MLB notes: Former Cy Young Award winner Flanagan dies
Former Cy Young winner Mike Flanagan, who won 167 games over 18 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and the Toronto Blue Jays, has died.
Authorities found a body outside Flanagan’s home in Monkton, Md., on Wednesday afternoon, and it was later determined to be the former left-handed pitcher. Flanagan was 59.
The Orioles confirmed Flanagan’s death Wednesday night.
Flanagan won the Cy Young Award with the Orioles in 1979 when he went 23-9 with a 3.08 ERA and five shutouts. He also played for Baltimore’s 1983 world championship team, going 12-4 despite missing nearly three months with an injured left knee.
He finished 167-143 with a 3.90 ERA, including 141-116 with Baltimore.
After his playing career, he worked in the Orioles’ front office and did color commentary for the team’s TV network.
Giants claim Bell
San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell confirmed that he has been claimed off waivers by the San Francisco Giants, although even he is skeptical about whether he will actually end up with the defending World Series champions.
The burly right-hander said before Wednesday night’s game – coincidentally at San Francisco – that he’s planning to “sweat my butt off” when the Padres play at the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday.
“I feel pretty honored. They’re the world champs, they want me to be part of their organization,” Bell said.
San Diego has 48 hours from the time Bell was claimed to decide whether to trade the three-time All-Star, allow him to be claimed or pull him back from waivers. Giants general manager Brian Sabean might also just be trying to block N.L. West-leading Arizona from landing Bell.
Morrison returns
Back with the Florida Marlins after an 11-day demotion to the minors, a less loquacious Logan Morrison unpacked his bags and pondered his punishment.
Will the clubhouse comedian now be more reserved?
“I’ll be the same person,” Morrison said.
Morrison annoyed the Marlins with his fondness for Twitter and wisecracks, and a steady stream of quotable comments – coupled with sinking productivity at the plate – earned him a ticket to Triple-A New Orleans.
“He’s a good kid, really,” manager Jack McKeon said. “He understands the situation, and I’m quite sure you’re going to see a different guy.”
Clearing the bases
Lance Berkman would like to stay in St. Louis, no matter where the Cardinals finish. St. Louis signed Berkman to a one-year, $8 million contract last December. … The New York Mets placed starter Jonathon Niese on the 15-day disabled list with a ribcage injury.