Beltran not listening to the rumors
Carlos Beltran can hardly turn around these days without hearing his name in trade speculation.
Last week in Kansas City, general manager Allard Baird told Beltran that he’ll be the first to know if the Royals make a deal involving their star center fielder.
“He just tried to let me know not to listen to rumors, just listen to what he was going to say to me,” Beltran said Wednesday before Kansas City played the Atlanta Braves. “He already told me that other teams have interest in me, but that right now he hasn’t received any good offers yet. I believe in his word.”
The Royals, who have the A.L.’s worst record at 24-38, have lost six of 10. Baird confirmed last week that no Kansas City player is untouchable, including Beltran, who last year became the first switch-hitter in history to hit at least .300 with 25 home runs and 40 stolen bases.
“I can’t control what’s going to happen,” Beltran said. “What’s going to happen is going to happen sooner or later, and I’m not worried that if we’re not in contention something will happen. I still have to go out there and play my game.”
Nen rejoins Giants — for now
Giants closer Robb Nen is determined to save his career — no matter how long it takes him to get healthy.
Nen rejoined his San Francisco teammates after spending a month back home in Southern California to rest his troublesome throwing shoulder.
While Nen’s shoulder isn’t hurting, the Giants refuse to take a chance too soon and haven’t established a new rehab program for the three-time All-Star. He will continue to take time off for now.
“Rest is the thing we’re going to do now,” said Nen, who has been watching games on TV, doing cardio workouts to stay in shape and “clearing my mind a little bit.”
He will be evaluated by team doctors over the next few days, then trainer Stan Conte will determine Nen’s next step. The pitcher said if he is unable to appear in a game this season, he’s hopeful he could give it another shot in 2005 — even if he has to earn a non-roster invite to spring training with another club.
Pirates’ Wells to consult with another hand specialist
Pirates right-hander Kip Wells left the team to have his troublesome right hand examined by a Wake Forest University surgeon.
Wells hasn’t pitched past the fifth inning in his last two starts, saying he was bothered by a lack of feeling in his right middle finger. He had a similar problem last season with a recurring blister on the same finger, causing him to miss a start.
Wells underwent tests earlier this week performed by Pittsburgh physician Mark Baritz, and it was then decided he would also be examined by David Ruch, a hand surgeon at Wake Forest University Health Services.
Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said Ruch will examine the tests Wells underwent in Pittsburgh.
Donnelly to be activated today by Angels
Reliever Brendan Donnelly will be activated today by the Anaheim Angels after being sidelined since a scary spring training accident fractured his nose in 20 places.
Donnelly was injured March 9 while shagging flies during batting practice, with doctors saying he lost half the blood in his body. He subsequently needed several return trips to the hospital and three operations.
Donnelly rejoined the Angels on Wednesday to be reevaluated by team officials following a two-outing rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Salt Lake. Donnelly was 2-2 with a 1.58 ERA and three saves in a team-leading 63 appearances last season.
Valenzuela, Gossage to manage Futures game
Goose Gossage and Fernando Valenzuela will manage top minor leaguers in the Futures game during All-Star weekend at Houston.
Gossage, a nine-time All-Star pitcher, will guide the U.S. team. Valenzuela, a six-time All-Star pitcher, will run the World squad.
The seven-inning exhibition will be played July 11.