Coming off their third straight losing record, the Mets have cut payroll by about $25 million since the start of 2011, and face a trial next month seeking to recover $386 million for victims of Bernard Madoff, because of claims the team's owners were net winners from their investment in the crooked financier's Ponzi scheme.
In a Boston radio interview, former Red Sox pitcher Dennis "Oil Can" Boyd, who is promoting his autobiography to be published in June, said he pitched under the influence of cocaine "at every ballpark" during his 10-year career, which ended in 1992. "I felt like my career was cut short for a lot of reasons," the 52-year-old righthander said, including racial bigotry.
AL championship series MVP Nelson Cruz and the Texas Rangers avoided arbitration, agreeing to a $16 million, two-year contract.
The 31-year-old slugger had six home runs and 13 RBIs in last year's six-game AL Championship Series against Detroit.
SOCCER: The San Jose Earthquakes signed two-time MLS leading goal-scorer Chris Wondolowski to a new contract.
COLLEGES: Authorities have widened the investigation into former Wisconsin athletic official John Chadima after a third adult male came forward with allegations of sexual impropriety. Chadima was placed on leave as associate athletic director Jan. 6 and resigned the same day.
SQUASH: Former Episcopal Academy standout Andrew McGuinness of Merion Station earned a note in Sports Illustrated after teaming with B.G. Lemmon of Villanova to become the first player to win four men's under-19 national titles at the U.S. junior doubles championships in Wilmington. McGuinness also paired with Olivia Feichter of Philadelphia to win a third straight U-19 mixed doubles title.
- Staff and wire reports
