Elijah Dukes an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays has been fired, if the immediate reaction of the D-Rays owner had been put into motion that is.

Stuart Sternberg, the owner of the abovementioned D-Rays has not been hush-hush with his comments and stand on issues arisen lately with Dukes and his spouse. Elijah was served with a restraining order by his wife stating that he had threatened to kill her and their children, perpetuated by the fact that the couple have been going through a divorce. Sternberg wanted Dukes out of a Tampa uniform when news first broke, but now Stuart feels he should do what’s most thoughtful in his words as they will move forward with Dukes and support his family through this tough time.

John Smoltz has made his opinions known about the fact that younger hurler Brett Myers has now been placed on the disabled list due to an injury incurred while Myers was a “bullpen pitcher”. Smoltz contests that you must give a pitcher an off-season to condition themselves for the rigors of everyday bullpen duties. That is why John feels he has been injured even though Myers has excelled in a needed role for the Phillies. Manager Charlie Manual surely does not need anymore press about his managerial decisions, as he has had his critics for moves he has made throughout last season. Manual has been backed up somewhat by comments made by assistant general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. who has indicated to those around the organization and Major League Baseball; he supports and understands the move to put Myers in the pen.

Former Red Sock, Bronson Arroyo has put forth an initiative to provide housing for American veterans returning home with serious disabilities and injuries. This was stated by Arroyo at a press conference when he said he will donate $100 for each strikeout he records to “Homes for our troops” a charity organization that he dubs “Athletes for the Brave.”
A truly great way to give back and see the people you are affecting and bringing awareness to a great cause that may affect a good number of lives.

Manager of the Atlanta Braves to break a record most do not want. Bobby Cox when approached about breaking the all-time ejections record, by Hall of Fame manager John McGraw. Stated that he was somewhat embarrassed by having this dubious honor. He made it clear that he holds all that have thrown him out in the highest regard and would not offer any remarks lighthearted or otherwise to reporters.
In the category of Early Exits meaning Most career managerial ejections, McGraw is tops at the moment with 131 total, Bobby Cox has 130, Leo Durocher has 124 and it falls off from there with Earl Weaver at 97.

Red Sox win 6-5 over the Texas Rangers to sweep the series for the only time since 1973. Joel Pineiro gets his first win this year in relief of Julian Tavarez while Akinori Otsuka gets his first loss for Texas and Hideki Okajima shows that he is a solid second option for Boston with his third save on the year. This game had some big innings for both sides and both teams tried to pull it out in the end but the BoSox having more juice for the 8th and ninth innings. For Texas the star today would have to be Mark Teixeira with two hits four RBI’s and one run scored. Kenny Lofton went 2-3 with a walk, continually getting it done in his advancing age bracket. A solid start by Loe and followed up by Benoit and in the ninth Eric Gagne even made an appearance giving up one big run striking out one in 1 inning pitched to bring his era to a sparkling 0.87.
Boston on the other hand got hits from most and seemed to spread things around for the most part, having five players with multiple hit games. Coco Crisp still fighting to get that average up and over .250. Kevin Youkilis on the other hand is flying high keeping his BA above .350. Jason Varitek took one deep and brought his up to an even .275, while Dustin Pedroia looked geared up for the Gagne offering in the ninth taking it out to left and has begun to put his mark on the sox lineup with his.279 avg. Tavarez went five and two-thirds allowing four and striking out six. Romero had a little trouble but went unmarked, giving Tavarez a no-decision after six hits given up. The Red Sox are quickly showing that they can get offense from the whole lineup at times and show the affects of truly feeling and playing like a number one team.
Boston takes on Cleveland tomorrow with a 705 pm ET first pitch time, pitting Curt Schilling and Cliff Lee against one another.

Written by Contributing Editor
Scott Penny