Top News:
Washington Post:
Lerners, MLB Finish Details of Nats Deal — D.C. Steps Up Pressure on Comcast to Air Games — Bethesda developer Theodore N. Lerner and his family were wrapping up final details with Major League Baseball last night on the purchase of the Washington Nationals for $450 million …
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Dave Sheinin / Washington Post:
The Making of a President — Kasten Brings Impressive Résumé to Nats — Stan Kasten pulls an 8x10 photograph out of a folder in the trunk of his car. "My favorite photo of me and Ted," he says. In the photo, taken during a news conference at the opening of Turner Field in 1997 …
Washington Post:
Behind a Wall of Silence, Lerner Has Built an Empire — At the age of 80, Theodore N. Lerner — native Washingtonian, shopping mall magnate and new principal owner of the Washington Nationals — should not be a man in need of a public unveiling. — But since his days as "Silent Ted" …
Discussion:
District of Baseball
Thomas Boswell / Washington Post:
For Bud, Family Trumps Race — When District politicians look at the selection of an owner for the Nationals, one issue dominates all others — progress toward racial diversity, using the ballclub as a symbol of that fight. They want more social justice. And more votes, too.
Discussion:
misschatter.com
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Jered Weaver Might Get Next Try in Colon's Spot — The Angels, confident that Jered Weaver is ready for the major leagues after one month at triple A, are leaning toward starting him Saturday in Toronto and giving him the chance to replace Bartolo Colon in the rotation.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Lackey Is Charged With Loss — Oakland's Kendall rushes the mound after they have words and the A's roll, 10-3, over struggling Angels. — The Angels lost again, but not meekly. After a Tuesday afternoon with the Oakland Athletics that included a bench-clearing brawl, a few punches …
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats see one slip away in ninth — Majewski's throwing error allows winning run to score — NEW YORK — Last year, it was mostly lights out whenever reliever Gary Majewski entered a game in the late innings. But on Monday night, Nationals manager Frank Robinson didn't mince words …
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Murray Chass / New York Times:
Unexpected Closer Does as He Expects — HE calls it confidence; some call it cocky. He is Jonathan Papelbon, and he's the best thing that has happened to the Boston Red Sox since their magical postseason run in 2004. — Papelbon is the Red Sox' closer, and he carried his perfect April …
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NY Daily News:
Yanks know Beckett's fire is no Josh — BOSTON - From the minute Josh Beckett came to the Red Sox in a trade last winter, it was obvious that he could be a difference-maker in The Rivalry. Last night's rainout delayed his Red Sox debut against the Yankees, but Game 6 of the 2003 World Series is the only reminder New Yorkers need.
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Wood on target for May return — Will start in minors Sunday, could rejoin Cubs within 2 weeks — Kerry Wood will make his first minor-league rehab start Sunday and could be back in the Cubs' rotation May 17 against Washington. — Wood threw five shutout innings against rookie leaguers Tuesday in Mesa …
Discussion:
chicago national league …
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Five Games at Fenway in August. How Hot Is That? — BOSTON, May 2 — August at Fenway Park. Five games in four days. The Yankees and the Red Sox, probably in a pennant race. — "It will be hot," Yankees Manager Joe Torre said. "And exciting." — Tuesday's rainout set up that delicious possibility.
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Jon Heyman / Newsday:
How about a movie on Omar? — Off his winter of wheeling, dealing and maybe even stealing in some cases, Mets general manager Omar Minaya was trying hard to make one more big transaction right before last night's game. — He was endeavoring to convert Spike Lee into a Mets fan.
Philly.com:
Prospect gets 100-game ban — Devil Rays minor leaguer gets stiff penalty in drug case — Tampa Bay Devil Rays minor league pitcher Matt Rico was suspended for 100 games yesterday after testing positive for a drug of abuse. — Rico is in extended spring training, and hadn't played for a team yet this season.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Marcus Hayes / Philly.com:
Hamels turns in another stellar performance — MIAMI - According to general manager Pat Gillick, for Cole Hamels to reach the major leagues soon, he must give up a bunch of runs and prove he can rebound from the setback, and he must prove he will stay healthy. — The latter will happen over time.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
New York Post:
MAINE EVENT ON SHEA HILL — May 2, 2006 — MET NOTES With rookie Brian Bannister on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, the first pitcher to try to fill that hole in the Met rotation will be John Maine - tonight at Shea against the Nationals.
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Chris Snow / Boston Globe:
Epstein spells out his defense of move — Theo Epstein and his former mentor, Kevin Towers, routinely exchange e-mails and phone calls, most social, some business. A round of business exchanges began about a week ago and intensified after Thursday's game, in which Josh Bard allowed four passed balls.
Discussion:
Empyreal Environs
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TSN.ca:
HOMEMLBNEWS STORYFielder named NL Rookie of the Month — Sports Ticker — NEW YORK (Ticker) - The Milwaukee Brewers have big plans for Prince Fielder. So far, the massive first baseman certainly lived up to the lofty expectations. — Fielder on Tuesday was named the National League Rookie of the Month for April.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Kevin Baxter / Miami Herald:
Florida watches its lead evaporate — The Marlins squandered a 5-4, seventh-inning lead to lose their season-high fifth game in a row. — kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com — Reggie Abercrombie was racing toward the center-field wall. Philadelphia's Aaron Rowand was racing toward third.


