Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sosa says goodbye to Chicago, hello to Baltimore

Associated Press

Tapping his heart and thrusting both thumbs upward, Sammy Sosa stepped to the podium and flashed the broad smile that Chicago Cubs fans know too well.

Sosa loved his 13 years with the Cubs, yet he happily put all that behind him Wednesday upon joining the Baltimore Orioles.

“I gave Chicago everything that I have. It was a beautiful experience for my wife and family,” he said. “I had a great time in Chicago, but you have to move on. This is my new house, and I love it.”

Sosa joined the Orioles after commissioner Bud Selig approved the deal and the slugger passed his physical.

“My legacy is there, but I haven’t finished yet. The best of Sammy Sosa is coming now,” he said.

Blue Jays rename SkyDome

Toronto Blue Jays owner Rogers Communications renamed SkyDome the Rogers Centre, two days after the company completed the acquisition of the ballpark.

Rogers said it will allocate $210 million for payroll over the next three years. The team’s payroll is about $50 million. While general manager J.P. Ricciardi will add to it this season, most of the money will be spent the following two years.

The team also started work on replacing the JumboTron with a new videoboard a month ago. Two smaller versions will be built into the outfield fence in the gaps in left-center and right-center. They will be covered with a plastic shield. In addition, FieldTurf will be installed.

Clearing the bases

The Cubs and Jeromy Burnitz agreed to a $5 million, one-year deal. … St. Louis Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty agreed to a three-year contract. … Right-hander Jim Mecir agreed to a $1.1 million, one-year deal with the Florida Marlins. … Oakland Athletics top draft pick Landon Powell tore a ligament in his left knee while working out last week. The catcher will require surgery, sidelining him for spring training. … The Cleveland Indians traded third baseman Corey Smith to the San Diego Padres for infielder Jake Gautreau. … The Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a contract with third baseman Norihiro Nakamura, who played the past 12 years in Japan’s Pacific League.