers from 1955-66; Pettitte entered play on Wednesday with 3,235 1/3 career innings.

Once Pettitte moves past Brown, Dennis Eckersley holds 38th place on the all-time strikeouts list with 2,401.

Granderson readies for first Minors rehab game

TAMPA, Fla. -- Curtis Granderson packed his bats and his equipment into his rental car as he left the Yankees' Minor League complex early Wednesday afternoon. He's only heading across Dale Mabry Highway, but Thursday will be a big step forward for Granderson and infielder Jayson Nix.

Granderson and Nix will join Class A Advanced Tampa on Thursday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Granderson said he's scheduled to start in left field and play five innings in his first Minor League rehab game. He will likely remain with the Tampa Yankees through the weekend before the team re-evaluates his progress.

"I think you have to give him some at-bats to see how he feels," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Granderson in Arlington. "He hasn't had a ton of at-bats. I think to be fair to him, you have to give him some at-bats."

Nix, out since July 1 with a strained right hamstring, began his rehab assignment Wednesday, going 0-for-2 with a strikeout while playing five innings for the Gulf Coast League Yankees at Steinbrenner Field.

"Things are getting good," Granderson said. "The main thing now [is taking more] at-bats. Game at-bats are obviously going to be a good thing, and we'll start that tomorrow."

The 32-year-old outfielder has played only eight games for the Yankees this season, dealing first with a fractured right wrist, then returning to the disabled list on May 25 with a fractured left pinky. After another long recovery process, Granderson said the rehab assignment came about quicker than expected. He's taken part in only three simulated games, so his timing at the plate isn't quite up to speed.

"Everything else is good," Granderson said. "Arm, legs, defensively -- all that good stuff. Now, it's just a matter of innings. Five innings, that's going to be a lot, because I haven't done that. We'll see how everything rebounds back, but [a return to the Majors] should be hopefully sooner than later.

"I'm excited to get a chance to go tomorrow. It kind of came up on me quickly over the past week. I knew we were starting the sim games and everything, then, next thing you know, I'm packing my bags up today."

Running bases may be Jeter's final step

ARLINGTON -- Yankees captain Derek Jeter took batting practice and ground balls again on Wednesday as he attempts to rejoin the team in time for Saturday's game against the Rays.

Jeter, 39, has run sprints the last two days but has not yet been cleared to run the bases. Yankees manager Joe Girardi said that Jeter would likely take that step on Friday, which calls into question if Jeter would be ready to play on Saturday.

"Nothing's out of the question, but I'm not so sure we'll see him Saturday," Girardi said. "You've got to be able to run at 100 percent and know there's no soreness, no pain, and that everything works proper."

Girardi was asked if Jeter, who is rehabbing a strained right quadriceps, might need to go back on a Minor League rehab assignment before returning.

"We haven't gotten that far yet," Girardi said.

Phelps slated for rehab start before returning

ARLINGTON -- Yankees right-hander David Phelps is expected to make at least one more Minor League rehabilitation start for the club.

Returning from a strained right forearm, Phelps threw 61 pitches for Double-A Trenton against Altoona on Tuesday, allowing two runs and two hits -- including a homer -- in 3 2/3 innings.

"He felt OK," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said of Phelps, who walked three and struck out six. "Probably not as sharp as we've seen him during the course of the season, but I kind of expect that when you haven't been on the mound and you haven't faced hitters in a while.

"I think we'll see him in New York and he'll throw a bullpen for us on Friday, and then he'll probably go out on another rehab start."

Bombers bits

• It was curious when right-hander Michael Pineda was removed from his start on Tuesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after just 39 pitches, but general manager Brian Cashman said that the reason for Pineda's early hook was "innings management."

"I think they're trying to manage his innings because he's coming off that shoulder surgery," Girardi said. "They don't want him to go over a certain level -- that's why you're seeing him back off a little bit. That will increase as time goes on. They're scaling back just because they're worried about the amount of innings after sitting out a year."

• The Yankees' Aug. 18 game against the Red Sox has been picked up by ESPN and will be played at 8:05 p.m. ET.

