Baker refutes link to Dodgers
NOTES
Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker refuted a Los Angeles Times report Sunday that quoted a source as saying Baker would like to return to Los Angeles to manage the Dodgers should Jim Tracy depart.
“I don’t know where these things come from,” Baker told MLB.com. “I’ve got a year and some change on my contract (with the Cubs). I’ve never not honored a contract in my entire life. I don’t renegotiate contracts. I’ve never done that.”
Baker, who played for the Dodgers from 1976 to 1983, managed the San Francisco Giants from 1993 to 2002 before signing a reported four-year, $15-million contract to manage the Cubs.
“I didn’t sign here for four years thinking about going somewhere else,” Baker said. “I signed here for four years because I thought it might take that long, No. 1, and, No. 2, because I wanted to make sure we saw this thing through. L.A., that’s kind of out there. It seems like I’m in more rumors than somebody in Hollywood.”
MLB.com also reported that Baker said he tried to call Tracy, who is also signed through 2006, but could opt out of his contract after this season, in an effort to dispel the report.
Wood has rehab outing
Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood pitched one inning of scoreless relief in a rehabilitation assignment with Class-A Peoria at Fort Wayne, Ind.
“Everything feels fine, felt pretty good,” Wood said after the first relief appearance of his professional career.
The Cubs plan to use Wood out of the bullpen instead of starting when he comes off the disabled list. He is slated to pitch another inning Tuesday.
“Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra took another encouraging step in his recovery from a torn left groin, going 1 for 2 with a walk in a rehabilitation start for Double-A West Tennessee at Jackson, Tenn.
Eaton rejoins Padres
The San Diego Padres activated right-hander Adam Eaton, their winningest pitcher, from the 15-day disabled list and optioned rookie right-hander Tim Stauffer to Triple-A Portland.
The Padres plan to work Eaton (9-2, 3.42 ERA) out of the bullpen to allow him to build up his arm strength.