States support reporters in Bonds case
Two dozen states filed a brief on behalf of two San Francisco Chronicle reporters, telling a federal appeals court that public interest demands the recognition of a journalist’s right to protect confidential sources.
In papers filed with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday, the states, led by New York, challenged a federal judge’s order to imprison the reporters who refused to testify about who leaked them secret grand jury testimony of Giants slugger Barry Bonds and other athletes.
Most all of the two dozen states have some type of shield law protecting reporters from having to divulge unpublished material. They urged the court to adopt a reporter’s privilege in federal court, where one does not exist.
Rangers court Lofton
Free agent Kenny Lofton reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers worth about $6 million.
The deal for the center fielder was confirmed by a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical on the 39-year-old Lofton, a six-time All-Star.
Lofton is expected to fill the void in the Rangers lineup created when All-Star center fielder Gary Matthews Jr. agreed last month to a $50 million, five-year deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Matthews had a career-best year, hitting .302 with 19 home runs and 79 RBIs.
Orioles land Payton
Free agent Jay Payton agreed to a $9.5 million, two-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who have spent much of the offseason searching for a right-handed hitting outfielder.
Payton batted .296 with 10 homers and 59 RBIs in 142 games with Oakland this year. He is expected to play mostly in left field, but he’s capable of manning center and right.
Hall of Fame game set
The New York Mets will play the Baltimore Orioles in next year’s Hall of Fame game at Cooperstown, N.Y., on May 21, a rematch of the 1969 World Series.
Orioles great Cal Ripken Jr. is expected to be the focus of the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies July 29.
Clearing the bases
Reliever Jose Mesa and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a $2.5 million, one-year contract.
Detroit also announced its $24 million, four-year deal with third baseman Brandon Inge.
•Reliever Darren Oliver and the Los Angeles Angels agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million with a club option for a second season.
Oliver appeared in 45 games for the New York Mets last season, going 4-1 with a 3.44 ERA.