Marlins’ park under way
The Florida Marlins and representatives from Major League Baseball broke ground Saturday with South Florida officials on the team’s new, retractable-roof stadium in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, saying the long-awaited ballpark will capture the city’s youthful spirit and the attention of baseball fans across the globe.
“We have a special vibe,” Marlins owner Jeffery Loria said. “Our architecture is bold and exciting. And it was always clear to me that this ballpark must capture and mirror the special feeling of Miami. It’s the feeling of cool.”
Loria was joined at a bilingual ceremony by Marlins president David Samson, city and Miami-Dade County politicians and baseball commissioner Bud Selig. Current players, including All-Star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, were also on hand, as well as such former Florida stars as Jeff Conine, who played for two World Series championship Marlins teams.
Meche lands on DL
Gil Meche went on the 15-day disabled list, a move that is sure to rouse critics who say he’s been poorly handled by Kansas City manager Trey Hillman.
The right-hander (4-9) has been bothered off and on by lower back problems much of the year. Some fans have criticized Hillman for letting him throw 114 or more pitches in several outings while his back problems keep flaring up.
Meche is winless in five starts since throwing 132 pitches in a complete-game shutout in June. About to turn 31, he’s on pace for his fewest wins and most losses since signing a five-year, $55 million contract on Dec. 8, 2006.
Meche will be replaced in the rotation by Sidney Ponson, who was brought off the DL after compiling a 2.18 ERA in six rehab starts at Triple-A Omaha.
Clearing the bases
Gary Sheffield says his sore right hamstring feels better and should not keep him out of the New York Mets’ lineup long. Sheffield left Friday night’s game with cramping in the hamstring. … Detroit Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya is going on the 15-day DL, this time because of a sore right shoulder. Ryan Perry was recalled Saturday from Triple-A Toledo to replace the oft-injured Zumaya.