• On this date in 1983, the infamous "Pine Tar Game" was played at Yankee Stadium. Kansas City's George Brett hit a two-out, ninth-inning homer off Goose Gossage to give the Royals an apparent 5-4 lead, but Brett was subsequently called out by umpire Tim McClelland after Yankees manager Billy Martin pointed out that Brett's bat exceeded the acceptable 18 inches of pine tar. The Yankees won, 4-3, but the victory was only temporary, as the American League upheld the Royals' protest. The game was resumed, including Brett's homer, on Aug. 18 and Kansas City completed the win.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. Adam Berry is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pettitte's gritty effort no match for Garza

MLB.COM BINGO

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ELIGIBILITY:  MLB.com Bingo (the "Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and Washington, D.C. who are eighteen (18) years of age or older (except in the case of legal residents of certain states where the legal age of majority is greater than eighteen (18) years of age, such legal age of majority) at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors (including immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and members of the same household, whether or not related) of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. ("Sponsor"), the other MLB Entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion are not eligible to participate or win a Prize (defined below). The "MLB Entities" shall mean Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball ("BOC"), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., the Major League Baseball Clubs ("Clubs"), each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

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RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

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Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

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14.25 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kuroda aims to lock up split of set in Texas

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NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING A PRIZE WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BINGO CARDS ISSUED AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VALID POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS CLAIMED FOR EACH APPLICABLE POSTSEASON GAME. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. ALL DISPUTES WILL BE RESOLVED SOLELY BY BINDING ARBITRATION AND ENTRANTS WAIVE THE ABILITY TO BRING CLAIMS IN A CLASS ACTION FORMAT.

ELIGIBILITY:  MLB.com Bingo (the "Promotion") is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and Washington, D.C. who are eighteen (18) years of age or older (except in the case of legal residents of certain states where the legal age of majority is greater than eighteen (18) years of age, such legal age of majority) at the time of entry. Employees, officers, and directors (including immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) and members of the same household, whether or not related) of MLB Advanced Media, L.P. ("Sponsor"), the other MLB Entities and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion are not eligible to participate or win a Prize (defined below). The "MLB Entities" shall mean Sponsor, the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball ("BOC"), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, Major League Baseball Enterprises, Inc., Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., the Major League Baseball Clubs ("Clubs"), each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities. The Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations. Void where prohibited or restricted by law, rule or regulation.

PROMOTION PERIOD: The Promotion period (the "Promotion Period") begins at 11:00 AM Eastern Time ("ET") on October 5, 2012 and ends upon completion of the final out of the 2012 MLB World Series Championship.

HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, you may enter the Promotion by clicking on the banners, buttons and/or links within MLB.com Gameday (a free application) and following the instructions provided to register for the Promotion. If you are not already a member of MLB.com, you must become one before you can register to participate in the Contest (membership is free). There is only one (1) way to participate in the Promotion: online. No other method of entry or participation will be accepted. Additional entries beyond the specified limit will be void. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated means will be void. All information submitted online by entrants is subject to, and will be treated in a manner consistent with, MLB.com's Terms of Use accessible at: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/about_mlb_com/terms_of_use.jsp and Privacy Policy accessible at: www.mlb.com/privacy.  All online entries must include a valid e-mail address for the entrant.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:  Upon successful registration, follow the instructions provided to receive one (1) virtual bingo card (the "Bingo Card") for each game of the 2012 MLB Postseason played during the Promotion Period (each, a "Postseason Game"). In addition, during the Promotion Period, participants may utilize sharing functionality available via the Promotion upon completion of a successful Contest (the "Sharing Functionality") to receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards. For each eligible individual any entrant notifies or makes aware of the Promotion who clicks on a valid link made available via the Sharing Functionality identifiable as having come from the entrant, such entrant shall receive two (2) additional Bingo Cards (for a total of three (3) Bingo Cards). No additional Bingo Cards will be received other than through verified Sharing Functionality. There is a limit of three (3) Bingo Cards per person and per e-mail address per Postseason Game. Each Bingo Card shall include a 5x5 grid that includes twenty-five (25) tiles (each, a "Tile"). Each Tile will include one (1) randomly selected game outcome for the active Postseason Game. For example, a participant could have a "Josh Hamilton Double" Tile on their Bingo Card which would be automatically marked in the event Josh Hamilton hits a double during a Postseason Game. Any eligible participant who receives a Bingo Card that becomes marked with five (5) Tiles in a vertical, horizontal or diagonal row (each, a "Potential Winning Bingo Card") may be a potential Prize winner, subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules. (See the Prize Claim Section below for more information.) For purposes of this Promotion, MLB game outcomes will not be updated to reflect any official MLB statistics changes or corrections that may occur after the completion of any Postseason Game. Once each Postseason Game is final following completion of the final out of that game, it will be final for purposes of this Promotion. In the event any Postseason Game is cancelled, postponed or suspended, all Bingo Cards will be void for that game and Sponsor reserves the right to award the applicable Prizes by way of random drawing from among all eligible participants as of the time of such cancellation, postponement or suspension.

