Welcome to the big leagues, kid

NOTES

Poor Greg Dobbs.

The Seattle Mariners infielder had just taken shipment of a new $700 acoustic guitar when a couple of veteran teammates decided to have some fun.

Relievers Eddie Guardado and Jeff Nelson confiscated the rookie’s guitar before Friday’s game at Tampa Bay and headed for the field. With nearly everyone else in uniform watching, Nelson lobbed baseballs at Guardado, who hit them with Dobbs’ guitar.

It took about a half-dozen pitches before the guitar was reduced to kindling.

Schilling ERA on rise

Even though he hasn’t pitched in more than a month, Curt Schilling’s ERA jumped from 7.13 to 8.15 due to an official scoring change made by Major League Baseball, the Boston Herald reported.

MLB’s review board reversed a call from April 18, when Manny Ramirez was charged with a two-base error after losing a fourth-inning fly ball hit by Toronto’s Orlando Hudson in the sun. Schilling was originally charged with two unearned runs, which became earned last week.

“Schilling threw in the bullpen Monday night and hopes to resume pitching for the Boston Red Sox before the All-Star Game.

White Sox extend Guillen

The Chicago White Sox extended the contract of manager Ozzie Guillen, making the move while the team had the best record in the majors.

The White Sox picked up the 2006 option on Guillen’s contract, added two more years and included an option for the 2009 season.

“The struggling Kansas City Royals fired hitting coach Jeff Pentland on Monday after the team’s sixth straight loss.

Angels sign Weaver

The Los Angeles Angels signed top draft pick Jered Weaver to a minor league contract after months of failed negotiations.

The sides had until 9 p.m. Monday to reach an agreement or the right-hander would have re-entered the amateur draft. The Angels drafted the 6-foot-7 Weaver 12th overall last June.