Padres spread $5M around

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jul 2, 2008 | by wire services

While the Oakland A's were giving out a $4.25 million bonus to sign one 16-year-old prospect Wednesday, 6-foot-7 pitcher Michael Inoa, the San Diego Padres committed nearly $5 million in signing bonuses on five international prospects.

Two months after opening a baseball academy in the Dominican Republic, the Padres stepped up their offshore push Wednesday by landing five highly regarded 16-year-olds on the first day of the international signing period.

That included $2 million to right-hander Adis Portillo of Venezuela. Also signing: shortstop Alvaro Aristy, right-hander Elvin Tavarez, both of the Dominican Republic; infielder-outfielder Corey Adamson, Australia; and outfielder Luis Domoromo, Venezuela.

Dodgers: Shortstop Rafael Furcal will have surgery today to relieve pressure on a disk in his lower back and could be out at least eight weeks, manager Joe Torre said.

Furcal left a rehab assignment with the team's Triple-A affiliate in Las Vegas on Tuesday and returned to Los Angeles after experiencing discomfort in his back. He has been on the disabled list since May 6 because of a lower back strain.

Clemens: Lawyers for Brian McNamee asked a federal court to dismiss Roger Clemens' defamation lawsuit or move the case to New York.

Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, sued McNamee in January after his former trainer accused him in the Mitchell Report of using steroids and human growth hormone. The case, originally filed in Texas state court, was moved to the U.S. District Court in Houston. McNamee's lawyers say in a motion filed in U.S. District Court that New York has the most interest in this lawsuit.

Yankees: Hideki Matsui could be out until the All-Star break as the Yankees slugger tries to work his way back from a sore left knee. The club had hoped he'd be ready to take batting practice this weekend, but says that time frame is no longer realistic.

Also, Jorge Posada's shoulder is a work in progress after the Rangers stole four bases in four tries against him Tuesday. Manager Joe Girardi said that shouldn't all be put on the back of Posada, who was on the DL April 28-June 3 with right rotator cuff tendinitis.

Rockies: Jeff Francis went on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, leaving Colorado without its Opening Day starter.