Sunday, April 24, 2011

Braun builds deal to $145.5M

Times wires
Thursday, April 21, 2011

MILWAUKEE — LF Ryan Braun signed a $105 million, five-year contract extension with the Brewers on Thursday that adds to a seven-year deal he signed in May 2008, meaning the team is committed to pay the slugger $145.5 million through 2020.

"From here on out the only thing that really matters is winning," said Braun, 27, one of five players in history to hit at least 125 homers and post a .300 batting average over the first four seasons of his career, joining Joe DiMaggio, Chuck Klein, Albert Pujols and Ted Williams.

Braun's .308 career average is the franchise's top mark.

"Very rarely does it happen where a player understands his franchise and where it's at and where he wants to be in the future," GM Doug Melvin said.

Braun's deal includes a no-trade provision, and he will defer some of his salary.

Dodgers exec rips Selig over takeover

LOS ANGELES — Newly hired Dodgers vice chairman Steve Soboroff called commissioner Bud Selig's move to take control of the team "irresponsible."

MLB took over day-to-day operations Wednesday because owner Frank McCourt's troubled finances and divorce have seemingly paralyzed the club. Selig is expected to appoint a new head for the team.

"All this momentum is building and then all of sudden this letter comes in and says, 'You don't have any money. You don't have this or that.' I think it was irresponsible," said Soboroff, who was hired this week to improve the fan experience at Dodger Stadium and help with ties to the community.

Expanded playoffs: Selig said he expects the playoffs to expand from eight to 10 teams next season. He said scheduling is a major issue, but "the more we've talked about it, I think we're moving inexorably to that." The matter is subject to collective bargaining.

Diversity Grade: The percentage of black players in the majors dropped again on opening day this year even as the sport again received a top overall grade for racial diversity (B-plus). The grade for gender hiring (B-minus) declined slightly (from B), according to the annual study released by Richard Lapchick's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports at UCF. Baseball received an A for racial diversity in hiring, same as last year. The percentage of black players dropped to 8.5 percent, down from 10 percent and its lowest level since 2007. The percentage of Latino players dropped from 28.4 percent to 27.

Razzed Red: Dusty Baker considered skipping Mike Leake's turn in the rotation, but the Reds manager decided the pitcher wouldn't let his arrest on shoplifting charges distract him. Leake then beat the Diamondbacks 7-4, but the home fans sure had their fun.

Police reports said Leake removed the tags from six T-shirts at a store Monday and tried to leave without paying. The shirts were valued at $59.88, and he makes more than $400,000.

A fan held up a sign Thursday that said, "Mike Leake We Gave You The Bunt Sign Not The Steal Sign!"

Mets: LF Jason Bay (strained left rib cage) was activated from the 15-day disabled list and went 1-for-4 hitting fifth in the lineup.

Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/braun-builds-deal-to-1455m/1165292

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