Jennings heads all-rookie squad

New York – Colorado right-hander Jason Jennings and Toronto third baseman Eric Hinske won more honors Wednesday when they were picked for the major league rookie all-star team.

Jennings, 16-8 with a 4.52 ERA, won the NL Rookie of the Year award earlier this month. Hinske, who hit .279 with 24 homers and 84 RBIs, was the AL winner.

New York Yankees first baseman Nick Johnson (.243, 15 homers, 58 RBIs), Oakland second baseman Mark Ellis (.272, 6, 35), Detroit shortstop Ramon Santiago (.243, 4, 20) and Baltimore catcher Geronimo Gil (.232, 12, 45) also were selected. The outfielders were Cincinnati’s Austin Kearns (.315, 13, 56), Montreal’s Brad Wilkerson (.266, 20, 59) and Milwaukee’s Alex Sanchez (.289, 1, 33).

Damian Moss of Atlanta (12-6, 3.42) was the left-handed pitcher.

Matsui looking for right fit

Osaka, Japan – Hideki Matsui officially became a free agent Wednesday and said he’s looking for the team that provides the best fit.

“It’s important to find a team where you can be comfortable,” Matsui said at an Osaka hotel. “I’ll consider all the factors before deciding on the team that provides the best environment for me.”

The 28-year-old Japanese slugger has drawn interest from several major league teams, notably the New York Yankees. Yankees team president Randy Levine and general manager Brian Cashman are scheduled to travel to Japan today, a team official said on condition of anonymity.

Indians’ Burks has shoulder surgery

Cleveland – Indians designated hitter Ellis Burks had arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his left shoulder, which bothered him during the second half of last season.

Burks had a joint repaired on his non-throwing shoulder at Cleveland Lutheran Hospital. The Indians said recovery time is six weeks and that Burks should be ready for spring training.

Burks, 38, hit .301 with 32 home runs and 91 RBIs last season as the Indians went 74-88, their first losing record since 1993.

Closing arguments held in ball trial

San Francisco – The trial to determine the owner of Barry Bonds’ 73rd home run ball has gone to closing arguments.

Alex Popov, a spectator at the game, says the ball was wrestled from his grip by a crowd of fans. He sued Patrick Hayashi, who ended up with the ball. Popov contends he was assaulted and robbed.

Popov lawyer Martin Triano said Tuesday his client clearly caught the ball before being swept up in a “devouring mob.”

The trial started last month and closing arguments are expected to resume Friday. Judge Kevin McCarthy is hearing the case without a jury.

Triano referred to 17 eyewitnesses who testified that they saw Popov, 38, stab the ball with his glove before losing it in a “mini riot.”

Rangers release pitcher Irabu

Arlington, Texas – Pitcher Hideki Irabu was released Wednesday by the Texas Rangers, who may have helped save the right-hander’s career by turning him into a closer this year.

Irabu went 3-8 with a 5.74 ERA, pitching only until July 15 because of blood clots in his lungs. But he also had a team-high 16 saves.

He began the season as a starter but was tried as a closer following an injury to Jeff Zimmerman and the struggles of John Rocker.

Rowand hurt in dirt-bike accident

Chicago – Chicago White Sox outfielder Aaron Rowand was scheduled for surgery Wednesday after being injured in an off-road dirt bike accident earlier this month. Rowand broke two ribs and his left shoulder blade.

Rowand said he was riding trails near Las Vegas with his brother-in-law and was traveling 20 mph before hitting a “hump.” That sent him flying headfirst over the handle bars, and Rowand tumbled down a 25-foot embankment.