MLB Wire Notes | Yankee Stadium deal under examination

ALBANY, N.Y. — A congressional subcommittee is examining the New York Yankees' bid for another $350 million in public financing for their new stadium, a move that broadens the question of whether taxpayers should finance professional sports venues.

Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, is asking whether the Internal Revenue Service can change its regulations and allow stadium projects such as the new Yankee Stadium to receive public-backed financing that comes with tax breaks.

Other pro teams could benefit if the IRS agrees with the New York City Industrial Development Agency and alters its policy against stadium funding.

The Yankees want additional public support from the city's industrial development agency to be added to the $941 million in tax-exempt public bonds the organization already has issued for the $1.3 billion stadium.

"There is national interest in whether sports facilities should be funded by taxpayers," said New York Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, a Westchester County Democrat.

Brodsky has been critical of public authorities that issue millions of dollars in financing and tax breaks.

"It's government by Soviet-style bureaucracy," Brodsky said Saturday.

Isringhausen back

ST. LOUIS — St. Louis closer Jason Isringhausen came to the ballpark Saturday expecting to throw one final bullpen tuneup before coming off the disabled list next week.

Instead, he was activated.

A day after a 20-2 pasting by the Phillies, the Cardinals decided they needed Isringhausen in their depleted bullpen.

The 35-year-old had been on the DL since May 16, ostensibly because of a lacerated hand but more to give him time to clear his head after a stretch of woeful outings. He is 1-5 with an 8.00 earned-run average and six blown saves.

"That break did me good just to get my mind right, and now I'm back," he said.

Notes

• Mike Mussina of the Yankees reached 10 wins for the 17th straight season, extending his American League record. He got his 260th career win.

• Atlanta put reliever Rafael Soriano back on the 15-day DL. The ex-Mariner made only five appearances after being sidelined six weeks because of a sore right elbow.

• Boston outfielder Manny Ramirez didn't start because of a tender right hamstring, and catcher Jason Varitek missed his third straight game with an illness.

• Boston's Jacoby Ellsbury had two steals, giving him 31 and tying Amby McConnell's 100-year-old Red Sox rookie record.