NY Yankees Sign Iraqi Hurler

[Al]

 

Shoe-throwing Right-hander Impresses Scouts

 

In their latest bid to beef up their pitching rotation for the 2009 season, the New York Yankees today signed Iraqi journalist Muntadar al-Zeidi to a three-year deal worth $32 million. The right-handed al-Zeidi, 28, impressed the Yankee scouts with his performance in Baghdad yesterday when he threw both of his shoes at President George W. Bush. While neither of the shoes hit their target, both throws "had great velocity and good movement," said Yankee owner Hank Steinbrenner.

"The first shoe was high and outside but the second one was right down the middle," Mr. Steinbrenner said.

The Yankee boss said that he was also impressed with Mr. al-Zeidi's fighting spirit when Secret Service agents tackled him.

"That could come in handy when we have a series with Boston," he said.

[beano]

They may have to wait a while, he's looking at 15 years.

He picked up a few minor sporting injuries as well.

 

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Iraqi journalist 'brutally tortured' in custody

 

Baghdad: The Iraqi journalist who gained fame for throwing his shoes at US President George W Bush will stand trial on December 31, a court official said on Monday.

 

Muntadar Al Zaidi is charged with "assaulting a foreign head of state visiting Iraq," said Abdul Satar Birqadr, spokesman for Iraq's High Judicial Council.

 

"The Criminal Court has set a date for trial on Dec. 31 and a three-judge panel will run the hearings," he said.

 

"The case is not complicated and I expect it won't take a great deal of time to reach a ruling," he said, adding that it was up to the court to determine a sentence.

 

Meanwhile, Al Zaidiâ??s lawyer and brother both say he was brutally tortured while in custody.