PRIZE CLAIMS: In the event you receive a message within MLB.com Gameday notifying you that you have a Potential Winning Bingo Card, you must claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card by following the onscreen instructions provided by no later than ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game to be eligible for the Drawing (defined below). Failure to claim your Potential Winning Bingo Card within ten (10) minutes following the end of the applicable Postseason Game will render the Potential Winning Bingo Card void and result in Prize forfeiture.

ALL POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARDS ARE SUBJECT TO VERIFICATION BY SPONSOR WHOSE DECISIONS ARE FINAL AND BINDING. AN ENTRANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF THE PROMOTION SHOULD SO INDICATE, UNLESS AND UNTIL ENTRANT'S ELIGIBILITY, THE POTENTIAL WINNING BINGO CARD AND ENTRANT'S COMPLIANCE WITH THESE OFFICIAL RULES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED BY SPONSOR AND ENTRANT HAS BEEN NOTIFIED THAT SUCH VERIFICATION IS COMPLETE. SPONSOR WILL NOT ACCEPT SCREEN SHOTS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF WINNING IN LIEU OF ITS VALIDATION PROCESS.

RANDOM DRAWINGS: Approximately thirty (30) minutes following the final out of each Postseason Game, five (5) potential winners will be selected by random drawing from among all eligible participants who claim valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards for that Postseason Game in accordance with these Official Rules (the "Drawing"). Subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with the terms of these Official Rules, the potential winners will be declared official winners of the Sweepstakes (each, a "Winner" and collectively, the "Winners"). Odds of winning a Prize will depend on the total number of Bingo Cards issued and the total number of valid Potential Winning Bingo Cards claimed for each applicable Postseason Game. Limit one (1) Prize per person, per family and per household.

PRIZES:  A maximum of two hundred fifteen (215) prizes (each, a "Prize" and collectively, the "Prizes") will be awarded (i.e. five (5) Prizes per each Postseason Game with a maximum of forty-three (43) Postseason Games), as follows:

For up to twenty-two (22) Postseason Games during the 2012 Wild Card Games and the 2012 Division Series, each Winner will receive one (1) Postseason.TV subscription for the remainder of the 2012 MLB Postseason. Approximate retail value ("ARV") of each such Prize: $4.99.

For up to twenty-one (21) Postseason Games during the 2012 League Championship Series and the 2012 MLB World Series Championship, each Winner will receive one (1) MLB.TV Offseason Package subscription. ARV of each such Prize: $24.99.

Total ARV of all Prizes: $3172.85.

For the avoidance of doubt, no Prizes will be awarded in connection with any 2012 MLB Postseason game that is not played because it is not necessary.

