MLB misc., etc.

First, a couple of short notes. The first is about Braves pitcher Tim Hudson:

Earlier this week, Tim Hudson placed a call to James Cyran, a 12-year-old boy from suburban Atlanta, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia.

Here's the article (at the end): http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1820351&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's a note about Red Sox manager Terry "Tito" Francona quitting chewing tobacco:

Tito tries to kick habit: Francona has publicly committed to quitting chewing tobacco. The Red Sox have backed him in his effort, with president/CEO Larry Lucchino -- a cancer survivor -- announcing that he will donate $20,000 to a charity to be named if Francona abstains for the entire season.

"It's a hard habit to break, but I have the will to do it," Francona said in a statement. "And I know that in breaking this habit and vanquishing this addiction, I can show thousands of people who never should have started that they can stop, and they can stop right now.

"To have the support of Larry Lucchino and the whole Red Sox organization infuses me with strength and resolve that are greater than mine alone. I appreciate this effort, and I know how much it means to so many."

Here's the article: http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1820459&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Next, a good article about Braves pitcher John Smoltz, a Christian, mentoring young Braves pitcher Kyle Davies. After Mike Hampton, another Braves pitcher, went down with an injury yesterday, Davies is even more important: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070301&content_id=1821160&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl.

Here's a good article about Cubs catcher Michael Barrett, a Christian, heading into the new season: http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-070225cubsbrite,1,5126988.story?coll=cs-cubs-headlines (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070228&content_id=1819704&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Also, a quote from new Cubs thirdbase coach Mike Quade, about Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano:

"He's got God-given speed, so he can run to either gap and get his jumps," Quade said of Soriano....

Here's the article: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070301&content_id=1822007&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc.

Here's another good interview with Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4684.

Lastly, an article that I found a link for on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes website about former NBA player and current Rockets coach Charlie Ward and former NFL quarterback Danny Wuerffel, who are both Christians: http://community.emeraldcoast.com/onset?db=eccommunity&id=13413&template=article.html.