White Sox Flu Bug Bites the Media

The flu bug that has swept through White Sox spring camp at Tucson, Ariz. -- striking pitchers Gavin Floyd and Jose Contreras among others -- has even hit the camp followers, with radio play-by-play broadcaster Ed Farmer passing it on to his whole family, and MLB.com beat writer Scott Merkin being waylayed as well.

A visibly sickened Farmer -- besieged by autograph seekers as he left the clubhouse for his car -- stood back from the fans and warned them not to get too close as he signed.

At the same time new broadcast partner Steve Stone, being handed one of the fans' balls, started to write his signature when his eyes grew wide as saucers.

"Did Farmer touch this ball?" Stone suddenly asked with alarm before making a quick exit.