Leiter's career in question as Marlins cut him loose
By wire services
Published July 15, 2005
Al Leiter's second stint with Florida never came close to matching his first.
Now, he won't get the chance to turn around his season with the Marlins.
Florida on Thursday designated Leiter for assignment, perhaps signaling the end of a 19-year career for the left-hander who helped the Marlins and Blue Jays win World Series titles.
Leiter agreed to an $8-million, one-year contract with Florida, where he won 27 games in 1996 and 1997 and a World Series ring in '97. He was 3-7 with a 6.64 ERA in 16 starts and was briefly bumped to the bullpen.
"It's always tough," manager Jack McKeon said. "He's been a very successful pitcher. You always hate to see something like that happen. He's a real pro and a good guy."
ASTROS ADD A CLEMENS: Houston will have at least one Clemens in the organization in the future: infielder Koby Clemens.
Roger Clemens' oldest son, drafted in the eighth round, signed and took batting practice in Houston. His next stop is Greeneville, Tenn., where he will join the Astros' rookie league affiliate.
"Watching him sign his contract with his mother standing there, I had memories of signing mine with my mother standing there," said Roger Clemens, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner who might retire after the season. "Since Koby's been knee high, he's been wanting to do this. I think he's ready to go."
BOONE ARRIVES: Before he signed with Seattle for the 2001 season, Bret Boone predicted great things for the Mariners. Before arriving in Minnesota via trade this week, he was equally impressed with the Twins.
"I was right the first time, so hopefully I'm right this time," Boone said before joining his new team.
Boone, 36, is hoping for a fresh start. In his first season in Seattle, the Mariners won 116 games, and he finished third in the AL MVP voting. The experience soured last season, when Boone's offense fell off and the team went 63-99.
A-ROD IS U.S. ONLY: Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez can only represent the United States at the World Baseball Classic in March. Rodriguez, a New York native of Dominican descent, had said he might play for the Dominican Republic, but because the tournament has agreed to use International Baseball Federation rules, every player must be a citizen of the country he represents.
Also, Yankees right-hander Chien-Ming Wang went on the disabled list with an inflamed pitching shoulder and was scratched from today's start.
BLUE JAYS: Third baseman Corey Koskie will likely go on a rehabilitation assignment this weekend after missing nearly two months with a broken right thumb and ligament damage.
PHILLIES: Outfielder Bobby Abreu, long a fixture in the No. 3 hole, was moved to cleanup.
TIGERS: Closer Troy Percival went on the 15-day disabled list with a torn right (pitching) forearm muscle.
