New Reds owner fires GM O’Brien
General manager Dan O’Brien was fired Monday by new Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini, his first major change since he took control of the team.
O’Brien was entering his third season as general manager and had a year to go on his contract. The Reds are coming off their fifth consecutive losing season, their longest such streak in 50 years.
Major league owners approved the Reds’ sale to Castellini last Thursday. In a news conference a day later, he indicated he was impatient with losing and was planning to make changes as he learned more about how the team operates.
“I want someone in this job who is my choice,” Castellini said in a statement. “I told Dan he has worked hard and has worked diligently to rebuild the farm system and scouting department of the Reds, and that we appreciate his efforts.”
Bonds out of World Baseball Classic
Barry Bonds pulled out of the World Baseball Classic, saying he didn’t want to risk an injury that could jeopardize perhaps his final season with the San Francisco Giants.
The star slugger had three operations on his troublesome right knee last year and missed most of the 2005 season. Still, he was included on the preliminary United States roster for the inaugural 16-nation tournament, scheduled for March 3-20.
“After the announcement I received a lot of criticism as well as concern from fans and my family and friends,” Bonds said on his Web site. “The obvious objections were about my health and whether or not I would be ready to play. In the end, I decided that I can’t take any chances that might jeopardize my season.”
DiMaggio estate to auction memorabilia
More than 1,000 items of Joe DiMaggio memorabilia, including his 1947 AL MVP Award plaque and a signed photo of Marilyn Monroe, will be auctioned in May.
The sale announced by Hunt Auctions Inc. also will include the baseball from DiMaggio’s record-breaking 45th consecutive hit during his 56-game streak in 1941 and a set of World Series rings from 1936-96 presented to DiMaggio by the Yankees.
Clearing the bases
Former Mariners relief pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa said he’s retiring from baseball. The 37-year-old Hasegawa pitched in 46 games last season for Seattle, going 1-3 with a 4.19 ERA. … Astros outfielder Lance Berkman was scheduled for arthroscopic knee surgery Thursday. Berkman should be ready for the start of spring training. … Cubs and pitcher Wade Miller agreed to a one-year contract. The 29-year-old right-hander was 4-4 with a 4.95 ERA in 16 starts in his lone season with the Red Sox. … Reliever Mike Remlinger is returning to Atlanta, agreeing to a minor league contract that would pay him $700,000 if he’s added to the major league roster. … Orioles outfielder Jay Gibbons signed a four-year extension pending a physical today.