Times wires
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
PHOENIX — The Cubs are becoming all too familiar with dugout arguments.
There was one in June between pitcher Carlos Zambrano and first baseman Derrek Lee, and now another between pitcher Carlos Silva and third baseman Aramis Ramirez in the team's fourth spring game, a 12-5 loss Wednesday to the Brewers.
Silva was upset after he gave up six runs in the first, including three unearned because of three errors. Manager Mike Quade said Silva entered the dugout and ranted against the defense to no one in particular. Ramirez, who committed one of the miscues, took exception. No punches were thrown, and Silva was escorted to the clubhouse by a coach.
"You have two (upset) people," Quade said. "It was a brutal inning. There was plenty of blame to go around. Maybe it's something we need.
"That just tells you how poor our defense has been (14 errors in four games), although we have made our share of pitching mistakes, too."
The manager's initial reaction was not to hand out any discipline. The team was to discuss the matter at a meeting.
Red Sox: Right-hander Josh Beckett will miss today's scheduled start because of concussion symptoms. Beckett was hit on the left temple while shagging balls in the outfield during batting practice Monday. The team said he has passed tests and been cleared for physical activity. The team expects Beckett to take his next turn.
A's: Outfielder Coco Crisp was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Scottsdale, Ariz.. He was released from jail and arrived at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on time to take part in pregame drills. The team is waiting for further details.
Cardinals: Right-hander Chris Carpenter is expected to miss at least one spring start even though his strained left hamstring is feeling better.
Dodgers: Left-hander Clayton Kershaw, who has been named the opening day starter against the Giants on March 31, agreed to a one-year deal worth $500,000. He earned $440,000 last season, when he went 13-10 with a 2.91 ERA.
Mariners: Left-hander Aaron Laffey was acquired in a trade with the Indians for minor-league infielder Matt Lawson, who will report to Cleveland's minor-league camp. Laffey split time between Cleveland and Triple-A Columbus last season, and he bounced back and forth between the rotation and bullpen. He likely to be looked at as a possible No. 5 starter now.
Twins: Manager Ron Gardenhire confirmed that Brian Duensing will open the season as a starter. The left-hander responded by tossing two scoreless innings in a 4-2 win over the Pirates. He gave up two hits and one walk, striking out two.