Bichette Has a Beef with NBC’s Costas

Colorado outfielder Dante Bichette won’t dispute that he hits better at Coors Field than he does elsewhere. He just doesn’t want Bob Costas saying that’s the only place he can hit.

“I’m tired of hearing comments like this from people that haven’t stepped into a batter’s box at this level and seen what it takes to hit,” Bichette said before the Rockies’ game Friday night against San Diego.

During NBC’s telecast of last Tuesday’s All-Star game in Philadelphia, Costas referred to the disparity between Bichette’s offensive statistics at home and on the road.

Costas said Bichette was the perfect example of a Colorado team that has struggled at the .500 mark (43-44).

Bichette’s own numbers seem to back the candid comments of Costas. He is hitting .413 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs in Denver. Away, he is hitting .268 with five homers and 26 RBIs.

“The way Bob talks about it, there is nothing more to my numbers than the thin air,” Bichette said. “You still have to get good wood on the ball here or anywhere you play.”

The Rockies have been a team with different personalities. They are hitting .347 with 80 home runs at Coors Field, where they are 28-15. Colorado is 15-29 and is hitting .223 with 35 homers on the road.

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Greg Swindell, who returned to the Cleveland Indians to help out as a reliever and spot starter, was put on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis in his left biceps.

Swindell was 1-1 with a 6.14 ERA in five appearances for Cleveland. He was effective in four relief outings, giving up 10 hits and three earned runs in 13 1/3 innings, a 2.03 ERA.

Cleveland recalled outfielder Brian Giles from triple-A Buffalo to take Swindell’s place on the 25-man roster.

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Darryl Strawberry will get nearly $400,000 for playing with the New York Yankees this season, according to details of his contract obtained by The Associated Press.

Strawberry got a $260,000 signing bonus as part of his minor-league contract with triple-A Columbus and has a $300,000 salary with the Yankees. Because he will be on the roster for the final 85 days of the 183-day season, his prorated salary will be $139,344.

Strawberry would earn an additional $100,000 if he is comeback player of the year.