Pirates CEO Kevin McClatchy to Resign
Kevin McClatchy has decided to step down as the Pittsburgh Pirates Chief Executive Officer at the end of the 2007 season. After more than 11 years as the day-to-day leader of the organization, McClatchy and Pirates Chairman of the Board, Bob Nutting, jointly announced the decision today to allow the organization time to conduct a thorough search for his successor.
“A decision of this personal and professional magnitude is not the type you make overnight. It was something Bob and I have discussed even before the change of control took place in January and something I decided upon a few months ago,” said McClatchy. “It was a difficult decision, but in the end I felt the time was right to step down as the day-to-day leader so the organization can move forward with a fresh perspective.”
“I respect Kevin’s decision and I’m pleased he will continue to actively lead the franchise until the end of the season,” said Nutting. “Announcing this decision now as opposed to the end of the season will allow for enough time to conduct a thorough search. It will give us an opportunity for a smooth transition into a new chapter in the history of the Pittsburgh Pirates.”
The search process will begin immediately, but it was too early in that process to discuss possible candidates, according to Nutting.
Red Sox Option Ellsbury Back to Pawtucket
The Red Sox today purchased the contract of first baseman-outfielder Jeff Bailey from Triple-A Pawtucket of the International League. Bailey will wear #55 and will be making his major league debut when he joins the Red Sox for Friday night’s game in Detroit. To make room for Bailey on the active roster, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was optioned to Pawtucket after Thursday night’s game.
Hall to the DL
The Brewers placed OF Bill Hall on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right ankle and recalled OF Tony Gwynn from Triple-A Nashville today.
Reed Johnson Activated, Adam Lind Sent to Syracuse
The Toronto Blue Jays have re-called OF Reed Johnson from his rehab assignment and activated him from the 60-day disabled list. OF Adam Lind has been optioned to Syracuse (AAA) of the International League.
Pair of Top Rookies Suffer Hamate Bone Injuries
The Mets Carlos Gomez underwent surgery Thursday night on the broken hamate bone in his left hand and will be out 6-8 weeks. Meanwhile, in Anaheim, Erick Aybar had successful surgery to remove the hook of the hamate bone in his right hand and will also be lost 6-8 weeks.
A's Sign Top Picks
The Oakland Athletics today announced that they have agreed to terms with five more players from the 2007 First-Year Player Draft held on June 7 and 8. The players are OF Grant Desme (2nd round, Cal Poly SLO), SS Josh Horton (2nd, North Carolina), RHP Sam Demel (3rd round, Texas Christian), LHP Brad Hertzler (15th, Maine) and OF Jareck West (25th, Delta State).
Desme was named the Big West Conference’s Player of the Year after winning the conference’s triple crown with a .405 batting average, 15 home runs and 53 RBI. Horton hit .335 with nine home runs and 53 RBI in 73 games for North Carolina, which reached the College World Series Finals before losing to Oregon State. Demel posted a 7-1 record and set a school record with 13 saves while posting a 2.17 ERA in 32 relief appearances for the Horned Frogs.