Mostly linkage

Did you know that you can just call up Bob Watson, the man in MLB's offices who hands out the suspensions? Very interesting.

Yogi Berra is 80 years old today. I got to meet him, briefly, yesterday. It was nearly 5 p.m. and he'd had a long day. Otherwise, it might've been a more in-depth interview. Which is to say, it would've been an interview.

I don't think John Rocker will ever make it back to the majors, mainly because he continues to open his mouth. If he'd just shut up and play baseball, he might be able to throw strikes again, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. After comparing himself to Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson, people are done giving him a fourth, fifth or sixth chance. Among the more interesting columns and responses are those from Buck O'Neil, USA Today, Newsday and the Daily News.

While watching some of yesterday afternoon's Red Sox-Athletics game, I saw an ad for a Sox travel package. A Boston travel agent has put together airfare, hotel and tickets to the Red Sox-Orioles series in Baltimore from July 7-10. The first game of that series overlaps with a Nationals-Mets game, and I'd imagine that the O's will win that head-to-head attendance battle. The Red Sox have also put together what may be the best baseball giveaway ever: They're raffling off three authentic World Championship rings, with proceeds going to charity. Massachusetts residents only, though.