Short Stops - 3/22

Do as I say not as I do - Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa was charged this morning with suspicion of DUI. LaRussa was found asleep at the wheel when police found his car idling through a couple of green lights at an intersection in Jupiter, Florida. His blood alcohol level was .093, a little over Florida's 0.8 limit.

Angel Berroa won the Rookie of the Year award for the Royals back in '03 (also known as the year Hideki got screwed), but now is falling victim to a case of "what have you done for me lately?". The Kanas City Star reports that the Royals' front office has compiled a list of replacements for their starting shortstop. Berra hit .287-17-73 and stole 21 bases in getting the award for 4 years ago. He followed that up with 2 poor seasons (hitting only .234 last year) and 1 mediocre one. His fielding hasn't been anything special either.

The Atlanta Braves took a step towards solidifying their future by signing catcher Brian McCann to a 6-year contract extension. McCann, who also has an option for a 7th season, will reportedly make in excess of $29 million.

Nick Johnson ran outdoors for the first time since breaking his leg last September, but the timetable for the former Yankee's return is any one's guess. Good luck NJ!

Freddy Garcia had to leave his start for the Phillies yesterday with bicep tightness. Garcia pitched much of last season with shoulder soreness; this can't be a good sign for the Phils. Perhaps that is why they haven't been quick to deal Jon Lieber.

Hey what shock this - Cable operators could not make a deal with MLB to retain the Extra Innings package it has had until this point. MLB's new deal with DirecTV screws the fans once again and proves, once again, that varmint head Selig does not care about you.