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Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 25, 2001
Garciaparra's sore wrist makes him doubtful for opener
FORT MYERS -- Red Sox shortstop Nomar Garciaparra is doubtful for opening day because of an injured wrist, and it appears the possibility of surgery -- which could prevent him from playing for up to five months -- is increasing.
He is scheduled to fly to Virginia on Monday to see a hand specialist.
General manager Dan Duquette said no decision has been made about surgery.
Garciaparra joked and smiled as he threw and hit off a tee for the second straight day Saturday, but he was still experiencing soreness.
"I don't even want to talk about it," pitcher Pedro Martinez said.
Duquette said Lou Merloni and Mike Lansing were probably best suited to step in for Garciaparra. He doubted he could find a temporary replacement for Garciaparra through a trade.
In other news, Bret Saberhagen faced major-league hitters for the first time since shoulder surgery after the 1999 season. Starting against the Twins, he threw 21 pitches -- 13 for strikes -- and his fastball hit 91 mph. "It really couldn't have gone any better," he said.
Traditionally, the Red Sox have granted manager Jimy Williams a one-year extension in the final week of spring training, but when Duquette was asked if the team would do so again this year, he said: "I'm not in a position to answer that question right now."
ANGELS: Right-hander Tim Belcher announced his retirement. Belcher, 39, was 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in five spring starts. "My last two starts, I had a few guys 0-and-2, and they fouled off two or three of my maximum-effort pitches like it was nothing," he said. "No offense to the guys we were playing, but it wasn't like it was Tony Gwynn up there." The No. 1 pick in the 1983 draft, he was 146-140 with a 4.12 ERA, playing for the Dodgers, Cincinnati, Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Seattle, Kansas City and the Angels. ... X-rays on Jose Canseco's neck, which has been stiff for several days, were negative. He played leftfield and hit a two-run double. ATHLETICS: Jason Giambi, trying to finalize a six-year contract, did not play. The league MVP sat in the clubhouse making cell phone calls. His agent was expected in Phoenix to try to wrap up the deal.
INDIANS: C.C. Sabathia, the 20-year-old who may have won a spot in Cleveland's starting rotation, was strong in his second start. Sabathia allowed two runs and seven hits -- six singles -- in five innings. He struck out six, broke a few Houston bats and made big pitches when he needed to. ... Charles Nagy will open the season on the disabled list. His velocity is only 84-85 mph, and there is a question about whether his arm can endure a 90- to 110-pitch game.
ORIOLES: Playing for the first time this spring after being sidelined for five weeks with a rib injury, Cal Ripken walked twice and hit into a fielder's choice against the Dodgers. "Overall, I felt pretty good," Ripken said. Manager Mike Hargrove made the decision to remove him after four innings. "Believe it or not, I am the boss," Hargrove said.
ROYALS: Mac Suzuki, who had shoulder surgery in October, made his first start and third appearance. He threw 65 pitches in 3 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks.
TIGERS: First baseman Tony Clark extended his hitting streak to eight games, during which he is batting .565 with three home runs and nine RBI. ... Jeff Weaver, the opening-day starter, worked six strong innings.
WHITE SOX: Second baseman Ray Durham writhed in pain after tumblingawkwardly crossing home plate, but walked off without assistance. He has a mild strain in his lower left hamstring.