MLB notebook: Wilson apologizes to Pirates

Thursday, July 02, 2009 6:20 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend |

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH — Shortstop Jack Wilson apologized to the Pirates for criticizing the team's latest trades, saying his frustration at losing three more teammates made it seem as if he were angry at his own club.

Wilson was clearly upset after the Pirates traded outfielder Nyjer Morgan plus two other players on Tuesday, saying he was "beyond tired of such moves" — including last month's deal that sent All-Star outfielder Nate McLouth to Atlanta.

"It's tough for the guys who've been here and have seen these trades happen and absolutely do nothing," Wilson said several hours after the deals were made. "I've seen these trades two or three times a year and we still haven't had a winning season."

Wilson expressed disappointment before Wednesday's game against the Cubs that his remarks appeared to be overly critical of management.

"Some of my comments were pretty harsh," he said. "I definitely don't want to be the guy who is butting heads with the organization or trying to cause any type of negativity, so I apologize. When you are here in the moment and you're talking to guys and everyone is bummed out, you maybe lose your head a little bit and vent. A lot of the things I said, I thought about ... and they were pretty inaccurate."

DIAMONDBACKS

PHOENIX — Arizona ace Brandon Webb, hoping he can play again this season, will not have surgery on his ailing pitching shoulder.CARDINALS

ST. LOUIS — Mark DeRosa has a strained tendon in his left wrist and expects to miss three or four games.

St. Louis also said third baseman Troy Glaus will report to its spring training complex to continue therapy in an often troubled rehab from right shoulder surgery in January. The 32-year-old could begin a rehab assignment in a few weeks.

MARLINS

MIAMI — Construction has begun for the long-awaited Florida ballpark.

Hours after the final arrangements were completed for the bonds that will help pay for the 37,000-seat retractable-roof stadium, crews arrived Wednesday morning at the former Orange Bowl site to begin preparations for the project.

YANKEES

LINCOLN, Neb. — The mother of pitcher Joba Chamberlain has pleaded not guilty in a Nebraska court to a felony drug charge.

ORIOLES

BALTIMORE — Pitcher Koji Uehara will be sidelined roughly two months after an examination of his ailing right elbow revealed a partial tear of the flexor tendon.

ROYALS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Shortstop Mike Aviles, will undergo Tommy John surgery and be sidelined for up to 12 months.

ALL-STAR GAME

NEW YORK — Baseball is expanding All-Star rosters yet again.

Each league will have 33 players for the July 14 game at St. Louis, with an extra pitcher added to bring the total to 13. The commissioner's office said the extra spot will be a manager's choice.

CLEMENS

HOUSTON — A federal judge has rejected Roger Clemens's bid to revive some of his defamation claims against Brian McNamee, clearing the way for the former trainer to file his own suit against the seven-time Cy Young Award winner.