Senator opposes financing
As baseball officials met Wednesday with backers hoping to lure the Montreal Expos to Northern Virginia, a second key lawmaker said he opposes a plan to finance a ballpark with bonds backed by the “moral obligation” of the state.
Senate Finance Chairman John Chichester said a private business such as a baseball club should not benefit from the state’s moral obligation bonds, which have traditionally been used for local water quality projects and other public works.
Moral obligation bonds “were not developed to help private enterprise,” Chichester, a Republican who also serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore, said in a telephone interview Tuesday. “Private enterprise has to stand on its own.”
Chichester’s opposition means that the two most powerful legislators in the Virginia General Assembly – he and House Speaker William Howell – are on record against a key component of the plan to build a $442 million ballpark near Dulles International Airport.
Biggio’s days may be numbered
Craig Biggio doffed his cap and waved to the crowd from first base. He was nearly in tears, realizing the standing ovation may be one of his last as an Astro.
“The way the crowd reacted was kind of overwhelming,” Biggio said in the clubhouse this week after becoming the first Astro to reach 2,600 hits. “I have been playing here for 17 years and the fans have always been great to me. To be able to do it in this city, the only city I’ve played in, was wonderful.”
At 38, Biggio is having the kind of season few could have expected from a player in the twilight of his career.
Biggio leads the team with 141 hits, 35 doubles and 77 runs. He’s second with a .287 average and tied for second with 19 homers. Among leadoff hitters in the majors, Biggio ranks first in homers, second in doubles and fourth in hits.
He’s also strengthened his credentials for the Hall of Fame this season, passing Tony Gwynn for 19th place on the doubles list and becoming only the fifth player in league history with 2,400 hits, 200 homers, 500 doubles, 300 steals and 1,000 career walks.
The others on that list? Barry Bonds, Willie Mays, Paul Molitor and Rickey Henderson.
It still might not be enough for the Astros to keep Biggio around for an 18th year. The Astros hold a $3 million contract option on Biggio for 2005, but could pay a $1 million buyout if they decide not to pick up the option. The Astros want next season to be a rebuilding one, seeking a younger, faster and cheaper team.
Park to make first start since May
Chan Ho Park will come off the disabled list today and make his first start for the Texas Rangers since May 19.
Park (2-4, 5.80 ERA), who has spent more time hurt than pitching since signing a $65 million, five-year contract with the Rangers before the 2002 season, has been on the disabled list with a strained lower back. The right-hander will start the finale of a four-game series against A.L. Central-leading Minnesota.
Around the league
Milwaukee left-hander Chris Capuano was put on the 15-day DL with a sore elbow, and the Brewers called up Pedro Liriano from Triple-A Indianapolis. … Boston Red Sox first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz left the game against the Toronto Blue Jays because of a strained left shoulder. Mientkiewicz injured the shoulder while sliding into second base in the third inning. He struck out swinging in the fourth, and Kevin Millar replaced him at the start of the bottom of the inning. … The Baltimore Orioles optioned right-hander Eddy Rodriguez to Triple-A Ottawa before their game against the Oakland Athletics to make room for right-hander Bruce Chen, who was recalled from the International League team. … Montreal Expos second baseman Jose Vidro will have season-ending knee surgery on Sept. 8 to repair recurring patellar tendinitis in his right knee.