Sosa Appeals, Now Waits

Sammy Sosa is done talking. All he can do now is wait.

Sosa on Tuesday appealed his eight-game suspension for using a corked bat. After speaking for about an hour with Bob DuPuy, baseball’s chief operating officer, Sosa could only hope for the best.

“I’m waiting for the decision they’re going to make. Whatever punishment they’re going to do, I accept it,” the Chicago Cub right fielder said.

A decision from Major League Baseball could come as soon as today.

Sosa made a short statement to reporters late Tuesday afternoon, then exited without taking questions. Cub officials said Sosa would not speak with reporters again during a three-game series with the Baltimore Orioles that concludes Thursday.

Sosa met with DuPuy at the hotel where the Cubs are staying in Baltimore. After hearing the appeal, DuPuy paused before getting into a cab.

“We had a very nice talk,” he said.

Asked when a decision would be rendered, DuPuy replied, “As soon as I get to it.”

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Baseball officials focused on financing for a new stadium when they visited Portland, Ore., to discuss the city’s bid to lure the Montreal Expos.

Baseball’s delegation included general counsel Tom Ostertag, executive vice president for administration John McHale Jr., and chief financial officer Jonathan Mariner.

The group met with Portland Mayor Vera Katz and David Kahn, head of the Oregon Stadium Campaign. It was the third meeting between local officials and baseball representatives.

Portland is bidding for the Expos along with Northern Virginia and Washington D.C., but it is unclear whether the team will be moved in time for next season.

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Reliever Juan Acevedo was released by the New York Yankees, three days after giving up a three-run homer to the Cubs’ Eric Karros that ruined Roger Clemens’ bid for his 300th win.

The Yankees also put Cuban right-hander Jose Contreras on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 7 because of a strained right shoulder.

New York recalled right-handed pitcher Jason Anderson from triple-A Columbus and purchased the contract of right-handed pitcher Al Reyes from Columbus.

“It had nothing to do with the 300th game,” Yankee General Manager Brian Cashman said. “It was just another example of a poor performance.”

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Cleveland Indian designated hitter Ellis Burks may need season-ending surgery after tests found a pinched nerve in his right elbow caused muscle degeneration in his hand. The club put Burks, 38, on the 15-day disabled list and said he probably will undergo an operation.... The St. Louis Cardinals activated pitcher Jason Isringhausen and catcher Joe Girardi. Both had spent the first 61 games of the season on the disabled list.... Veteran infielder John Valentin signed a minor-league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies.