Rays/MLB

Suit filed vs. ex-Nationals team president

By TIMES WIRES
Published July 28, 2006

WASHINGTON - Former Nationals president Tony Tavares is being sued by the team's former director of ticket sales, who says Tavares slapped him in the face.

The complaint, filed last week, alleges Tavares entered the office of Joseph Deoudes on May 8 and said, "Do you have something to say to me? If you have something to say to me, you should say it. Do you want to fight me?"

According to the complaint, Tavares then hit Deoudes. The complaint says Tavares committed assault and battery, which caused "physical pain, emotional suffering and economic damage."

BRAVES: Right-hander and former Ray Jorge Sosa, reduced to a mop-up role after losing jobs as both a starter and closer, left with an injury while facing his second batter in the ninth. The nature of the problem wasn't immediately known.

DIAMONDBACKS: Tampa native Luis Gonzalez doubled in the fourth inning against the Phillies, his 529th, tying him with Al Oliver for 28th on the career list.

DODGERS: A minor-leaguer was arrested after being accused of breaking into several suites at Dodgertown and stealing credit cards and cash from his teammates. Christopher Hobdy, 19, a pitcher in the Gulf Coast League, was arrested Wednesday and charged with seven counts of burglary and six counts of petit theft.

Giants: Shortstop Omar Vizquel sat out after fouling a ball off his right foot Wednesday; manager Felipe Alou said he'll probably play today.

ROYALS: Former Rays pitcher Esteban Yan signed a minor-league deal and was assigned to Triple-A Omaha in the Pacific Coast League.

- TIMES WIRES

[Last modified July 28, 2006, 06:12:03]