right hander

The Cubs, moving to address one of their offseason priorities, are close to re-signing free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a four-year contract, according to major-league sources.

The Cubs, moving to address one of their off-season priorities, are close to re-signing free-agent right-hander Ryan Dempster to a four- year contract, according to major-league sources.

In the first big showdown of the offseason, it's the Braves vs. the Cubs for Padres right-hander Jake Peavy.

DANA POINT, Calif. -- Toronto Blue Jays right-hander A.J. Burnett has filed paperwork to opt out of the final two years of his contract.

Tampa Bay closer Troy Percival was left off the Rays' roster for their AL division series against the Chicago White Sox due to back tightness.

Percival had 28 saves this season, but just one came after Aug. 13. In addition to the back injury, the 39-year old right-hander missed 42 games during three stints on the disabled list with left hamstring and right knee injuries.

The Milwaukee Brewers were counting on Ben Sheets to make two more starts over the final 10 games as they try to overcome a September slide and reach the playoffs.

Now they're unsure if their All-Star right-hander will be available at all. Sheets left his start against the Cubs on Wednesday night after two innings with a sore right elbow.

"Don't know yet," assistant general manager Gord Ash said Thursday. "He'll get his treatment.

The Milwaukee Brewers were counting on Ben Sheets to make two more starts over the final 10 games as they try to overcome a September slide and reach the playoffs.

Now they're unsure if their All-Star right-hander will be available at all. Sheets left his start against the Cubs on Wednesday night after two innings with a sore right elbow.

Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player - too good, it turns out.

The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph.

He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball League of New Haven told his coach that the boy could not pitch any more.

When Jericho took the mound anyway last week, the opposing team forfeited the game, packed its gear and left, his coach said.