Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Paul Splittorff, the big, blonde left-hander who became the winningest pitcher in Royals history (and losingest, as he self-deprecatingly liked to point out) and a popular broadcaster for the team, died Wednesday of complications from skin cancer. He was 64.
The Royals said Mr. Splittorff died at his home in the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs, Mo. His family announced 10 days ago that he had been battling melanoma and oral cancer.
Fans noticed on opening day in 2009 that his speech had become slurred, though Mr. Splittorff kept his health issues private until his plight was reported by online columnist Greg Hall.
"He didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him," Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre said.
"When you've known somebody for so long and they've been such a big part of your life, it's never easy to say goodbye," said Frank White, the Royals' eight-time Gold Glove second baseman. "Our kids went to the same schools and grew up together. I have so many memories of Paul."
His broadcast partners described a fun-loving, meticulously prepared old-school guy. Once, when Bob Davis took a restroom break between innings, Mr. Splittorff locked his close friend out of the booth.
Mr. Splittorff (166-143, with team records in starts, 392, and innings, 2,5542/3) spent his entire 15-year career in Kansas City. A bespectacled, 6-foot-3 lefty with a high leg kick, he often appeared to squint as though he had trouble seeing the sign. This had hitters wondering if the ball would come flying toward their head.
SORIANO SIDELINED: Yankees RH reliever Rafael Soriano has an inflamed ligament in his elbow that could keep the former Rays closer out up to two months. GM Brian Cashman said Dr. James Andrews recommended rest for about two weeks, then light throwing.
METS TURMOIL: Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he expects payroll to be cut next season, just not as drastically as some reports have projected. Alderson tried to make light of the controversy caused by two magazine articles that quoted owner Fred Wilpon. "I was thinking, if the world had ended on Saturday, we wouldn't have to deal with these things," he said.
CABRERA WANTS TO DRIVE: Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera will find out in about a week if he will get his suspended driver's license back. He refused to take a breath test when arrested Feb. 16.
FAN INJURED: A 27-year-old man critically injured at Coors Field on Tuesday night was sliding down a railing when he lost control and fell, landing on his head, police told the Denver Post. The victim has not been identified.
D'BACKS: RH reliever Juan Gutierrez went on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, and RHP Zach Kroenke was recalled from Triple-A Reno.
RANGERS: RHP Brandon Webb, trying to come back from 2009 shoulder surgery, will throw a bullpen session Friday and could make a rehab start Monday at Double-A Frisco.
RED SOX: 3B Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch with a sore left hand, and RF J.D. Drew sat out with a strained right hamstring.
TWINS: RHP Kevin Slowey has a muscle strain in his abdomen that will require at least a week of rest and a likely stint on the disabled list.