World Cup May Be Close to Home

Baseball could hold some or all of its inaugural World Cup in Southern California next March, Commissioner Bud Selig said Friday, with Dodger Stadium or Angel Stadium as the site of the championship game.

Major league officials envision the World Cup as a showcase for the sport, with games such as the Dominican Republic, featuring Vladimir Guerrero and Pedro Martinez, against the United States, featuring Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens. Although the tournament would be scheduled during spring training, Selig emphatically denied reports that officials already have planned to limit the event to venues in Arizona or Florida or both.

On another front, Selig said he hoped to bring the All-Star game back to Southern California. The Dodgers last hosted the game in 1980, the Angels in 1989 and the Padres in 1992, but the Padres could have the edge because of their new ballpark.

“We need to do it again in Southern California,” Selig said. “It’s been awhile.”

-- Bill Shaikin

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Kansas City catcher Benito Santiago will sit out at least six weeks after breaking his left hand in the Royals’ 10-4 victory over Philadelphia. Santiago left the game after he was hit by a pitch from Geoff Geary in the sixth inning.

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Pittsburgh pitcher Salomon Torres was suspended for four games for throwing at Oakland’s Damian Miller, and Manager Lloyd McClendon was suspended for one game. It was McClendon’s third suspension in six weeks.

As a manager, McClendon is not allowed to appeal and sat out Friday night’s game against Seattle. Torres will appeal the decision and continue to play until his case is heard.

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An MRI exam on Boston right-hander Curt Schilling’s sore right ankle showed no damage that would require him to skip his scheduled start Tuesday night against Minnesota.

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Florida ace Josh Beckett expects to make his next start despite a strained back muscle. Beckett left Thursday night’s game against the Chicago White Sox in the fourth inning after feeling a “pop” in his back.

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Baltimore left fielder B.J. Surhoff was forced out of Friday night’s game against Colorado after he strained his left calf. He is day to day.

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Colorado center fielder Preston Wilson, out since April because of surgery on his left knee, was activated from the disabled list and in the lineup against Baltimore.

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Baltimore put right-hander Rick Bauer on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 16, because of nerve irritation in his elbow. The Orioles also optioned infielder Jose Leon to triple-A Ottawa and signed free agent infielder David Newhan to a major league contract. Newhan homered for the Orioles on Friday night.