PRIZE CONDITIONS: All Prize details to be determined in the sole discretion of Sponsor. Each Winner is fully responsible for any and all applicable federal, state and local taxes (including income and withholding taxes). Postseason.TV subscriptions are subject to blackout and other restrictions - see www.postseason.tv for complete details. All costs and expenses associated with the Prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided including, but not limited to, any and all expenses incurred by accepting the Prize are the sole responsibility of the Winners. The Prizes are non-transferable and non-assignable, with no cash redemptions except at Sponsor's sole and absolute discretion. Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any Prize (or any portion thereof) with one of comparable or greater value at its sole and absolute discretion.

NOTIFICATION:  Each potential winner will be notified at the e-mail address, postal address and/or telephone number (in the sole discretion of Sponsor) provided at the time of entry (the "Prize Notification"). In the event that any potential winner does not respond to any such Prize Notification within three (3) days of the date of issuance or declines the Prize for any reason, a disqualification will result, the Prize will be forfeited and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, an alternate potential winner may be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries. Each potential winner may be required to submit his/her valid social security number and/or other identification to Sponsor and may be required to execute, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and Release of Liability and, unless prohibited by law, Publicity, within five (5) days of date of issuance. Failure to submit any identification required by Sponsor or to return the required documents within the specified time period, noncompliance with these Official Rules or the return of the Prize (or any portion thereof) or Prize Notification as undeliverable may result in disqualification and Prize forfeiture and, at Sponsor's sole discretion and time permitting, may cause an alternate potential winner to be randomly selected from among all remaining eligible entries.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY/PUBLICITY RELEASE:  By participating in the Promotion and submitting an entry, each entrant agrees to (i) be bound by these Official Rules, including all entry requirements, and (ii) waive any and all claims against Sponsor, the other MLB Entities, Facebook, Apple, Inc. and each of their respective parents, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, officers, directors, employees, agents, licensees, distributors, dealers, retailers, printers, representatives and advertising and promotion agencies, and any and all other companies associated with the Promotion, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, "Released Parties") for any injury, damage or loss that may occur, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from the participation in the Promotion or from the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof) or any travel or activity related to the receipt or use of any Prize (or any portion thereof). By entering this Promotion, each entrant gives his/her express permission to be contacted by Sponsor by telephone, e-mail and/or postal mail for Promotion purposes. Each Winner, by acceptance of the Prize, grants to Sponsor and each of its designees the right to publicize such Winner's name, address (city and state of residence), photograph, voice, statements and/or other likeness and prize information for advertising, promotional, trade and/or any other purpose in any media or format now known or hereafter devised, throughout the world, in perpetuity, without limitation and without further compensation, consideration, permission or notification, unless prohibited by law.

GENERAL CONDITIONS:  All decisions of Sponsor, including the determination of winners, are final and binding on all matters relating to this Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for stolen, late, incomplete, illegible, inaccurate, misdirected, lost, misrouted, scrambled, damaged, delayed, undelivered, mutilated or garbled entries, transmissions, e-mail or mail; or for lost, interrupted or unavailable network, cable, satellite, server, Internet Service Provider (ISP), wireless network, website, or other connections including those through and/or by any website, availability or accessibility or miscommunications or failed computer, satellite, telephone, cable or wireless transmissions, lines, or technical failure or jumbled, scrambled, delayed, or misdirected transmissions or computer hardware or software malfunctions, failures or difficulties; any error, omission, interruption, defect or delay in transmission, processing, or communication; non-delivery; misdirected, blocked, or delayed e-mail notifications; printing, typographical or other errors appearing within these Official Rules, in any Promotion-related advertisements or other materials; or any other errors, problems or difficulties of any kind whether human, mechanical, electronic, network, computer, telephone, mail, typographical, printing or otherwise relating to or in connection with the Promotion, including, without limitation, errors or difficulties which may occur in connection with the administration of the Promotion, the processing of entries, the announcement of the Prize or in any Promotion-related materials, or the cancellation or postponement of any Major League Baseball game, event or exhibition. Released Parties are also not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by website users, tampering, hacking, or by any equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Promotion. Released Parties are not responsible for injury or damage to participants' or to any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating in this Promotion or downloading materials from or use of the website. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Promotion or website or attempt to undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion by cheating, deception or other unfair playing practices, or intend to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other entrant or any representative of Sponsor or who are in violation of these Official Rules, as solely determined by Sponsor, will be disqualified and all associated entries will be void. Any attempt to deliberately damage the content or operation of this Promotion is unlawful and subject to legal action by Sponsor and/or its agents. Sponsor shall have the sole right to disqualify any entrant for violation of these Official Rules or any applicable laws relating to the Promotion, and to resolve all disputes in its sole discretion. Released Parties (i) make no warranty, guaranty or representation of any kind concerning any Prize (or any portion thereof), and (ii) disclaim any implied warranty. Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend the Promotion (or any portion thereof) should virus, bugs, unauthorized human intervention, or other causes corrupt administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper operation of the Promotion (or any portion thereof). In the event of such cancellation, Sponsor may elect to identify the Winners and award the Prizes by way of random drawing from among all non-suspect, eligible entries received up to the time of such cancellation. Sponsor also reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to modify these Official Rules for clarification purposes without materially affecting the terms and conditions of the Promotion.

CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY ANY INDIVIDUAL, WHETHER OR NOT AN ENTRANT, TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROMOTION OR UNDERMINE THE CONTENT OR LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR WILL DISQUALIFY ANY SUCH ENTRANT, AND SPONSOR AND/OR ITS AGENTS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS' FEES) AND OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.

In the event of dispute as to the identity or eligibility of any potential winner based on an e-mail address, the winning entry will be declared made by the "Authorized Account Holder" of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry provided he/she is eligible according to these Official Rules. The "Authorized Account Holder" is defined as the natural person to whom the applicable Internet service provider or other organization (such as a business or educational institution) has assigned the e-mail address for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

As a condition of participating in this Promotion, each entrant agrees that (A) any and all disputes, claims, controversies or causes of action arising out of or relating to this Promotion, or any prizes awarded (each, a "Claim"), shall be (1) arbitrated on an individual basis only, and shall not be consolidated or joined with or in any arbitration or other proceeding involving a Claim of any other party, and (2) settled by binding arbitration in New York County, New York before a single arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its then governing rules and procedures, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof; and (B) under no circumstance will entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim, punitive, incidental, consequential or any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses. These Official Rules shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, U.S.A, applicable to contracts entered into and performed exclusively in that State.

Apple, Inc. is not a sponsor of, or responsible for conducting, the Promotion. All entry data provided in connection with this Promotion is provided to Sponsor and not to Facebook. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook.

WINNERS' LIST:  For a list of winners (available after December 1, 2012) mail a request and a self-addressed stamped envelope to be received by January 15, 2012 to: MLB.com Bingo Winner's List c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011, Attn: Sweepstakes Department.

SPONSOR: The Sponsor of this Promotion is MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 75 Ninth Ave., New York, New York 10011.

Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are proprietary to the MLB Entities. All rights reserved.

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Girardi patient as Hafner fights through slump

By Bryan Hoch / MLB.com | 7/24/2013 1:25 A.M. ET

ARLINGTON -- Travis Hafner was disappointed when he reported to Rangers Ballpark on Tuesday and did not see his name in the starting lineup, but the Yankees designated hitter also couldn't argue much with the decision.

"You want to play every day, but you can understand it at the same time," Hafner said. "Obviously, if I'm playing well, I would be in there more often."

Vernon Wells slotted in as the Yankees' DH against right-hander Alexi Ogando on Tuesday, replacing Hafner, who entered the game hitless in his last 13 at-bats and has just two hits in his last 25 at-bats. Hafner grounded out sharply as a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning of Tuesday's 5-4 win.

The slump is not a new development for Hafner, who has struggled mightily since a solid April debut in pinstripes. Hafner entered Tuesday with a .172 average, six homers, 20 RBIs, a .256 on-base percentage and a .296 slugging percentage since May 1.

"I don't really see a lot that's different in his setup or his swing," Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. "He's not being productive is what I see. It's frustrating for him, it's frustrating for us, because we believe that he can hit and we believe he's much better than what he's shown these past few months."

