Blue could serve six months in jail

around the horn

Former major league pitcher Vida Blue was sentenced to six months in jail after failing to complete his probation from his latest drunken-driving conviction, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on its Web site Tuesday.

Blue can avoid incarceration by spending time in a residential alcohol treatment program. Blue needs to work out terms of his treatment with the San Mateo County probation department or he will begin his sentence on June 10.

Baker wants shorter City Series

Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker thinks six interleague games against the same opponent are too many and wishes the so-called City Series against the White Sox was only three games per season.

The teams play three games this weekend in Wrigley Field, then three more in the White Sox’s park June 24-26.

“It’s great for the fans, it’s great for everybody, but that’s a lot of games to decide who goes (to the playoffs) and who doesn’t – and they’re not even in the same league,” Baker said. “I would like to see them go to three at their park one year and three at our park the next year.”

MLB extends Marlins deadline

Major League Baseball told the city of Miami and Miami-Dade County that they have until June 9 to revise financing plans for a new Florida Marlins ballpark now that the state Legislature has refused to chip in.

Clearing the bases

The Red Sox were expected to activate left-hander David Wells from the disabled list to start today against the Athletics. … Pirates’ left-hander Oliver Perez is scheduled to start Saturday night against the Rockies. … The Braves placed pitcher John Thomson on the 15-day DL. Braves’ third baseman Chipper Jones was scratched from the lineup because of a strained muscle in his left side. … The Orioles acquired infielder Mike Moriarty from the Cubs for future considerations and assigned him to Triple-A Ottawa. Earlier, Baltimore released infielder Enrique Wilson, who was playing for Ottawa, he then signed with the Cubs and was activated for Chicago’s game against the Pirates. … Phillies’ first baseman Jim Thome will head to Florida for two days of extended spring training before a possible activation from the DL on Friday. … Yankees’ Ruben Sierra left an extended spring training game in Tampa, Fla., after feeling discomfort in his left leg. … White Sox’s Frank Thomas made his first rehabilitation start for Triple-A Charlotte, going 2 for 3 with a walk and two runs in the Knights’ 9-8 loss to Ottawa.

Associated Press