Short Stops - 4/17

Josh Beckett has shown that he's not afraid to pitch inside, which has pissed off a number of opponents. Yesterday he nailed Vlad Guerrero on the wrist. Luckily for Vlad, he's only listed as day-to-day. When is someone going to retaliate at Manny or Big Papi for this stuff? You know it won't be the Joe Torre Yankees.

The Toronto Blue Jays were tied for 1st in the AL East entering this week's play, but the team is far from feeling good about themselves. Closer B.J. Ryan is out a minimum of 4-6 weeks with a strained ligament in his left elbow. The Jays are quietly hoping shutting him down will take care of the problem, but they're privately worried that he may need Tommy John surgery.

Reed Johnson underwent back surgery and is out until July. Slugger Troy Glaus also went on the DL with an inflamed heel.

Ryan Freel has received a 2-year, $7 million extension from the Reds.

As we have previously talked about, Hank Aaron said he will not be attending Barry Bonds' record breaking games. Since then the media has constantly asked Bonds about the perceived snub. Bonds, of course, has now blamed the media for trying to drive a wedge between him and Aaron. Um Barry, Hank doesn't want anything to do with you. In case you haven't noticed, he's not the media.

Among those with extra concern over yesterday's shooting at Virginia Tech, was Mets 3rd Baseman David Wright. One of his younger brothers is studying for an engineering degree there. Thankfully, he was all right.