Rays/MLB

Ex-pitcher reportedly accuses Clemens, other stars of juicing

By TIMES WIRES
Published October 1, 2006

LOS ANGELES - Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and Miguel Tejada were among the players Jason Grimsley accused of using performance-enhancing drugs, according to a federal agent's affidavit, the Los Angeles Times reported Saturday on its Web site.

Randy Hendricks, the agent for Clemens and Pettitte denied the accusations. Baltimore teammates Brian Roberts, Jay Gibbons and Tejada also were implicated in the sworn statement, the Times said; an Orioles spokeswoman said the team had not seen the report and had no comment.

In June, federal agents searched Grimsley's home in Arizona after the pitcher admitted using human growth hormone, steroids and amphetamines.

In a 20-page search warrant affidavit signed by IRS Special Agent Jeff Novitzky, the Times reported, he said Grimsley identified other players who had used drugs. Those names were blacked out when the document was released.

Grimsley has complained to friends, the Times reported, that federal agents attributed statements to him that he did not make.

Pedro needs surgery on rotator cuff

WASHINGTON - Mets ace Pedro Martinez will have rotator cuff surgery next week and be out eight months. The injury is expected to sideline him from any baseball activities until at least June. The right-hander was already out for the playoffs with a torn tendon in his left calf.

Also, Mets right-hander Steve Trachsel flew home to California because of family issues and was scratched from his scheduled start in today's regular season finale.

Robinson out in D.C.

WASHINGTON - Frank Robinson will not return as Nationals manager in 2007, the team announced a day before its season will end with a third consecutive last-place finish.

The Hall of Famer was told last week he wouldn't be back and made that clear to reporters, but the Nationals didn't make the news official until a few hours before their game against the Mets.

Alou moving on

SAN FRANCISCO - Felipe Alou all but confirmed he will not manage the Giants for a fifth season in 2007. Alou's contract expires after the season, and he is disappointed the Giants have waited this long to address his future. He is ready to go home to Florida and the Dominican Republic.

JOHNSON TESTS BACK: Randy Johnson threw across the outfield grass at Yankee Stadium to bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan as two other coaches looked on. Having passed the first test, the left-hander said he'll throw a bullpen session today to prepare his balky back for the playoffs. Also, manager Joe Torre said Gary Sheffield will be his postseason first baseman and Jason Giambi will be DH.

BAKER WAITS: Cubs manager Dusty Baker will find out Monday morning whether the organization wants him back, general manager Jim Hendry said. Baker's four-year contract is expiring, and the Cubs have been among the NL's worst teams this season.

ATTENDANCE MARKs: Major League Baseball broke its attendance record set last season and was on track to finish with the second-highest game average in its history.

HAMPTON COMEBACK: One year and four days after Tommy John surgery, Crystal River's Mike Hampton threw to batters for the first time. The test was graded "excellent" by Braves manager Bobby Cox, who has the left-hander, 34, penciled into his 2007 rotation.

[Last modified October 1, 2006, 01:51:00]