chicot60
08-04-2011, 11:18 AM
BY PETE CALDERA
STAFF WRITER
CHICAGO – Major League Baseball officials plan to speak with Alex Rodriguez as part of an investigation of the Yankees slugger's alleged past involvement in high-stakes poker games.
However, the club has not been warned of any potential suspension of A-Rod according to industry sources. Such a penalty is viewed as unlikely. The Beverly Hills-area poker games were said to have ended in 2009.
"We take this very seriously and have been investigating this matter since the initial allegation," a spokesperson for commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement on Wednesday. "As part of the investigation, the Commissioner's Office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."
Currently on the disabled list, A-Rod is due to begin baseball activity today at the Yankees' Tampa, Fla., complex. Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery on July 11, and he could return in about two weeks.
"Everything's gone well so far," manager Joe Girardi said of A-Rod's rehab. Rodriguez, 36, was expected to swing off a tee and participate in soft-toss drills. Girardi plans to reinstate A-Rod as the cleanup hitter as soon as he's activated.
As to the MLB investigation, "I don't really have any comment on that," Girardi said. "We'll let baseball handle those things."
Allegations of A-Rod's participation in high-stakes poker games were first reported by Star Magazine. Previously, Rodriguez was warned by Selig in 2005 about his participation in illegal poker games that took place in New York.
The starting six
Girardi plans to start Phil Hughes next Tuesday against the Angels at Yankee Stadium. Hughes solidified his spot in the rotation with six scoreless innings Tuesday night against the White Sox. But, Girardi wouldn't offer what the prospects are for tonight's starter Ivan Nova.
"We could stay with a six-man rotation if we think it's beneficial. We love the way that Nova's throwing the ball. There's no rush. We haven't figured it out," Girardi said. However, a six-man staff might be difficult to maintain with Monday's scheduled off day.
Also Wednesday, CC Sabathia was named the AL's Pitcher of the Month for July.
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/126750548_MLB_to_chat_with_A-Rod.html
STAFF WRITER
CHICAGO – Major League Baseball officials plan to speak with Alex Rodriguez as part of an investigation of the Yankees slugger's alleged past involvement in high-stakes poker games.
However, the club has not been warned of any potential suspension of A-Rod according to industry sources. Such a penalty is viewed as unlikely. The Beverly Hills-area poker games were said to have ended in 2009.
"We take this very seriously and have been investigating this matter since the initial allegation," a spokesperson for commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement on Wednesday. "As part of the investigation, the Commissioner's Office will interview Mr. Rodriguez."
Currently on the disabled list, A-Rod is due to begin baseball activity today at the Yankees' Tampa, Fla., complex. Rodriguez underwent arthroscopic right knee surgery on July 11, and he could return in about two weeks.
"Everything's gone well so far," manager Joe Girardi said of A-Rod's rehab. Rodriguez, 36, was expected to swing off a tee and participate in soft-toss drills. Girardi plans to reinstate A-Rod as the cleanup hitter as soon as he's activated.
As to the MLB investigation, "I don't really have any comment on that," Girardi said. "We'll let baseball handle those things."
Allegations of A-Rod's participation in high-stakes poker games were first reported by Star Magazine. Previously, Rodriguez was warned by Selig in 2005 about his participation in illegal poker games that took place in New York.
The starting six
Girardi plans to start Phil Hughes next Tuesday against the Angels at Yankee Stadium. Hughes solidified his spot in the rotation with six scoreless innings Tuesday night against the White Sox. But, Girardi wouldn't offer what the prospects are for tonight's starter Ivan Nova.
"We could stay with a six-man rotation if we think it's beneficial. We love the way that Nova's throwing the ball. There's no rush. We haven't figured it out," Girardi said. However, a six-man staff might be difficult to maintain with Monday's scheduled off day.
Also Wednesday, CC Sabathia was named the AL's Pitcher of the Month for July.
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/126750548_MLB_to_chat_with_A-Rod.html