Balls & Strikes

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This article was published 29/05/2009 (6065 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Foul Ball

A Florida steroid dealer arrested this week with thousands of anabolic steroid pills boasted that professional athletes have been among his best customers, including players on the Washington Nationals baseball team and the Washington Capitals hockey team.

Richard Thomas of Lakeland, Fla., did not specifically name which players he allegedly sold to on the two teams, but Major League Baseball officials told the Associated Press that they are investigating his allegations.

Nationals outfielder Austin Kearns told the Associated Press that Nationals players had more important things to worry about than the unsubstantiated allegations of a drug dealer.

"We’re concerned enough with trying to win some baseball games," Kearns said. "Anything else is, you know, whatever."

The Nationals were 13-32 heading into last night. Thomas and his wife Sandra were arrested Tuesday after police raided their home and found steroid pills, injectable liquids and syringes with a wholesale value estimated at more than $100,000.

The Wire

Randy Johnson was one win away from 300 following a victory over the Braves Wednesday night; next scheduled start in Washington on Wednesday; "Anxiety," Johnson said of his feelings on becoming just the 24th pitcher to reach the 300 milestone. "A little nervous."

Chien-Ming Wang pitches two innings of scoreless relief Wednesday; retires all six batters faced; lowers ERA from 25.00 to 20.45; Yanks hoping troubled former starter will rediscover old form in bullpen.

Cubs hurler Carlos Zambrano attacks team Gatorade dispenser in Wrigley dugout with bat Wednesday; incensed after being ejected from game; "That was pretty impressive," offers Cubs’ Milton Bradley. "That was on a Bradley level." Zambrano was suspended for six games.

Texas Rangers owner announces team is for sale; Tom Hicks says he’s willing to give up majority control of team for right price; adds, however, that his interest in Dallas Stars is not for sale.

Driver who killed Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart indicted on murder charges; blood alcohol was triple legal limit when he slammed into Adenhart April 9; two others also killed in accident

The Numbers

4 — The Major League Baseball record for wild pitches tied by Red Sox hurler Daisuke Matsuzaka against the Twins Wednesday night

80 — Number of years Milt Gaston had owned the wild-pitch record all by himself

6 — The spot in the lineup slumping Red Sox slugger David Ortiz was hitting in this week

4 — Number of years since Ortiz has hit anywhere but the number 3 spot for the Sox

75 — Jays second baseman Aaron Hill continues to lead the league in hits

$20,000,000 — Amount White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is being sued for by former agent in Dominican Republic, who says he was stiffed out of his cut of Ramirez’s signing bonus and salary