Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

MLB notes: Missed calls prompt umpire swicth

NEW YORK -- Stung by a rash of blown calls in the playoffs, Major League Baseball is breaking tradition and sticking with only experienced umpires for the World Series.

Longtime crew chiefs Joe West, Dana DeMuth and Gerry Davis, along with Brian Gorman, Jeff Nelson and Mike Everitt will handle the games, three people with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press this week.

The people spoke on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made.

Indians interview Valentine for manager job

CLEVELAND | Bobby Valentine would manage on Mars. He'd settle for Cleveland.

Back after six years in Japan, the former New York Mets manager had his second interview with the Indians on Thursday.

Valentine took the Mets to the World Series in 2000.

Valentine is the second candidate to have a sit-down interview with the Indians.

On Tuesday, former Washington manager Manny Acta met with Cleveland's owners and front-office members. Torey Lovullo, the club's Triple-A manager in Columbus, is up today and the club is trying to schedule a meeting with Los Angeles Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly.

La Russa weighing future with Cardinals

ST. LOUIS

Nearly two weeks after his team was swept in the first round of the playoffs, Tony La Russa is still trying to decide whether he wants to return for a 15th season as St. Louis Cardinals manager.

He and the rest of the organization are relieved that Albert Pujols' elbow surgery earlier this week was not nearly as extensive as had been feared.

In a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Thursday, La Russa said the Cardinals had been concerned that Pujols would require reconstructive surgery.

Around the league

Randy Ready, who remains a candidate to become manager of the Houston Astros, was one of six coaches agreeing to contracts to return to the San Diego Padres' staff. ... Detroit Tigers All-Star third baseman Brandon Inge will undergo surgery on both knees next month. ... Arizona Diamondbacks pitching prospect Jarrod Parker will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 28.