Baseball Buzz: Big Papi wants to hammer Roiders; Drew, Hampton face health issues

Big Papi speaks, so we listen. David Ortiz called for those caught using steroids to get banned for a year. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen suggested the same punishment yesterday.

J.D. Drew’s back is still causing him problems. The Sox need Drew’s production, especially in the highly competitive AL East. While not the slugger like David Ortiz, he works counts, takes walks and gets on base (who doesn’t like those things).

The Twins are interested in reliever Juan Cruz – but not at the cost of their first round pick. However, the club is awaiting developments in free-agency rules that might make it easier for them to acquire Cruz. There have been inklings that baseball will allow teams to sign, then trade, certain free agents. If this happens, a lot of folks would be in on the hard throwing (but sometimes wild) Cruz.

The Phillies have an offer to Nomar Garciaparra, but are waiting for his response. Garciaparra may elect to retire rather than move from Southern California. The chance at a World Series run might be the difference maker.

Odalis Perez backed off his verbal contract agreement with the Nationals. Perez was 7-12 with a 4.34 ERA in 159 2/3 innings over 30 starts, but only managed a minor league deal worth $850,000 if he made the team.

Astros pitcher Mike Hampton left camp today with an irregular heartbeat. He will undergo a procedure to get things back on track – and while that sounds scary, it’s not a major risk, or even that uncommon of a procedure.