NEW YORK — Philadelphia Phillies reliever Brad Lidge and Cleveland Indians left-hander Cliff Lee were selected comeback players of the year Tuesday.
Lidge, a former standout at Cherry Creek High School, was 41-for-41 in save opportunities one season removed from converting 19-of-27 saves for the Houston Astros.
“I never lost confidence in myself, no matter what the years were like or the results,” Lidge said. He added: “It’s kind of a little weird for me. I was tremendously honored. But I had a (3.36) ERA last year. I didn’t think my year was that bad.”
Lee, who was 5-8 with a 6.29 ERA last year and was demoted to the minor leagues, went 22-3 with an American League-leading 2.54 ERA.
• The Chicago Cubs picked up their $4 million option on manager Lou Piniella’s contract for 2010.
• Brian Cashman is staying on as general manager of the New York Yankees, agreeing to a three-year contract that runs through 2011.
• New York Mets pitcher John Maine had surgery to remove a lesion from the back of his right shoulder socket. He is expected to be recovered in time for spring training.
Sween back in Cowboys saddle
LARAMIE — After going through four quarterbacks in Saturday’s 45-16 loss to Bowling Green, Wyoming coach Joe Glenn has returned Karsten Sween to starting status.
Glenn said Sween, who has a 9-9 career starting record, earned the job through “wrestlebacks.” Sween’s first start came at New Mexico two years ago, a 14-10 victory for the Cowboys, who play the Lobos on Saturday in Albuquerque.
• Florida linebacker Dustin Doe is scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair a double hernia. He will miss at least two games.
• Coach Jeff Tedford reopened California’s quarterback competition, giving equal practice time to Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore this week before choosing a starter for Saturday’s game against Arizona State.
• Washington quarterback Jake Locker said he would be willing to play a different position in the coming weeks while his broken right thumb heals. He was an all-state defensive back in high school.
• Iowa running back Shonn Greene is expected to play Saturday when the Hawkeyes face Michigan State. Greene suffered a head injury early in the fourth quarter of last week’s 22-17 loss against Northwestern and did not return.
Sabres’ Gaustad out after thumb surgery
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Buffalo Sabres center Paul Gaustad will miss up to the first three weeks of the season after surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb.
• The Los Angeles Kings acquired defenseman Sean O’Donnell from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for a conditional selection in the 2009 NHL draft.
• Forward Jeff O’Neill has ended his NHL comeback bid with the Carolina Hurricanes.
Footnotes.
The Raptors signed free-agent forward Jamal Sampson, a cousin of Ralph Sampson and former member of the Nuggets.
• AJ Allmendinger will not finish the season with Red Bull Racing, giving up his seat to Mike Skinner and Scott Speed for the final seven races of the year.
Denver Post staff & wire services
