Fred McGriff released by Devil Rays
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 26 (UPI) -- Forty-year-old Fred McGriff, who needs just seven home runs to reach 500, was released Monday by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
McGriff, a five-time all-star, has appeared in only 27 games this season, batting .181 with two home runs and seven runs-batted-in.
The 18-year veteran is tied with Lou Gehrig for 21st place on the all-time home run list with 493.
Jim Krivacks, McGriff's representative, said he was checking with other teams to see if there is any interest in signing the veteran, who has been working out near his home in Tampa.
McGriff, a Tampa native, has also played for the Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs.
His lifetime batting average is .284, with 2,490 hits and 1,550 RBI.
Yankees' Giambi scheduled for more tests
TORONTO, July 26 (UPI) -- Ailing first baseman Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees is scheduled to see an infectious diseases specialist in New York Tuesday.
Giambi has been suffering from an intestinal parasite condition that his personal trainer said could keep him out of baseball for the rest of the season.
The 34-year-old slugger flew with the team to Toronto Sunday night but was scheduled to return to New York to see Dr. Scott Hammer.
Giambi has played in 70 games this season, batting just .221 with 11 home runs and 36 RBI. He has missed for of the Yankees' last five games.
"He told me, 'I don't care about even hitting .220. I just want to feel better,'" his personal trainer, Bob Alejo told the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger. "He's exhausted, and it's not getting any better."
"We'll wait and see what the rest of the tests say," Manager Joe Torre said. "He's able to keep food down now, but he's listless. He can pinch-hit for us, but he's limited in what he can do."
Steelers extend Cowher's contract
PITTSBURGH, July 26 (UPI) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers Monday signed Coach Bill Cowher to a contract extension that will keep him with the team for at least four more seasons.
Cowher, 47, has coached the Steelers for 12 years -- the longest stretch with one team of any active coach in the NFL.
Pittsburgh has won seven division titles, advanced to four AFC Championship games and made one Super Bowl appearance under Cowher.
Cowher is one of only six coaches in league history to claim at least seven division titles.
His previous contract had run through 2005. The new agreement extends the contract through the 2007 season.
"We are excited about extending Bill's contract to continue the stability and success that he has brought to our team over the past 12 years," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "He is a terrific person in addition to being an excellent football coach."
Woods' world rank lead less than 1 point
PHILADELPHIA, July 26 (UPI) -- Top-rated Tiger Woods now leads Ernie Els by less than one point in the world golf rankings.
Woods has been No. 1 for more than six years (329 weeks) and is nearing Greg Norman's record of 332 weeks, but Els has steadily gained ground this year.
The latest rankings were released Monday.
Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love III are third, fourth and fifth. Rounding out the top 10 are Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, Padraig Harrington, Jim Furyk and Sergio Garcia.
Adam Scott stayed at No. 11, followed by Kenny Perry, Chad Campbell, Darren Clarke, Stuart Appleby, Todd Hamilton, Scott Verplank, David Toms, Stephen Ames and Fred Couples at No. 20.
