By Compiled from Times wires
Published August 19, 2003
CINCINNATI - Commissioner Bud Selig probably will announce after the World Series whether he will reinstate Pete Rose, former Rose teammate Mike Schmidt said.
Schmidt said Sunday that he and two of Rose's former Reds teammates, Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench, met with Selig last month at the Hall of Fame.
"We're optimistic that after the postseason, something will happen with regards to Pete Rose," said Schmidt, who played with Rose when he joined the Phillies. His remarks were reported by the Cincinnati Post and the Cincinnati Enquirer.
According to Schmidt, Selig said he would not announce a decision on Rose's status before the postseason.
Selig still is evaluating Rose's petition to be reinstated and there is no deadline for an announcement, Selig spokesman Rich Levin said Monday.
Schmidt and Rose were attending a baseball card collectors' show in Cincinnati on Sunday, where both were autographing memorabilia. Rose, through his business manager, Warren Greene, declined to comment on his status with baseball.
Rose, baseball's career hits leader, agreed to the lifetime ban in 1989 after the sport investigated his gambling. The 17-time All-Star and former National League MVP claims he never bet on baseball despite the evidence compiled by John Dowd, former special counsel to the commissioner. That report still is available online at dowdreport.com.
The Enquirer also reported that Hall of Famers Tony Perez, Brooks Robinson, Robin Roberts and Gaylord Perry were in Cincinnati on Friday and said they want Rose to acknowledge his actions, even if that means admitting that he bet on Reds games.
Reinstatement would make Rose eligible for the Hall of Fame.
BRAVES: First baseman Julio Franco went on the 15-day disabled list after breaking a finger in a freak accident. Franco was talking with a teammate in the weight room when an 80-pound dumbbell rolled over his left middle finger. "The tip of my finger is like a tomato," said Franco, his finger covered by a splint and bandage.
GIANTS: Barry Bonds is likely to return to the lineup today. Bonds, on bereavement leave, returned home from New York on Thursday to be with his ailing father, Bobby. But after a 4-0 loss to Montreal, manager Felipe Alou told reporters that "Barry will probably be back (today)." The two-time defending NL MVP leads the league in slugging percentage and on-base percentage. ... Outfielder Todd Linden became the seventh rookie to make his major-league debut with the team this season.
RANGERS: Right-hander Ismael Valdes left in the seventh against the Tigers with what appeared to be a right leg injury. Valdes was activated from the disabled list before the game after being out since July 24 with tendinitis in his left knee.
ROCKIES: Right-hander Jose Jimenez will make his first start since 1999 Thursday when he fills in for right-hander Shawn Chacon, who has elbow tendinitis.
TIGERS: Outfielder Bobby Higginson and bench coach Kirk Gibson were suspended and fined by Major League Baseball for their ejections from an Aug. 10 game against the Twins. Higginson appealed his two-game suspension, and Gibson served his one-game suspension.
TWINS: Major League Baseball will not allow the University of Minnesota to use the Metrodome for college football on two dates in October that the league has reserved for possible postseason games.
YANKEES: Left-hander David Wells, who missed a start Saturday because of lower back pain, threw hard in the bullpen and expects to start Friday. Right-hander Roger Clemens confirmed a report on the Baseball America Web site that he is considering playing for the United States in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Left-hander Gabe White pitched a scoreless inning for the Gulf Coast League team in Tampa in his first rehabilitation start. White has been on the disabled list since late June with a groin strain.
OBITUARY: Charles Devens, the last living Yankee from Babe Ruth's final championship season of 1932, died Wednesday in Milton, Mass. He was 93. Mr. Devens won his only start for the Yankees that season.
