Padres Hire Alderson to Be CEO

Sandy Alderson was hired as chief executive of the San Diego Padres on Tuesday and given a clear -- and maybe herculean -- directive by owner John Moores.

“My expectations for Sandy are modest. I want him to turn this into the best baseball franchise in America,” Moores said of Alderson, who more than a decade ago built Oakland into a consistent World Series contender.

Moores hired Alderson from the commissioner’s office, where he has been executive vice president for baseball operations since September 1998. He was given a five-year contract and will become a minority owner.

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Alfonso Soriano wasn’t in Texas’ starting lineup and didn’t play because of a bruised left knee, a decision that wasn’t well-received by the All-Star second baseman.

After talking to Manager Buck Showalter before the Rangers’ 3-0 victory against Oakland, Soriano kicked a garbage can onto its side and then kicked a rolling laundry cart when he came back into the clubhouse.

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Boston police are seeking misdemeanor criminal charges against two fans who were involved in a scuffle with Yankee outfielder Gary Sheffield during the eighth inning of a Yankee-Red Sox game at Fenway Park last Thursday.

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The Yankees called up left-hander Buddy Groom from triple-A Columbus, pushing New York’s payroll over $200 million. Groom replaces reliever Tanyon Sturtze, who was put on the disabled list on Monday.... Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield agreed to a $4-million, one-year contract extension through 2006.... Former Philadelphia All-Star catcher Darren Daulton, 43, remained in jail without bond in Tampa, Fla., after being arrested for failure to appear in court on a probation violation.