Random News and Notes

I know this is old but I didn't mention the death of Rockies President Keli McGregor. They say it was natural causes but he was young. It seems mysterious and we may never know or at least for a long time what the real story is. There will be a memorial service for him on Sunday and the Rockies moved the start time of their game back to accomodate everyone so they will be able to be there. Edison Volquez was suspended for 50 games for failing a drug test that was positive for the use of a performance enhancing drug. I don't think we will ever get away from this talk. I think the game has been cleaned up but there are still players doing it or HGH and there is always a big name that comes out that he was on something. I think most people are sick of this stuff though and just don't care. The thing I dont get though is how Volquez who is on the DL has that count for the 50 games. I think it has to be 50 games that you are active for. Manny Ramirez went on the 15 day DL today with a calf injury. Justin Smoak the young first base prospect of the Texas Rangers was called up yesterday. Congratulations to Ubalda Jimenez who had a no hitter last week. He is 4-0 after a shutout in his next start the other day. Jason Marquis of the Nationals was placed on the DL on wednesday with bone chips in his elbow.

George Murray part of Hope week Passes away

There is sad news to report as George Murray passed away last night. He was part of Hope week which took place on the last homestand. He had ALS and had no use of his arms and legs, he was confined to a wheelchair and was 38 years old. He got to see a game with his wife and 4 year old son Trayson and took a private tour of Yankee Stadium with Mark Teixeira, Derek Jeter, Phil Coke and Cody Ransom. They were also given a suprise anniversary party with several yankees. This is a sad story as Mr. Murray passed away last night. The Yankees did a great job with Hope week and I am sure they will get the family back to Yankee Stadium in the near future. My thoughts and prayers go out with the whole family as Mr. Murray was taken way too young but at least the Yankees gave him some happiness in his final days.

Yankees lose two from the family

The Yankees had two members of their family pass away, Arthur Richman who was the teams senior advisor of media relations and Johnny Blanchard who was a yankee from 1955-65 and played in 5 world series helping the Yankees win two of them. The Yankees will have statements regarding these two men, later on today. I will have some minor league notes later on as the Yankees are off today, Andy Pettitte is pitching for single A Tampa in a game today.