Maris Jr: Bonds, McGwire illegitimate, Judge to be HR king
Roger Maris Jr. considers the home run feats of Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa to be illegitimate and says Aaron Judge should be recognized as the holder of the big league season standard if the New York Yankees slugger hits No. 62.
Call it a career: MLB ump Winters opted out in '20, now done
FILE - In this May 18, 2019, file photo, home plate umpire Mike Winters looks on during the eighth inning of a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Oakland Athletics in Detroit. After more than three decades of hard work as a big league umpire, Winters is retiring. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)After more than three decades of hard work as a big league umpire, Mike Winters is ready to loaf. But Iโm getting there.โOne of 12 umps to opt out during the pandemic-shortened season, the 62-year-old Winters has made it official. The reworked schedule gave Winters a chance to reconsider, but he already was looking ahead to days off the diamond.
Done deal: Arenado traded from Rockies to Cardinals
A person familiar with the swap tells The Associated Press that the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to acquire All-Star third baseman Arenado from the Rockies in a trade needing approvals before it can be finalized. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)ST. LOUIS โ The St. Louis Cardinals completed their blockbuster trade to acquire All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado from the Colorado Rockies on Monday night. St. Louis dealt left-hander Austin Gomber and four minor leaguers to the Rockies: infielders Elehuris Montero and Mateo Gil along with right-handers Tony Locey and Jake Sommers. As part of the trade, Colorado will send cash to St. Louis to offset part of the money Arenado is due in his contract. Arenado is the latest established star acquired by St. Louis in his prime.
Judge cruises to Home Run Derby championship
New York Yankees rookie Aaron Judge, who has lit up MLB scoreboards in the first half of the season, proved that his power is no accident by cruising through the elite competition Monday at the All-Star Game Home Run Derby in Miami. In the tiered eight-hitter format, Judge first faced off against Miami Marlins slugger Justin Bour, who pounded 22 homers in his time at the plate. Judge responded by hitting 23. He also gives the Yankees the most Derby champions, joining winners Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi and Robinson Cano. Judge appeared with the Yankees in 27 games last season, hitting .179.