CLEVELAND — The White Sox claimed 12-time all-star slugger Manny Ramirez on waivers from the Dodgers on Monday, hoping his powerful bat, full of so many October swings and homers, can help them make a postseason push.
“Hopefully, he can come in here and give us some help,” White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko said. “We need to make up some ground. There’s no doubt Manny can hit. He makes any team better.”
Chicago began a key 10-game road trip to Cleveland, Boston and Detroit on Monday night, although Ramirez, 38, is not expected to join the White Sox until today. The White Sox defeated the Indians to move four games behind first-place Minnesota in the AL Central.
Clemens pleads not guilty
WASHINGTON — More than two years after Roger Clemens told Congress he had never taken steroids or human growth hormone, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges that he lied about the alleged doping.
U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton set April 5 as the start of jury selection — the Monday of the first full week of the 2011 baseball season.
If convicted of six counts — three of making false statements, two of perjury and one of obstruction of Congress — Clemens could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine, although 15 to 21 months is the more likely sentence under federal guidelines.
Footnotes.
Indians first baseman Matt LaPorta is day to day because of a strained left hip.
• The Reds plan to call up hard-throwing left-hander Aroldis Chapman today.
• A divorce battle that could determine who owns the Dodgers began in Los Angeles with attorneys for ex-team CEO Jamie McCourt arguing she was deceived about a marital agreement by her estranged husband, Frank McCourt.
Denver Post wire services
