Afternoon news

In the big news of the day, US District Judge Reggie Walton declared a mistrial in the perjury case of Roger Clemens after noticing that the prosecution entered evidence Reggie had said was inadmissible. The evidence included testimony by Andy Pettitte’s wife, Laura, among other things.

The decision could mean that Rocket won’t have to face another trial due to double jeopardy. The judge has set a hearing date for September 2 to determine whether or not Roger can be constitutionally tried a second time.

Judge Walton:

"Sadly I have reached a conclusion that to permit this case to go forward with the government having done what it did, Mr. Clemens will not get a fair trial before this jury. So I will declare a mistrial."

Walton also told prosecutors that this was a “first-year law student mistake.” Boom roasted. You can follow along with the NY Post’s coverage of the case or the Washington Post’s, if you prefer.

Call me crazy, but I’m happy for Clemens. Regardless of whether or not he used steroids (he definitely did) he will always be one of my favorites. He always went out there every five days and left everything he had on the mound.

• The Yanks have called up Greg Golson to  replace A-Rod on the roster. You’ll best remember the outfielder from a game last season when he threw out Carl Crawford at third to end a game against the Rays. The speedy outfielder will be activated in time for tonight’s tilt against the Blue Jays.
• The Yanks have signed former Phillies banned-substance user World Series hero to a minor-league deal after the Nationals released him today. The team has been searching for left-handed relief, and Romero could be just the guy to help Boone Logan out with LOOGY situations. There’s a chance JC could pitch tonight in Scranton.
• George King stirs some shit about Cashman not returning to the Yanks. King suggests Cash could end up with the Cubbies. However, I’m not too worried because these same rumors surfaced about Girardi going to the Cubs during the 2010 postseason.
• After missing nearly three months with a strained groin, Mark Prior threw 24 pitches — with a fastball that reached 90 mph — for the GCL Yankees against Atlanta minor leaguers on Wednesday. So also threw yesterday. He tossed 25 pitches during his second batting practice session since going on the DL. Pedro Feliciano resumed a light throwing program and Damaso Marte is continuing to throw off a bullpen mound. Also in that article, the team finalized a contract with 24-year-old Cuban righty Reinier Casanova and assigned him to the GCL Yankees. I’m excited about his arrival because there could be two nicknames for him: you could take the easy route and go with a play on Casanova or get more creative and make a Rainier Wolfcastle reference. I’m looking forward to this, I really am.