Baseball’s Playing Rules Committee approves several changes, making it the first time since 1996 the rules of the game has been altered. The new regulations include a ten-game suspension scuffing a baseball, elimination of tie games halted after the fifth inning due to weather by resuming the contest before the next scheduled start at the same ballpark, prohibiting players going into a dugout to make a catch, and allowing pitchers to wear multicolored gloves.

ByTom

Baseball’s Playing Rules Committee approves several changes, making it the first time since 1996 the rules of the game has been altered. The new regulations include a ten-game suspension scuffing a baseball, elimination of tie games halted after the fifth inning due to weather by resuming the contest before the next scheduled start at the same ballpark, prohibiting players going into a dugout to make a catch, and allowing pitchers to wear multicolored gloves.

For the first time at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will allow ads on the green doors located in the ivy in the left- and right-field bleachers, according to Jay Blunk, director of marketing and sales. Although the team has been approached by other companies, Under Armour, whose company spokesman is newly acquired outfielder Alfonso Soriano, is the “right fit” for the 7-by-12 foot signage featuring the performance apparel’s signature logo.

ByTom

For the first time at Wrigley Field, the Cubs will allow ads on the green doors located in the ivy in the left- and right-field bleachers, according to Jay Blunk, director of marketing and sales. Although the team has been approached by other companies, Under Armour, whose company spokesman is newly acquired outfielder Alfonso Soriano, is the “right fit” for the 7-by-12 foot signage featuring the performance apparel’s signature logo.

The Major League Baseball Players Association looks to appeal 9th U.S. Circuit Court decision

ByTom

The Major League Baseball Players Association asks the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider its 2-1 decision which would allow the names and urine samples of more than 100 players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs to be made available to authorities investigating the use of steroids in baseball. The 1993 samples were collected by MLB to gauge the prevalence of steroid use with players and owners agreeing the results would be confidential.

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer

ByTom

Avoiding salary arbitration, AL’s reigning batting champ Joe Mauer (.347, 13, 84) and the Twins come to terms on a $33 million, four-year contract. The hometown 23 year-old All-Star backstop is the first catcher to lead the majors in batting average and the first to win the batting title in the American League.