Rays/MLB

MLB notes

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 22, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - Bobby Abreu isn't ready to ask out of Philadelphia, even though his former manager said the two-time All-Star told him he wouldn't mind going to another team.

"If they trade me, they trade me," Abreu said before the Phillies played the Yankees on Wednesday. "I really don't pay attention much."

Abreu spoke earlier in the week to Yankees third-base coach Larry Bowa, who managed the Phillies from 2001-04. Bowa said it seemed to him Abreu was ready for a change.

"I said, "How's it going?' It looked like something was bugging him," Bowa said. "He said, "Sometimes players look for a change of scenery.' "

Abreu said he didn't recall his exact words during that conversation.

Abreu has been the subject of trade rumors ever since general manager Pat Gillick replaced Ed Wade after last season. The Phillies, however, would need permission to deal Abreu because he has a no-trade clause in his hefty contract.

Outspoken White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen apologized for using a homophobic term in referring to Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti, then kept up his criticism of the writer.

Guillen went into a profanity-laced tirade against Mariotti before Tuesday's game and called him a number of names, including a derogatory term for a homosexual.

Guillen acknowledged he might have offended some.

"I shouldn't have mentioned the name that was mentioned, but I'm not going to back off of Jay," Guillen said, using another profanity to describe Mariotti. "The word I used, I should have used something different. A lot of people's feelings were hurt, and I didn't mean it that way."

Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, who has made just four starts after shoulder surgery, said he's concerned he might not be able to pitch again this season. He felt fatigue during the late stages of a 70-pitch simulated game at Jacobs Field on Tuesday.

"With each passing day, I get more and more doubts," Wood said. "But I have to keep going and try to get through this."

Orioles manager Sam Perlozzo testified in a probe headed by former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell to investigate the use of steroids in baseball. Perlozzo did not reveal details of the questions, or answers, given during his interview.

First baseman Albert Pujols should come off the disabled list and play by Monday, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said.

The Red Sox obtained right-hander Jason Johnson, a former Devil Ray, a day after the Indians designated him for assignment. Boston gave up a player to be named or cash.

Left-hander Terry Mulholland and right-hander Russ Ortiz were placed on unconditional waivers.

[Last modified June 22, 2006, 01:14:36]