Hafner was signed to a one-year, $2 million contract by the Yankees in February, essentially as a replacement for Raul Ibanez, as general manager Brian Cashman referred to both players as "big, hairy monsters."

But Hafner has been unable to approach the impact that Ibanez had for the Yankees last season, as well as the 24 homers that Ibanez has slugged for the Mariners this year. Hafner is batting .209 with 12 homers and 37 RBIs in 79 games.

"It's been really frustrating," Hafner said. "This is a great situation for me here, and [Yankee Stadium] is a good ballpark for me to hit in. I feel like I can go out there and play at a high level and play like I did the first month. There's no reason why I can't do that. It's been extremely frustrating."

Hafner said that his right shoulder, on which he underwent an MRI exam and cortisone injection in May, has not been an issue. His problems have been more related to timing and feel at the plate.

Asked how much longer the Yankees could stick with Hafner, Girardi replied, "I guess you could go the rest of the season, right?"

"This game's tough. Hitting is tough. It's kept us all up at some point in our careers at night because it's difficult. I'm not giving up on him. He's not in the lineup today, but that doesn't mean that I'm giving up on him. We know that we need him to produce, and somehow, we have to find a way to get it done."

Yanks prepared to lose Cruz to disabled list

ARLINGTON -- The Yankees' flooded disabled list is primed to take on yet another member.

Infielder Luis Cruz is wearing a heavy brace on his left leg to protect what he said is an MCL injury, and manager Joe Girardi said that the Yankees may make a move Wednesday to replace Cruz on the active roster.

Cruz hurt his knee tumbling into left field during Monday's 3-0 loss to the Rangers, snaring Mitch Moreland's third-inning flare and kicking up a large divot of grass in the process.

"On the play yesterday, I dove and the spike got stuck in the grass, and my knee went [the opposite] way," Cruz said after Tuesday's 5-4 win. "It hurts really bad. I don't know what it's going to say, but I'm getting an MRI when we get back to New York. Hopefully everything's good."

Cruz finished the game but was unavailable to play on Tuesday. Girardi said that he was worried immediately about Cruz, who has played 16 games with the Yankees after starting the year with the Dodgers.

"Any time you see a player go and grab the knee, you're always really concerned," Girardi said. "And it just looked bad, the way he jammed it."

The Yankees have had 16 players on the DL this season, serving 20 stints.

Feeling no pain, Jeter sprints, takes BP

ARLINGTON -- Yankees captain Derek Jeter joined a batting practice group at Rangers Ballpark on Tuesday, his first time hitting on the field since straining his right quadriceps.

"It's the first step," Jeter said. "That's the key, is you don't want to feel it, and I don't feel it."

Jeter also ran about a half-dozen sprints in the outfield and fielded ground balls hit directly at him near the lip of the infield before Tuesday's game against the Rangers.

The 39-year-old Jeter has not yet been cleared to run the bases and said that he no longer feels discomfort in his right quad, which suffered a Grade 1 strain in his only game of the season, on July 11.

"I'm sure I'll do more [Wednesday]," Jeter said.

The shortstop hopes to come off the 15-day disabled list the first day that he is eligible, Saturday against the Rays at Yankee Stadium.

Bombers bits

• Right-hander David Phelps made a Minor League rehabilitation start for Double-A Trenton on Tuesday, pitching in the first game of a doubleheader against Altoona. Phelps, recovering from a right forearm strain, struck out six batters and walked three over 3 2/3 innings. He allowed two runs on two hits, including a home run.

• Catcher Austin Romine returned to the Yankees' lineup on Tuesday after he was unavailable for two games due to a stiff neck. Girardi said that it was not a coincidence that Romine was again paired with right-hander Phil Hughes.

"I always felt that it was easier for me if I had the same guy a lot of times, because you have a pretty good understanding of what he likes to do in certain situations," Girardi said.

• Infielder Alberto Gonzalez has been outrighted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

• On this date in 1957, Mickey Mantle hit for the cycle in a 10-6 win over the White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mantle became the eighth Yankees player to accomplish the feat.

Bryan Hoch is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and read his MLBlog, Bombers Beat. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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