News briefs: Girardi focused on Yanks, not Cubs opening

CHICAGO -- Joe Girardi says it's flattering to be mentioned as a candidate for another managerial opening but he is focused on getting the New York Yankees ready to play each day.

Girardi tried to brush aside speculation about the Cubs' job before New York opened a three-game series against the White Sox on Friday night. The Yankees manager is in the last year of his contract and has strong ties to Chicago.

Girardi says he's not worried about next season and feels fortunate to be managing in the big leagues.

Also for the Yankees, left-hander Andy Pettitte threw 25 pitches during a bullpen session and says it went well. The three-time All-Star is trying to come back with a strained left groin.

The next step for Pettitte will depend on how he feels Saturday. Full story

Andriesen: Pujols, La Russa to appear at controversial rally

Years ago, desperate for an item to fill a baseball notebook, I threw in some quotes about players' thoughts on the upcoming presidential election. A large majority of ballplayers are Republicans, because many of them are one-issue voters (they have lots of money and wish to keep as much of it as possible).

I came to regret writing that, because I got so much response from people who were really depressed by it. "I really like rooting for these guys, but now that I know they think (whatever), it makes it hard. It's ruined my enjoyment of those players. I wish I'd never read that."

People don't want to mix their sports with their politics. They are two deeply divisive issues that just don't mix. Which is why it's a terrible idea for Cardinals star Albert Pujols and manager Tony La Russa to appear at Fox News talk show host Glenn Beck's highly controversial rally Saturday in Washington.

The rally might or might not purposely be planned for the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I have a dream" speech (Beck says it's a coincidence), but it's taking place at the same location. The "Restore Honor Rally" is being touted as a non-political event to "celebrate the First Amendment" and honor troops, but the speakers are ultraconservative lightning rods like Beck and Sarah Palin, and the Tea Party is busing people there.

Bay: Concussion symptoms gone, ready for rehab

NEW YORK -- Mets outfielder Jason Bay says he has not felt any symptoms from a concussion for the first time since he was injured in late July and hopes he can return to the field this season.

Bay says Friday before New York played the Houston Astros he knows he is facing a lengthy rehabilitation process and that there might not be enough time to get into game shape.

Mets general manager Omar Minaya says there is no timetable for his return because of the nature of Bay's injury. The team will be extremely cautious.

The 31-year-old Bay was injured running into a wall in Dodger Stadium on July 23 while making a catch. He played in the Mets' next two games, but complained of headaches during the flight back to New York and hasn't played since.

Rays, Hawpe agree to minor-league deal

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have agreed to terms on a minor-league deal with veteran outfielder Brad Hawpe.

Hawpe was released earlier this month by Colorado. He'll report to Class A Charlotte of the Florida State League.

Hawpe was one of the cornerstones on the Rockies' 2007 NL championship team and a first-time All-Star last season. He hit .255 with seven homers and 37 RBI this season with Colorado.

Aaron reunites with two fans who shared 715 glory

ATLANTA -- The moment is still frozen in time: Hank Aaron rounding the bases after hitting his record 715th home run when, suddenly, two young fans ran up from behind to pat him on the shoulder.

Aaron got a rare chance to reminisce with those who briefly shared his moment on glory on April 8, 1974.

"It's wonderful to see them," Aaron said before the Atlanta Braves opened a series against the Florida Marlins. "I often get asked, 'Whatever happened to those two guys?' It's nice to see them once again and know they're doing fine, doing well."

Britt Gaston and Cliff Courtenay were only 17 when Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run record at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, now the site of a parking lot across the street from Turner Field.

Rockies put reliever Corpas on DL

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have placed reliever Manuel Corpas on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained ligament in his right elbow.

The Rockies also said that reliever Rafael Betancourt, struggling with a lower abdominal strain, is likely unavailable until Saturday. To fortify the bullpen, Colorado recalled pitchers Samuel Deduno and Franklin Morales from the minors.

Deduno had been starting at Triple-A Colorado Springs, where he was 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA. He was brought up to replace Corpas in a long relief role.

Corpas relieved starter Esmil Rogers in the second inning Wednesday against Atlanta but had to leave the game in the fourth due to injury. Colorado's medical staff diagnosed Corpas with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament, and he will get a second opinion Tuesday when he visits Dr. Lewis Yocum, a noted orthopedic surgeon based in Anaheim, Calif.