Bob Sheppard misses his first Yankee Stadium home opener since 1951 after sustaining a hip injury at his home yesterday. The long-time public address announcer will return to the microphone during the team’s next homestand.

ByTom

Bob Sheppard misses his first Yankee Stadium home opener since 1951 after sustaining a hip injury at his home yesterday. The long-time public address announcer will return to the microphone during the team’s next homestand.

At the home opener at RFK Stadium prior to the hometown team’s 7-1 loss to the Mets, Dick Cheney, wearing a red-and-blue Nationals jacket, becomes the eighth sitting vice president to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. After the the veep is greeted with a chorus of loud boos, he bounces the pitch in front of home plate, throwing the ball from directly in front of the pitching mound.

ByTom

At the home opener at RFK Stadium prior to the hometown team’s 7-1 loss to the Mets, Dick Cheney, wearing a red-and-blue Nationals jacket, becomes the eighth sitting vice president to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. After the the veep is greeted with a chorus of loud boos, he bounces the pitch in front of home plate, throwing the ball from directly in front of the pitching mound.

Bronson Arroyo, who hit no home runs in his first six major league seasons, hits his second in six days off Glendon Rusch in the Cincinnati Reds’ 9 – 2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Arroyo, acquired by Cincinnati in a March 20th trade with the Boston Red Sox, also pitches seven shutout innings, beating Chicago for the second time in two starts. His solo shot six days ago against Rusch at Great American Ball Park was his first homer since high school and first major league hit since 2001.

ByThis Day in Baseball

Bronson Arroyo, who hit no home runs in his first six major league seasons, hits his second in six days off Glendon Rusch in the Cincinnati Reds’ 9 – 2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Arroyo, acquired by Cincinnati in a March 20th trade with the Boston Red Sox, also pitches seven shutout innings, beating Chicago for the second time in two starts. His solo shot six days ago against Rusch at Great American Ball Park was his first homer since high school and first major league hit since 2001.

Derrek Lee signs a five-year, $65 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. The new contract calls for a $13 million annual salary until 2010 and contains a no-trade clause. Lee hit .335 with 46 home runs and 107 runs batted in last year while winning a Gold Glove at first base.

ByTom

Derrek Lee signs a five-year, $65 million deal with the Chicago Cubs. The new contract calls for a $13 million annual salary until 2010 and contains a no-trade clause. Lee hit .335 with 46 home runs and 107 runs batted in last year while winning a Gold Glove at first base.

Minor league pitchers Waner Mateo (Mets), Ryan Rafferty (Royals), Ramón Ramirez and Justin Mallett (Reds), are suspended 50 games each by the Commissioner’s office for violating baseball’s minor league drug program, the first penalties since the sport toughened its rules during the offseason.

ByTom

Minor league pitchers Waner Mateo (Mets), Ryan Rafferty (Royals), Ramón Ramirez and Justin Mallett (Reds), are suspended 50 games each by the Commissioner’s office for violating baseball’s minor league drug program, the first penalties since the sport toughened its rules during the offseason.