Piazza appeals five-game suspension

New York — Mets All-Star catcher Mike Piazza appealed his five-game suspension Monday, making his case at Shea Stadium shortly after New York lost its season opener to the Chicago Cubs. A decision was expected today.

Piazza was penalized for charging Los Angeles reliever Guillermo Mota after being hit by a fastball during an exhibition game March 12, then going into the Dodgers clubhouse looking for the pitcher.

Clark stable after crash

Phoenix — Los Angeles Dodgers batting coach Jack Clark remained in stable condition at a Phoenix hospital Monday, a day after he was injured in a motorcycle accident. Clark broke eight ribs and had cuts to his head when he was clipped by a car on his way to Bank One Ballpark for a workout Sunday. He initially was listed in critical condition.

Giants place Nen on DL

San Diego — San Francisco Giants All-Star closer Robb Nen, who underwent offseason surgery, was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a strained right shoulder.

Rockies get new CEO

Denver — Charles Monfort became chairman and chief executive officer of the Colorado Rockies Monday, replacing Jerry McMorris as the team’s controlling owner. Monfort, 42, served as its vice chairman since 1992, a year before the team started play. McMorris becomes vice chairman and remains as one of the managing general partners along with Charles and Dick Monfort, who are brothers. The Monforts and McMorris acquired control of the Rockies on Sept. 2, 1992. McMorris became the club’s chairman, CEO and president in 1993, but was replaced by Keli McGregor in October 2001.

Yankee TV deal struck

New York — Cablevision and the YES Network struck a deal Monday to bring New York Yankees games to the cable system’s 3 million subscribers. The deal was reached less than two hours before the Yankees’ season opener against the Toronto Blue Jays — a game televised by YES. For Cablevision customers, the deal averted the prospect of a second consecutive season without the vast majority of Yankee games. All but two of the Yankees’ first 51 games in 2003 are scheduled to air on YES.