Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Bonds' future in doubt — SAN FRANCISCO — If the Giants want Barry Bonds to return for another go-round in 2007, they'll sign him to a contract extension and he'll take aim at Hank Aaron's 755 career homers in a San Francisco uniform. — If Bonds isn't physically up to playing another season, this is a farewell tour.
Discussion:
Idiots Write About Sports
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:Cubs prepare for Bonds' historic chase
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
Mark Schmetzer / MLB.com:
Armas outstanding for Nationals — Washington hits season-high five home runs against Reds — CINCINNATI — Major League Baseball front-loaded a bunch of road games on the Washington Nationals' schedule, but they don't seem to mind. — In fact, they're starting to look as if they were named …
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Mark Schmetzer / MLB.com:
Notes: Loss of Patterson hurts — Bowden can go home again; Guzman out for year — CINCINNATI — Washington manager Frank Robinson estimates that the absence of right-hander John Patterson from Washington's rotation has cost the Nationals at least two wins and maybe three.
Kevin Baxter / Miami Herald:
Even Francoeur walks — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jeff Francoeur entered the three-game series without a walk in 133 plate appearances. But that streak didn't last long against a Marlins staff that has been averaging nearly five walks a game as Brian Moehler managed to do in the sixth inning …
Discussion:
FishStripes
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Notes: Bullpen showing progress — In the last four games, Marlins relievers have a 1.47 ERA — MIAMI — Overshadowed because of the Marlins' struggles is the fact that the bullpen has stepped up of late. — In the last four games, Marlins relievers have yielded three runs in 18 1/3 innings, for a 1.47 ERA.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Beckett, Sox roll to win over Yankees — Right-hander goes seven innings; bats rap 16 hits in victory — NEW YORK — It sure looked like Josh Beckett was laboring through the first inning Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The hints to back such an assumption were 30 pitches and the blast …
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Associated Press:
Brewers-Padres Preview — Once again, the San Diego Padres are finding May to their liking. — The Padres (17-15) look to win their 10th straight game on Tuesday in the opener of a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers (16-16) at Petco Park. — San Diego is on its longest winning streak since …
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Todd Zolecki / Philly.com:
Hamels' debut could be Friday — The Phillies' top prospect appears to be on the fast track to the big leagues. — One of the most eagerly awaited Phillies debuts in recent history could take place Friday in Cincinnati. — Team officials met yesterday to discuss the future of pitcher Cole Hamels …
Discussion:
Balls, Sticks, & Stuff
Associated Press:
Kendall: MLB 'has turned into a badminton league' — TORONTO — Oakland Athletics catcher Jason Kendall ripped Major League Baseball after dropping his appeal of his four-game suspension on Tuesday. — Kendall was suspended and fined for charging Los Angeles Angels pitcher John Lackey in a game on May 2.
Sports Illustrated:
First Person — Dontrelle Willis, Marlins Pitcher — As told to Ben Reiter — On being 24 and having six younger teammates — I have a good time with these younger guys. They tend to have more enthusiasm. But it's not like I'm the wise owl or anything. I'm still learning myself.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Blez / Athletics Nation:
No Jeans for Sale — Uh, well, besides John Fisher's Gap stores, there aren't any jeans for sale in Oakland. — Three prominent figures from Moneyball are now with the Oakland Athletics. Nick Swisher, Joe Blanton and Jeremy Brown. Yes, you all know about Jeremy Brown already thanks to the DLD.
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ESPN:
Young suspended 50 games for bat toss — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Top Tampa Bay prospect Delmon Young was suspended 50 games without pay by the International League on Tuesday, two weeks after throwing a bat that hit a replacement umpire in the arm. — Randy Mobley, President …
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Athooks / Cardinals Diaspora:
Nied to Know — I'm thinking at some point the Cards might need to win a game against a 1st place team in 2006. Maybe I'm wrong, but probably not. By the unofficial count of Manny, my homeless homey on Walnut Street, Los Birdo's have gone fer the last 5 and "looked flatter than that can of Vess …
Associated Press:
AP Exclusive: Baseball's union could scrap new drug policy if no labor deal by August — AP Exclusive: Baseball's union could scrap new drug policy if no labor deal by August — NEW YORK (AP) — Major league players can scrap the sport's toughened drug rules if they don't have a new labor contract …
Maury Brown / Hardball Times:
You Own The Nationals. Now What Happens? — 29 owners... It just never sounded right. — On Feb. 15, 2002, the other 29 owners purchased the Expos for $120 million from Jeffrey Loria and his minority partners in a deal that had Loria purchasing the Marlins and shortly thereafter having …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Contreras to DL —but don't panic — Sox ace's back better, but he'll sit until at least May 20 vs. Cubs — The twinkle in White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen's eye spoke volumes Tuesday about his optimistic nature after it was announced pitcher Jose Contreras had been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to May 5.
Discussion:
South Side Sox
Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:
No-win situation for Nationals' Tavares — Tony Tavares received a call from Major League Baseball around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. The president of the Washington Nationals was told commissioner Bud Selig had decided to sell the Nationals to the Lerner family and that there would be a press conference …
Associated Press:
Pink bats are part of fund-raiser for cancer foundation — LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Hulking Jim Thome. Rugged Manny Ramirez. Brawny Adam Dunn. — "The thought of these big macho men, swinging pink bats to help women with breast cancer ... what a novel idea," Louisville Slugger president John Hillerich said Tuesday.
