The amazing disgrace continues: Major League Baseball officially suspended former Diamondbacks pitcher Jason Grimsley 50 games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He is the first player to be suspended without testing positive on a drug test (can that certain someone else be next?). Not that it matters much, as Grimsley will probably never pitch again. Also, according to MLB.com, the Diamondbacks have officially filed termination papers (like he works at Pizza Hut or something) with the commissioner’s office. They claim that Grimsley was mentally unfit to play and should not be paid the remainder of the $825,000 he is under contract for.
Just plain amazing: Ichiro is at it again – albeit quietly. While Twins catcher Joe Mauer has been getting most of the press, Suzuki is arguably the hottest player in the league. The Mariners’ star is hitting .366 and already has 102 hits, which is ahead of his record-breaking pace of 262 in 2004. He is hitting .532 in June with 36 total bases during the first 12 days of the month. Despite this, he is currently in 4th place in the AL all star voting.
Sweet fifteen: Do you think Steinbrenner would like a do-over? Yankee discard Jose Contreras won his 15th consecutive decision last night for the Chicago White Sox, pitching eight innings, striking out 11 Rangers and improving to 7-0 on the season. Contreras – making a strong case to be the first on the hill in Pittsburgh July 11th – is two victories shy from tying Johan Santana’s 17 straight wins in 2004-2005, according to the Elias sports Bureau. Just think, Steinbrenner practically gave Contreras to the White Sox, only getting Esteban Loaiza in return.
On schedule: Roger Clemens’s “rehab” from being a lazy slob is right on course. Kidding. The Rocket pitched six strong innings for the Class AA Corpus Christi Hooks on Sunday night, striking out 11 and looking sharper than his first outing. The struggling Astros are counting down the days until the $12.6 million aggregated superstar goes from pitching in the likes Whataburger Field to pitching in Minute Maid Park. From the How Far Will People Bend Over Backwards for Roger Clemens Department, the Astros received special permission from the Texas League for Clemens to use an official Major League baseball and Hooks‘ catcher J.R. House gladly gave up his number 22 for Clemens, according to the Houston Chronicle. Clemens is scheduled to return June 22 against the Minnesota Twins.
Ping!!!: Break out the aluminum bats and dial up the dramatic, walk-off grand slams; it’s time for the College World Series! The annual tournament, which has introduced baseball fans to the likes of Barry Bonds, Rafael Palmeiro, Will Clark and Joey- uh, I mean Albert – Belle is in full swing. The usual powerhouses are there, with Clemson, Georgia Tech, Cal State-Fullerton and Rice and Miami set to play. Defending champ Texas was upset by Oregon State. Clemson is the top seed overall, and they needed one of those walk-off slams by Cubs’ first round pick Tyler Colvin to squeak by upset-minded Oral Roberts. The World Series kicks off in Omaha, Neb. on Friday.
One reply on “The Full Count: Jason Grimsley gets 50 games”
Power OUTage. Hello, gals! — Ichiro, is great, but check out is slugging %. Even Wade Boggs had more pop in his stick (don’t do it, Editor, don’t do it).