Queen of Sports

Athlete Sighting: Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez was spotted in normal fashion last night, walking several steps ahead of his new girlfriend, Torrie Wilson, after leaving a private party at a Miami hotel.

The pair were seen hanging out at a table with Sammy Sosa and other friends. Rodriguez has been spotted all over town with Wilson, an ex-WWE wrestler. They were even caught kissing in his pool earlier this month. So, why does he still insist on leaving her in the dust if the secret’s out?

Photo: Momo/JCFL/Splash News

Athlete Sightings At Jay-Z’s 40/40 Club Re-Opening

Jay-Z made his first public appearance since the birth of his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, last night at a star-studded bash celebrating the reopening of his 40/40 club in New York City. The high-end sports bar opened nine years ago, so to keep it relevant, Jay-Z and his investing partners revamped the club with a $10 million make-over.

The guest list included Warren Buffett, Ashanti, Swizz Beatz, Fabolous, Irv Gotti, Russell Simmons, and Spike Lee decked out in NY Giants garb. Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and his wife Amber, pictured above, rubbed elbows with St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Carlos Beltran and his wife Jessica Lugo.

On another note, there were rumors swirling around the internet that Jay-Z would refrain from using the “B” word in his songs now that he has a daughter. He told Rolling Stone that would not be the case.

Photos: Janet Mayer / PR Photos

Clayton And Ellen Kershaw Launch New Book

Left-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Clayton Kershaw and his wife Ellen held a press conference yesterday at Dodger Stadium to launch their book, Arise. The book chronicles the couples trip to Zambia where Clayton and Ellen along with the organization, Arise Africa are building an orphanage.

“Look where we are now. We’re at Dodger Stadium talking about a book,” Clayton said at the presee conference. “There’s something to be said for that. I think that’s a platform for us. Ellen and I were talking about how awesome it is to have baseball for other things. That’s sort of the whole purpose.”

Like another very popular athlete right now, Clayton and Ellen are devout Christians and share their experiences with faith and giving to others in the new book. You can order the book here.

Photo: PR Photos

Tim Lincecum Asked For Nearly Record-Breaking High Salary In Arbitration

Tim Lincecum, the San Francisco Giants pitcher who helped the team win a World Series title, asked for $21.5 million in salary in arbitration, the highest salary asked second only to Roger Clements‘ request for $22 million in 2005.

The Giants offered Lincecum $17 million. While it wasn’t as high as he had hoped for, the offer was the highest in the club’s history. The Giants offered Derek Jeter $14.25 million in 2001.

Arbitration talks are ongoing and neither side has reached a conclusion. The Giants did, however, agree to pay slugger Pablo Sandoval $17.15 million for a three-year contract.

Lincecum agreed to a $23 million, two-year contract in 2010. The Giants are looking to get him into a long-term deal with the team.

Justin Verlander Should Be Sponsored By Taco Bell

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Detroit Tigers pitcher and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander was on Conan last night, where he revealed his pre-game ritual. Verlander admitted that the night before every game, he eats Taco Bell.

Check out the video if you want to hear what he orders and about the time he lit his teammate’s cleat on fire in honor of Bert Blyleven.

Cleveland Indians Slugger Engaged To Playmate

Cleveland Indians slugger Grady Sizemore recently proposed to his girlfriend, Playboy Playmate Brittany Binger.

Sizemore, who has a strong following of fans in “Grady’s Ladies,” proposed on Christmas Day. Sizemore signed a one-year contract with the Indians in November.

A date for the wedding has not been set but Kendra Wilkinson, who is friends with Binger, is already thinking about the bachelorette party. She tweeted, “be careful I might get female strippers 4ur Bachelorette party n have them dance 2 @50cent on u” < OMG!”

Photo: Mark Dye / PR Photos

Disney Family Joins Running To Buy Dodgers

Last week we reported on Joe Torre‘s interest in buying the Los Angeles Dodgers, now this week a new name has joined the list of interested individuals. Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports that the Disney family is in talks with investors about bidding to buy the baseball team.

Stanley Gold, who runs the investment firm for the Disney family, is reportedly in discussions with potential investors although neither he nor anyone from the Disney family would comment on this new development.

While the Disneys would be buying the Dodgers as a private investment, the Walt Disney Co. has a pretty good track record for winning in the MLB: they owned the Anaheim Angels from 1996-2003. In 2002, the Angels won their first and only World Series title.

Jorge Posada To Announce Retirement This Month

After 17 seasons playing for the New York Yankees, Jorge Posada will not be returning to Yankee stadium, according to a source who informed The Associated Press. Posada will be announcing his retirement sometime this month.

Posada, who is 40 years old, won five World Series titles with the Yankees. His latest deal with the team was a four-year $52 million contract that expired after last season. After finishing the season with a career-low batting average and only playing sporadically, he made it clear after the season he wouldn’t be returning to the Yankees.  He had initially mentioned offers from other clubs but it looks like now he’s decided to retire from the sport all together.

Joe Torre Quit His MLB Job; Pursuing Ownership Of Dodgers

The MLB announced today that Joe Torre has quit his job as executive vice president of baseball operations in order to pursue ownership of the lately ill-fated Los Angeles Dodgers.

Torre said in a statement, “I have made this decision because of a unique chance to join a group that plans to bid for the Dodgers. After leaving the field, this job was an incredible experience, one that I enjoyed very much. I want to thank the commissioner and all of my colleagues over the last year, particularly the members of the baseball operations group and the major league umpires.”

The group seeking to buy the team is backed by the Los Angeles real estate developer responsible for building high-end outdoor shopping centers like The Grove, Rick Caruso. Caruso said, “Joe and I believe in the Dodgers and Dodger fans and know that together we will foster a winning culture and deliver a premier, fan-focused baseball experience at Dodger Stadium.”

Torre managed the Dodgers for two years in 2008-2010 after 12 years managing the Yankees.

The Dodgers must be sold by April 30.

Photo: Charles Norfleet / PR Photos

Athlete Sighting: A-Rod Chats With Cindy Crawford At Lakers Game

Alex Rodriguez was spotted at Staples Center last night for the Lakers vs Rockets game, sitting courtside with some other familiar faces. A-Rod and his new girlfriend, Playboy model and retired WWE wrestler Torrie Wilson, were on a double date with Cindy Crawford and her husband Rande Gerber.

The two couples chatted, laughed, and snapped a picture of themselves on Crawford’s blinged-out iPhone. A-Rod looked sharp in his leather jacket and glasses. He and Wilson started dating about a month ago, when photographers snapped them riding bikes in Miami.

Photo: London Entertainment/ Splash News