Times wires
Thursday, May 26, 2011
SAN FRANCISCO — Former Seminole star Buster Posey was carted through a tunnel at AT&T Park on Thursday, a makeshift cast covering his left ankle and no emotion on his face.
A night after the Marlins' Scott Cousins crashed into him at home plate, San Francisco's star catcher was put on the disabled list because of a broken bone in his lower left leg and three torn ligaments in the ankle, likely ending his season.
"You just don't replace a guy like Buster Posey," said manager Bruce Bochy, who was so stricken by the news he called on Major League Baseball to review rule changes for collisions at the plate.
Posey has been San Francisco's cleanup hitter, a team leader and a key cog behind the plate for one of baseball's best rotations. The 2010 National League rookie of the year was batting .284 with four homers and 21 RBIs, and in the midst of a 13-game hitting streak to move the Giants into the NL West lead.
The play started when Emilio Bonifacio hit a shallow fly ball to right-center for the second out in the 12th inning. Cousins tagged from third base, beat the throw from Nate Schierholtz and lowered his shoulder to slam into Posey. Cousins was safe because Posey couldn't corral the ball, giving Florida a 7-6 victory.
"It's part of baseball, I understand that, guys running into catchers," Bochy said. "Being a catcher, I've been in a few of them. You're in harm's way there. I think we do need to consider changing the rules here a little bit because the catcher is so vulnerable and there's so many who have gotten hurt, and not just a little bit, had their careers ended or shortened.
"And here's a guy who's very popular in baseball. Fans want to see him play. Now he's out for a while."
Posey will seek a specialist to perform surgery. Backup Eli Whiteside is the immediate replacement.
Fan dies: Robert Seamans, the 27-year-old man who fell about 20 feet and struck his head on concrete at Tuesday's Rockies game, was declared dead, authorities said. Witnesses told police he had been trying to slide down a staircase railing at Coors Field and lost his balance. The Denver Post reported that he was declared brain dead about 12 hours after the fall.
Mets sell share of team: The cash-strapped owners of the Mets agreed to sell a minority share to hedge fund manager David Einhorn for $200 million. Owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon and Saul Katz will retain control of the team, which was damaged by the Bernard Madoff Ponzi scheme scandal. It was not clear how much of the team Einhorn will own.
More Mets: RHP R.A. Dickey injured a heel when he fell trying to cover first base. The team ruled out an Achilles' tendon injury. He will be examined today
Angels: INF Kendrys Morales had a second surgery on his left ankle to clean out scar tissue, degenerative cysts and debris. He won't return this season. … INF Howie Kendrick was put on the 15-day DL with right hamstring tightness.
Braves: DUI and reckless driving charges have been dismissed against P Derek Lowe for lack of evidence. Lowe, 37, did not contest a traffic violation for making an improper lane change.
Braves-Cubs: Atlanta traded veteran RHP Rodrigo Lopez to the Cubs for minor-league LHP Ryan Buchter.
Cubs: After pitching in a 9-3 win, Carlos Zambrano went to see the team physician about a stiff neck, the Chicago Tribune reported. The team said he is expected to make his next start.
Indians: The Indians cleared room for CF Grady Sizemore's expected return from a bruised right kneecap this weekend against the Rays by optioning OF Ezequiel Carrera to Triple A.
Rockies-Royals: Colorado traded RHP Felipe Paulino to Kansas City for cash considerations. Paulino, 27, was less than reliable as a late-inning reliever this season in 18 appearances (0-4, 7.36 ERA).