Baseball briefs

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Jun 13, 2006

GRIMSLEY SUSPENDED

Embattled pitcher Jason Grimsley was suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball on Monday, less than a week after federal agents raided his home during an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs.

Commissioner Bud Selig's office suspended Grimsley for violating baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, based on his statements to authorities regarding human growth hormone.

"I think he earned it," Arizona Diamondbacks managing general partner Ken Kendrick said. "I think it sends a message and an appropriate message."

"He violated the agreement. Obviously MLB feels that he did. That's Bud's decision and I think it's the right decision and I applaud him for it," he said.

TORONTO TRANSACTION

The Toronto Blue Jays made a series of roster moves on Monday, including releasing second baseman Edgardo Alfonzo and recalling infielder Russ Adams from Triple-A Syracuse.

Alfonzo hit .222 in just eight games with Toronto. He was released by the Los Angeles Angels last month.

Toronto sent Adams to Triple-A last month after the shortstop repeatedly had trouble making throws to first. Nine of his 10 errors were on throws to first, so the Blue Jays converted into a second baseman.

He's expected to start there now.

PAWTUCKET PAULEY

David Pauley, who was 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three starts with the Red Sox, has been optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket

The Red Sox planned said they would make a move to replace Pauley before Boston opens a three-game series at Minnesota on Tuesday night. Reliever Mike Timlin said Sunday he expected to be activated from the disabled list.

DRABOWSKY DIES

Moe Drabowsky, who set a World Series strikeout record for a relief pitcher but was equally renowned as one of baseball's most accomplished pranksters, died Saturday in Little Rock, Ark. He was 70.

His death was announced by Liz Caldwell, a spokeswoman for the University of Arkansas Medical Center, where he had been treated for multiple myeloma, a form of cancer.

Drabowsky, a strapping right-hander who pitched for eight teams, from 1956 to 1972, was remembered for his feat with the Baltimore Orioles in Game 1 of the 1966 World Series. Relieving Dave McNally in the third inning, Drabowsky struck out 11 Los Angeles Dodgers batters in six and two-thirds shutout innings, yielding one hit.