Yankees Fine Wells $100,000
- Share via
The New York Yankees threw the book back at David Wells.
The pitcher was fined $100,000 Monday for an autobiography filled with revelations of drinking, drug use and disparaging talk that the Yankees felt tarnished their image.
“I’m glad it’s over,” Wells said after a spring training appearance against Cleveland in Tampa, Fla. “I’ve got to move on and go out there and pitch.”
The 39-year-old left-hander, often prone to outlandish statements during a major league career that began in 1987, did not elaborate much but issued a statement apologizing to owner George Steinbrenner, team employees, Major League Baseball and teammates.
After reading the book, General Manager Brian Cashman concluded discipline was in order because “some of those things in the book ... did tarnish the Yankee image.”
*
Vladimir Guerrero was ejected in the first inning for starting a bench-clearing fight during the Montreal Expos’ 7-4 win over the Florida Marlins at Viera, Fla.
Brad Penny’s second pitch to Guerrero grazed his uniform. Still holding his bat in his left hand, Guerrero said a few words to Penny as catcher Matt Treanor tried to restrain the batter, then as Penny got closer, Guerrero swung his right fist around the catcher at the pitcher. The punch missed.
Seattle and Arizona also got into a shoving match, at Tucson, Ariz., after All-Stars Bret Boone and Luis Gonzalez were hit by pitches. Both dugouts and bullpens emptied, but no punches were thrown.
*
The Cardinals and slugger Albert Pujols agreed to a one-year, $900,000 contract, the highest one-year deal for a player with less than three years of major league service who was not eligible for salary arbitration.
More to Read
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.