Quick Hits: MLB Stuffage

You Go Girl, Ria Cortesto: Ria Cortesio became the first female umpire to work a major league exhibition game since Pam Postema in 1989 when she made calls on the bases Thursday as the Chicago Cubs beat an Arizona Diamondbacks split squad 7-4.

We touched upon the topic on the radio show, ‘The Hits Keep Coming’, and it’s not doubt a great moment in baseball. We are in 21st century, and baseball is a very much male-ingrained sport, but with women like Ria and Dodgers’ assistant GM, Kim Ng, women are making inroads in the game like never before.

She also gave Sooze of Babes Love Baseball some love as well. Good to know Ria checks out the net! That’s awesome.

George Mitchell: Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell has asked to start player interviews as part of his steroids probe and expects to complete his investigation. You'll get nothing done, Mr. Mitchell...

“You Got to Know When to Fold Em” – ‘The Gambler’, Kenny Rogers, on the DL”: Well, former angry man, camera-man tosser and star of “Smudge Gate”, Kenny Rogers will miss at least one regular-season start after being placed on the 15-day disabled list Thursday with a ‘tired arm’.

Eric Gagne on the DL: Eric Gagne will start the season on the disabled list for the Texas Rangers, a move the team is making to give the closer more time to come back from elbow and back operations.

Scot Shields Given an Extension: Los Angeles Angels reliever Scot Shields agreed Thursday to a three-year, $14.6 million contract extension through 2010. Shields, the Angels' setup man, had agreed last month to a $3.4 million, one-year contract. The new deal adds salaries of $4.25 million in 2008, $5 million in 2009 and $5.35 million in 2010.

It’s a good move, and one of the best setup men have been locked by the Angels for the next few years.

Dan Johnson on the DL: A’s first baseman Jan Johnson will begin the season on the disabled list after being diagnosed with torn cartilage in his left hip, manager Bob Geren said Thursday.

Mark Prior - "I'm Just an Employee...": What a shame for the Cubs and their organization. Just a few years ago, Mark Prior was the next big thing was supposed to be a savior for the Cubs.

Now, he's trying to find his way back.

Mark Prior reacted to his demotion to the minors with disappointment, humor and sarcasm.

"I'm just an employee," the former 18-game winner said Thursday. "The goal now is to go down and help that team win and try to make the Triple-A All-Star team. Maybe I can get invited to the Futures Game or something. I'm still 26." ... "It's part of the business. That's the way I look at it. There's not much I can say. I'm a controlled player. I do what I'm told," Prior said.

Wow. Not a happy man, and I'm sure it's an ego blow...