MLB recommends clubs put up netting to protect fans
Major League Baseball has recommended to all 30 clubs that they provide netting or other protection for fans from dugout to dugout as a safety precaution from foul line drives, the office of the commissioner said on Wednesday.
To assist in safety measures for spectators in field-level seats within 70 feet of home plate, MLB has retained a consultant in stadium architecture and protective netting to assist clubs in implementing the recommendation.
“Major League Baseball prides itself on providing fans in our ballparks with unparalleled proximity and access to our players and the game taking place on the field,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“At the same time, it is important that fans have the option to sit behind protective netting or in other areas of the ballpark where foul balls and bats (that slip out of players’ hands or shatter) are less likely to enter.”
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers immediately issued statements expressing their intention to comply with the safety suggestion.
An Oakland Athletics season ticket holder filed a class action suit in federal court last season seeking to require MLB to extend netting from foul pole to foul pole, instead of just for sections behind home plate.
Cubs sign Zobrist, ship Castro to Yankees
Adding a versatile veteran to a young-leaning lineup, the Chicago Cubs agreed to a four-year, $56 million deal with utility man Ben Zobrist, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.
Zobrist, 34, split last season between the Oakland A’s and Kansas City, helping the Royals win the World Series. He figures to see most of his time with Chicago at second base and left field, though he is capable of playing anywhere in the infield and outfield.
An everyday spot opened up at second base with Starlin Castro being dealt to the New York Yankees on Tuesday for right-handed pitcher Adam Warren and a player to be named later.
Castro, who fell out of favor around the trade deadline last season, was benched and lost his starting shortstop position before being moved to second. He hit just .265 last season, but did his .353 after the position shift.
Zobrist hit .276 last season with 13 homers and 56 RBIs.
Pettine: ‘Repercussions would be harsh’ if Manziel messes up again
Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine, in the strongest words possible, said Wednesday that “repercussions would be harsh” if quarterback Johnny Manziel messes up with another off-the-field incident.
The Browns named Manziel their starting quarterback on Tuesday — two weeks after a two-game benching.
“(It’s) hard to put things in a vacuum,” Pettine said Wednesday. “I don’t want to sit here and say, ‘Look at the degree of discipline.’ It’s hard to say we have a zero-tolerance policy. If something were to occur, I imagine the repercussions would be harsh.”
Mets land 2B Walker from Pirates
The New York Mets acquired second baseman Neil Walker from the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday in exchange for left-hander Jonathon Niese.
The deal was made during baseball’s annual winter meetings.
Walker will fill the spot vacated after the season by free-agent second baseman Daniel Murphy.
The 30-year-old Walker batted .269 with 16 home runs and 71 RBIs last season for the Pirates, winning a Silver Slugger award. He is eligible for free agency after the 2016 season.
Saints lose RB Ingram to injured reserve
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram is done for the season after 12 games.
Ingram was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with an ailing shoulder. He has been bothered by a shoulder problem for several weeks but played in Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the Saints’ 41-38 loss.
Ingram, who turns 26 on Dec. 21, has 769 rushing yards this season and also caught 50 passes for 405 yards. He leads the team in yards from scrimmage with 1,174.