[Jim Porter]

Terry Craft has retired due to medical reasons. Press release posted below.

-JimP

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 2006

BARKSDALE ADDED TO MAJOR LEAGUE STAFF

Major League Baseball announced today that umpire Lance Barksdale has recently been added to the roster of full-time Major League Umpires.

Barksdale, 39, is in his 15th season of professional baseball and has worked in the Appalachian League, the South Atlantic League, the Florida State League, the Southern League, the Pacific Coast League and, most recently, the International League. The Mississippi native has been a Minor League call-up umpire at the Major League level since the 2000 season. Barksdale also has worked Major League Spring Training since 2000.

Barksdale, who wears number 67, will be assigned to Crew Q, whose Crew Chief is Dale Scott.