Former Mets employee blows whistle on steroids

August 22, 2007

A former Mets clubhouse attendant revealed the names of major league players who bought steroids from him to baseball's chief steroid investigator, SI.com reported Tuesday. Kirk Radomski, who pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in April to felony charges of distributing steroids and laundering money, met recently with former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell, according to the report.

• No. 756 is going to auction. Barry Bonds' record-breaking home run ball will be sold online, and fortunate fan Matt Murphy figures to be a half-million dollars richer. Sotheby's/SCP Auctions will handle the sale at ww.scpauctions.com beginning Aug. 28 and going through Sept. 15. The starting bid has not been determined.

• An attorney for Jose Offerman said his client should not be facing two counts of second-degree assault, challenging charges that he struck Matt Beech and John Nathans of the Bridgeport Bluefish with his bat. Offerman was originally due in Bridgeport (Conn.) Superior Court on Thursday. His appearance was continued until Sept. 24.

• The Phillies might not have to wait much longer for Chase Utley to rejoin the team as they make a push in the NL East. Utley took some practice cuts before yesterday's game against Los Angeles for the first time since his right hand was struck by a pitch nearly a month ago. The Phillies hope Utley can return for next week's series against the Mets.

The Nationals traded right-hander Emiliano Fruto to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospect Chris Carter, who then was shipped to the Boston Red Sox to complete last week's deal that sent outfielder Wily Mo Pena to Washington.