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Prosecutors: Keep steroids case names sealed
Prosecutors: Keep steroids case names sealed
Baseball Notebook
July 11, 2007
Federal prosecutors say they did not give baseball steroids investigator George Mitchell complete copies of affidavits implicating players in the use of performance-enhancing drugs.
Responding to applications filed by The Associated Press and Hearst Corp. in cases in Arizona and New York, prosecutors urged a judge to keep under seal the names of the players identified in sworn statements signed by IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky.
The U.S. Attorney's Office in San Francisco filed papers Monday opposing the attempts by the AP and Hearst seeking unredacted copies of search warrant affidavits. The U.S. Attorney said both motions were a "thinly veiled attempt to benefit financially" by publicizing the names of people involved in the government's steroid probe and does not serve a public need.
The Arizona case involves former major league pitcher Jason Grimsley, and the New York case deals with former New York Mets clubhouse employee Kirk Radomski.
The Major League Baseball Players Association also filed papers opposing the release of names in both cases.
"Disclosure of players' names would irreversibly link them with criminal conduct, even if that link were contrary to other known facts," union lawyers wrote in the Arizona case. "The AP's publication of redacted names will result in the indictment and conviction of these individuals in the court of public opinion."
The government has said 36 current and former players were supplied drugs by Radomski, but their names were blacked out in the document.
The AP case involved an affidavit by Novitzky stating that Grimsley implicated several players. David Segui told ESPN in June 2006 that his was one of the blacked-out names, and the Los Angeles Times reported in October that Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Miguel Tejada also were named, along with Brian Roberts and Jay Gibbons.
Players in the Times report denied using steroids.
Ichiro, M's close on extension
Ichiro Suzuki is closing in on a contract extension with the Seattle Mariners.
"Whatever happens, everybody will know in the future, whenever that might be," Suzuki said before batting practice for Tuesday night's All-Star Game. "Maybe three hours from now, maybe after the season. I'm done for today (on the topic)."
The Seattle Times reported on its Web site that the extension could pay Suzuki close to $100 million over five years.
Suzuki is hitting .359 with 61 runs, 128 hits, 39 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 25 attempts.
Bonds a star party person
Pooped after a long night of partying, Barry Bonds apologized ahead of time.
"Forgive me when I go 0-for-5. The party was more fun," Bonds said before the All-Star Game. "I don't stay up past 11 or 12 'cause I get up and train every morning."
This time, it was the morning once the 42-year-old Bonds finally hit the bed -- as in about 3 a.m.
"Nap time. I'm still tired from last night. Hey, Junior, wake me up at 2:45," Bonds said to close pal Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds. "I'm brain-dead. This game may not work out too well for my hometown. I didn't know what else to do but have a party."
Bonds went 0-for-2 in the game with a pair of flyouts, including a drive that left fielder Magglio Ordonez caught on the warning track.
Play ball (in Tokyo)!
Baseball officials are moving ahead with plans to play regular-season games in Tokyo in 2008. The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners are American League teams interested in playing in Japan next year, several officials have said in recent weeks. The Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres have expressed interest among National League teams.
"I expect that we will have games in Tokyo next spring," said Bob DuPuy, baseball's chief operating officer.
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