Blue Jays say Barajas backed out of deal
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Wednesday that catcher Rod Barajas backed out of a deal with Toronto after signing a terms sheet with the team.
Ricciardi said he’s never experienced anything like it in his career. The Blue Jays planned on having Barajas and his family fly to Toronto for a news conference.
“If your word doesn’t mean anything any more, and your signature don’t mean anything, what kind of world do we live in,” Ricciardi said.
Also, Toronto agreed to a $1.5 million, one-year contract with shortstop Royce Clayton.
“Infielder Craig Counsell returned to the Brewers, agreeing to a $6 million, two-year contract. Counsell is a native of the Milwaukee area and played for the Brewers in 2004.
Skiing
Races called off
There’s not enough snow in Europe and not enough dough in America.
In a surprise announcement, Guenther Hujara, director of the men’s World Cup, said there wasn’t enough sponsorship dollars for Colorado resorts to hold some of the ski races that have been scrapped by warm weather and a lack of snow in Europe.
“The money is not there, so that’s the final decision right now,” he said.
Gambling
Poker player held
Pro poker player James Giordano, accused of running a $3.3 billion illegal sports gambling operation, was ordered held without bail in Queens (New York) Criminal Court.
Giordano, 52, was indicted along with 26 others, on charges of running an online gambling scheme that rivaled casino sports betting.
Miscellany
IOC claims confidence
The IOC expressed confidence in the budget for the 2012 London Olympics, saying it was “not unduly concerned” by escalating infrastructure costs associated with the games.
The International Olympic Committee, however, voiced concerns about air pollution in Beijing for the 2008 Games.
“Zinedine Zidane, Fabio Cannavaro and Ronaldinho are the finalists for FIFA’s world player of the year award.
U.S. captain Kristine Lilly will vie with last year’s runner-up, 20-year-old Marta of Brazil, and Renate Lingor of Germany for the women’s award.
“French jockey Kieren Fallon was suspended for six months on after testing positive for a banned substance.