Boston's Damon hints at possible future with Chicago

By wire services
Published July 24, 2005

Johnny Damon, who projects as the premier free agent on next year's market, used the occasion of Boston's series in Chicago with the White Sox to drop major hints about his interest in the Cubs.

"I'll have my eyes open to any team with interest to me, but the Cubs would have an appeal," he told reporters.

And Damon, no doubt, would have an appeal to the Cubs, who need a center fielder now that Corey Patterson has proven to be a bust.

Damon commented about the enticement of hitting ahead of Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, but added, "I wouldn't mind staying here, where I've got ( Manny) Ramirez and ( David) Ortiz to get me home."

BECKETT'S BACK: Josh Beckett was activated from the disabled list to start against San Francisco.

Beckett had been on the DL - his second stint this season - since July 6 with a strained left stomach muscle. The right-hander also was sidelined with a blister on the middle finger of his throwing hand.

The Marlins optioned right-hander Travis Smith to Triple-A Albuquerque to free up a roster spot for Beckett.

NOMAR ON THE MEND: Nomar Garciaparra is expected to begin his minor-league rehab stint Tuesday at Class-A Peoria.

Garciaparra, who has been disabled since injuring his groin April 20 in St. Louis, began playing Friday with the Cubs' Rookie League team in Mesa, Ariz.

Garciaparra said he doesn't expect his rehab to last longer than a few games, which suggests he could be back in a Cubs uniform by next weekend's series against Arizona at Wrigley Field, or by their three-game road series in Philadelphia starting Aug. 2.

QUICK TURNAROUND: Two pitchers called up to start in a night doubleheader, Twins right-hander Scott Baker and Tigers right-hander Justin Verlander, were sent back down after the game.

Baker, the winning pitcher, returned to Triple-A Rochester and Verlander went to Double-A Erie. Rochester third baseman Terry Tiffee was recalled to fill Baker's spot, while left-hander Vic Darensbourg was promoted from Triple-A Toledo to take Verlander's place.

BLUE JAYS: Right-hander David Bush was recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start Saturday night against Kansas City.

Bush began the season in Toronto's rotation, but after going 0-5 with a 4.80 ERA in 10 starts, he was optioned to Syracuse on May 29. He was 2-2 with a 4.42 ERA in nine starts with Syracuse.

PADRES: The team optioned third baseman Sean Burroughs to Triple-A Portland and purchased the contract of left-handed pitcher Craig Breslow from Double-A Mobile.

REDS: The team traded veteran third baseman Joe Randa to the Padres for minor-league pitchers Justin Germano and Travis Chick. Cincinnati then recalled Edwin Encarnacion from Triple-A Louisville and handed him the everyday job at third.

ROCKIES: Infielder Anderson Machado joined the 25-man roster and the team purchased left-hander Randy Williams' contract from Triple-A Colorado Springs. The Rockies also optioned infielder Eddy Garabito to Colorado Springs and placed right-hander Jason Jennings on the 15-day disabled list.

TIGERS: Infielder Kevin Hooper was sent back to Triple-A Toledo.

TWINS: The team sent outfielder Michael Ryan to Triple-A Rochester and called up Scott Baker.

[Last modified July 24, 2005, 00:50:06]