Lobbying heats up for 2012 Olympics
SINGAPORE, July 4 (UPI) -- Lobbying was ratcheted up in Singapore Monday among the five cities vying to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games before Wednesday's decision.
Among the most prominent figures representing delegations from London, Madrid, New York, Paris and Moscow was British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who was joined by soccer star David Beckham.
Meanwhile, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., held an upbeat news conference, where they pledged to win the vote as a birthday present for President George Bush, who turns 59 on Wednesday, the day the International Olympic Committee announces its decision.
Officials from Paris, which the BBC said is considered the favorite to win, decided not to file a complaint over remarks made at a London news conference about their stadium's capabilities. Sydney 2000 organizing chief Jim Sloman and architect Rod Sheard suggested the Stade de France venue was not ideally suited to stage Olympic athletic events.
The winning announcement will be made at Wednesday July 6th at 7:30 a.m. EDT.
Phillies' reliever Worrell comes off DL
PHILADELPHIA, July 4 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Phillies activated relief pitcher Tim Worrell from the 15-day disabled list following Sunday night's 4-3 loss to the Atlanta Braves.
Worrell had been sidelined since early May due to personal psychological reasons.
The Phillies made room for him by designating pitcher Amaury Telemaco for assignment. The team has 10 days to trade, release or send him to the minors if he clears waivers. Telemaco is 0-1 with a 4.22 ERA in seven appearances this season.
The right-handed Worrell has also struggled this season, posting an 0-1 mark with a 9.82 ERA in 14 appearances.
Pitch breaks Dodgers OF Drew's wrist
LOS ANGELES, July 4 (UPI) -- A wild pitch has put Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder J.D. Drew on the disabled list for several weeks with a broken wrist.
Drew was hit by Arizona Diamondbacks starter Brad Halsey at the beginning of the fifth inning Sunday. He came out to play defense in the bottom of the inning, but was unable to finish the contest.
After the Dodgers lost 10-3, general manager Paul DePodesta said Drew would see a specialist Tuesday, and said it was not a minor, 15-day injury.
MLB All-Stars include 11 first-timers
PHILADELPHIA, July 4 (UPI) -- This year's All-Star game in Detroit will feature 11 first-timers, replacing the heavy-hitting likes of Randy Johnson, Barry Bonds and Sammy Sosa.
Also missing from the July 12 game at Detroit's Comerica Park will be Ken Griffey Jr., Greg Maddux and Rafael Palmeiro.
Among the first timers from the American League will be the Texas Rangers' first baseman Mark Teixera and Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts.
For the National League, Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, St. Louis shortstop David Eckstein and Philadelphia outfielder Bobby Abreu will all make their All-Star debuts.
