BASEBALL NOTEBOOK: Brewers’ Zaun plans season-ending surgery
Published 11:43 pm Wednesday, June 9, 2010
MILWAUKEE — Brewers catcher Gregg Zaun says he’ll have season-ending shoulder surgery on Tuesday, which will likely finish the veteran’s short stint in Milwaukee and maybe his career.
Zaun signed as a free agent this offseason for $1.9 million and immediately took the Brewers’ starting job. The 39-year-old switch hitter started 0-for-21 at the plate before building his average to .265, with two homers and 14 RBI, before tearing the labrum in his shoulder.
Zaun’s contract includes a $2.25 million option for 2011 with a $250,000 buyout. Zaun says he’s undecided about playing next year.
Rose’s bat up for auction
CINCINNATI — The black Mizuno bat that Pete Rose used for his final hit — record No. 4,256 — is being auctioned by a New York firm that expects it to become one of the most expensive bats ever sold. Rose has authenticated the bat, saying he used it for his single off San Francisco’s Greg Minton on Aug. 14, 1986. Rose never got another hit, leaving the game as baseball’s all-time hits leader. Auction firm president Mike Heffner said Rose’s bat could go for something close to the $1.3 million paid for the bat Babe Ruth used to hit his first homer at Yankee Stadium
Ramirez placed on DL
MILWAUKEE — Struggling Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday to rest his ailing left thumb in the midst of his season-long slump. It’s the latest blow in a disappointing year for Ramirez, who has hit .168 with five homers and 22 RBI. Ramirez says he hurt the thumb while swinging in May against Cincinnati and pain and swelling has lingered ever since.
Associated Press
