New York – Detroit police are investigating a complaint against pitcher Kenny Rogers, who gained infamy last summer in Texas for shoving a cameraman that led to anger-management classes.
According to the Detroit Free Press, citing a police report, a 37-year-old man approached Rogers and asked for an autograph just after midnight Monday morning. The man said Rogers refused, then grabbed him by the shirt collar.
However, a bystander offered a different version, saying the two briefly argued with no physical contact before Rogers drove away from the parking structure located near Comerica Park. Several hours earlier, Rogers, pitching in relief for the first time this season, suffered a loss in extra innings to the Kansas City Royals as the Tigers failed to win the AL Central division title.
“I don’t know anything about it. I just heard about it,” Tigers manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday. “I’m worried a little more about the Yankee assault.”
Rogers is schedule to pitch Game 3 of the ALDS Friday in Detroit. Leyland acknowledged that he juggled his rotation to allow Rogers to skip Yankee Stadium, where he’s 0-5 with an 11.25 ERA over the past 13 years. During Tuesday’s introductions, Rogers was roundly booed and tipped his cap in jest several times.
Getting that playoff taste
Of the top 15 active players not to reach the postseason, six were erased from the list this fall, including former leader Carlos Delgado of the Mets and Detroit first baseman Sean Casey. That means the Rockies’ Todd Helton (1,424 games) will enter next year ranked fourth behind Jeromy Burnitz, Jeff Cirillo and Damion Easley, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Asked about his drought recently, Helton preferred not to comment.
Managerial carousel
The Cubs had interest in hiring Fredi Gonzalez, named the Marlins’ manager Tuesday. Chicago is feeling pressure to act quickly with Lou Piniella, WGN broadcaster Bob Brenly and Joe Girardi among its candidates. Yankees manager Joe Torre talked with Girardi, his former bench coach, Monday.
“He understood that managing is not always based on how well you do,” Torre said. “There are certain things you need to do, and people you need to please.”
Don’t be surprised if Oakland manager Ken Macha emerges as a candidate for the Nationals, regardless of how the playoffs unfold. Macha is close with members of Washington’s restructured front office.
Minnesota feels the pain
Slugger Frank Thomas continued his redemption tour Monday, the Big Hurt swatting two home runs in the Athletics’ win over the Twins. What’s behind the career renaissance?
“He works really hard at his game and in the gym,” Oakland outfielder Jay Payton said. “He is a special hitter, just one of those guys that has that special something.”
Footnote
Randy Johnson continues to make progress with his back injury and remains listed as the Yankees’ Game 3 starter.
