Minor league umpires sign first labor contract
New York Minor league umpires signed their first collective bargaining agreement with the minor leagues on Thursday, a deal with better travel perks and slightly more money.
"It was a good thing to get it done and I think everybody is happy," union head Tim Timmons said. "This puts more money in our pockets and they've improved the living conditions."
While the average salary for umps remains at about $15,000 at Triple-A, $12,000 at Double-A, $10,000 at full-season A ball and $5,500 at rookie leagues, per diems are increasing.
In addition, Double-A umps get their own hotel rooms this year and Class A umps get them next year.
Tavarez, Davis suspended for spring training brawl
New York Chicago Cubs pitcher Julian Tavarez and San Francisco third baseman Russ Davis were suspended Thursday for their spring training brawl this week, with the penalties to start on opening day.
Tavarez was suspended for five games and Davis was suspended for three games, and both were fined undisclosed amounts, said Frank Robinson, vice president of on-field operations for major league baseball.
Tavarez and Davis will decide Friday whether to appeal. If they do not appeal, Tavarez and Davis will begin their suspensions on April 2. The Cubs are home against Montreal that day while the Giants are home against San Diego.
Cincinnati to wait on Griffey decision
Sarasota, Fla. Manager Bob Boone may wait until right before the season opener to decide whether Ken Griffey Jr. is in the Cincinnati Reds' lineup.
Griffey was walking and feeling better Thursday after getting more treatment on his pulled left hamstring. He won't play again in spring training, but hasn't ruled out the season opener Monday against Atlanta.
"We'll see in a couple of days," an upbeat Griffey said. "It wasn't as sore today."
Griffey hurt the hamstring while rounding third base on Monday and had to be helped off the field. He's received several hours of therapy each of the last three days and made major improvement.
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