Piazza Appeals His Suspension

Met catcher Mike Piazza appealed his five-game suspension Monday, making his case at Shea Stadium shortly after New York lost to the Chicago Cubs, 15-2, in its season opener.

Piazza met with major league disciplinarian Bob Watson and Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, after going one for four in the loss.

“I believe that we did make our points effectively,” Piazza said.

Piazza was penalized for charging Dodger Guillermo Mota after being hit by a fastball during an exhibition game March 12, then going into the Dodger clubhouse looking for the pitcher.

Piazza’s appeal took about 45 minutes. A decision was expected today.

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Cablevision and the YES Network struck a deal to bring New York Yankee games to the cable system’s 3 million subscribers -- just in time for the Yankees to open their season in Toronto.

For Cablevision customers, the deal averted the prospect of a second consecutive season without most of the Yankee games.

“The deal is good for each of the businesses involved, good for consumers and good for Yankees fans, who will again be able to watch their team on television,” said state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who monitored the negotiations.

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The board that owns and operates Comiskey Park approved the venue’s name change to U.S. Cellular Field.

The Illinois Sports Facilities Authority board’s action enables the White Sox to go ahead with changes to the 12-year-old stadium.

In January, the wireless service provider announced it will pay the White Sox $68 million over 20 years for the naming rights.

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Kerry Robinson beat out So Taguchi for the final spot on the St. Louis Cardinal roster.

Taguchi, a Japanese outfielder in the second year of a $3-million, three-year contract, was optioned to triple-A Memphis.

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Charles Monfort became chairman and chief executive officer of the Colorado Rockies, replacing Jerry McMorris as the team’s controlling owner.

Monfort served as its vice chairman since 1992, a year before the team started play. McMorris becomes vice chairman and remains as one of the managing general partners.