Racist threats don’t deter Baker

The fact that Cubs manager Dusty Baker has received racist hate mail won’t affect whether he wants to come back in 2007, he said Monday. “No, I don’t think so,” Baker said. “You realize that some people feel the way they feel. It’s sad that you have to get those. But on the other hand, it’s something that I experienced, not directly but indirectly, when I was with Hank Aaron before. This sort of prepared me for now even though I didn’t know it was going to prepare for me for now.

Full Story

Cubs acquire catcher for Perez

In Spring Training, Todd Walker, Jerry Hairston Jr., and Neifi Perez all were battling for the Cubs' starting second base job. Now, all three are gone. The Cubs did their part to help Detroit now as well as help themselves in the future, dealing Perez to the Tigers on Sunday in exchange for Minor League catcher Chris Robinson. The Tigers were looking for help in the infield after second baseman Placido Polanco separated his left shoulder on Aug. 15. Perez, 33, can play second, short and fill in at third if needed.

"It's a real good fit," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Sunday. "There wasn't much interaction with [Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski] and I about this until last night.
"It's no secret that when you're doing as well as they are and you lose an outstanding player like Polanco, we all know Dave Dombrowski was going to try to act quickly," Hendry said.

Full Story

Tyson To Box Exhibition Bout On PRIDE Show?

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has no plans to return as an active boxer, but will fight a series of up to 10 exhibition matches in the next several months, sources close to Tyson said Friday. Tyson, 40, will train for those bouts at the Aladdin. The source said a ring will be set up in the casino and Tyson will work out in a public area for an hour a day. An Aladdin spokesperson said talks are ongoing and declined further comment. Tyson, who is staying at the Aladdin, could not be reached for comment. But multiple sources said he will have a news conference next week in Las Vegas to discuss the venture.


Full Story

Palmer planning to play next game

Carson Palmer said Sunday he expects to play in the Cincinnati Bengals' preseason game next Monday against Green Bay, provided he doesn't have any swelling this week in his surgically rebuilt knee. Coach Marvin Lewis was noncommittal earlier about when his starting quarterback would get on the field for the first time. Later, Palmer said he plans to be under center against the Packers.

Full Story