Top News:
Toni Ginnetti / Chicago Sun Times:
Frustrated Cubs fall further into abyss — As badly as they performed Friday in Wrigley Field in one more loss to the San Diego Padres, the testament of the Cubs' woes came after the 10-5 finish — from the visitors. — "It's a frustrating game,'' catcher Mike Piazza said after his season-best four-hit game with two RBI. "
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
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Associated Press:
Padres-Cubs Preview — After the way they played Friday, the Chicago Cubs probably wouldn't mind if rain washed out the remainder of their series against the San Diego Padres . — The Cubs try to avoid their sixth straight loss to the Padres this season when the teams continue a three-game series on Saturday at Wrigley Field.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Thompson may replace hurt Williams — Towers: Triple-A starter known for his accuracy — The Padres effectively replaced No. 2 starting pitcher Shawn Estes. Now they'll try to overcome losing Woody Williams, who will take a 3-1 record and 3.27 ERA onto the disabled list, owing to the torn left calf muscle he suffered yesterday.
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:Williams tears calf muscle, out indefinitely
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Julian Garcia / NY Daily News:
Zito looks good enough to acquire — Barry Zito looked good pitching in the Bronx last night. But will he look good pitching there, or in Queens, later this season? — Zito, who allowed just one run over six innings in the A's 2- loss to the Yankees, conceivably could be headed …
Discussion:
the metropolitans
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Joe Roderick / Contra Costa Times:
Macha, Torre feel each other's pain — A's, Yankees managers both dealing with a rash of injuries on their clubs — A's notebook — NEW YORK — A's manager Ken Macha had a long conversation with his counterpart, Joe Torre of the New York Yankees, behind the batting cage before Friday's game.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Joe Roderick / Contra Costa Times:
Twin killings bury A's during loss to Yankees — Oakland bounces into five double plays as Zito loses at stadium he may call home next season — NEW YORK - Nick Swisher swung at 2-1 slider from Mariano Rivera and grounded it hard to first baseman Andy Phillips, who started a game-ending double play.
Ken Wright / Washington Times:
Nationals give back game in 11 — CINCINNATI — The Washington Nationals have seldom lost a game in as excruciating fashion as last night. — In a series finale at Cincinnati, the Nationals took a three-run lead in the 11th inning after Chad Cordero pitched two brilliant, scoreless innings.
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Todd Zolecki / Philly.com:
Answering Call to Arms — CINCINNATI - The Cole Hamels Show finally arrived, and he showed everybody why so many people have made such a fuss. — Hamels threw five scoreless innings in his Phillies debut. He allowed just one hit. — The prized lefthander got a no-decision …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Fluto Shinzawa / Boston Globe:
Offense dries up in rain — Rangers' Loe blanks Red Sox before game is called in the bottom of the sixth — Last night, the Red Sox were fighting the weather. They were fighting Texas starter Kameron Loe's heavy, biting sinkers. Most of all, they were fighting the pace that the Rangers …
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Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Carmona in, Graves out for Tribe — Indians hopeful prospect, Betancourt can help right ship — CLEVELAND — First, Danny Graves' hair was cut. — Then, Graves himself was cut. — The Indians designated the veteran Graves for assignment after Friday's 5-4 loss to the Tigers, giving them 10 days to trade or release him.
Reid Hanley / Chicago Tribune:
Wood labors but will 'take it' — Effort 'good enough,' likely Wrigley-bound — DES MOINES — This has not been a good week in Iowa as 1,800 workers lost their jobs because Newton's Maytag washer and dryer plant closed after Whirlpool took over the company.
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:Cubs anticipate a cool reception at Wrigley Field after 1-8 road trip
Discussion:
1060west
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Willie to go with Gonzo — MILWAUKEE - Jeremi Gonzalez, whose big-league career nearly ended at Shea on July 24, 1998, makes his Mets debut tonight against the Brewers. — Gonzalez, who didn't pitch again in the big leagues for five years, underwent two major elbow surgeries …
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Search is on for new left fielder — With Matsui sidelined, club will look internally for replacement — NEW YORK — Hideki Matsui will not be in left field for approximately three months, possibly longer. That much the Yankees know. — What they don't know is who will be out there on a daily basis.
Discussion:
Futility Infielder …
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Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Notes: Rumors fly about outfielders — Injured Matsui leaves Yankees looking for alternatives — MINNEAPOLIS — When Torii Hunter heard the news of Yankees left fielder Hideki Matsui breaking his wrist, it wasn't something that really seemed to impact him. — But on Friday, the news took a much more personal turn.
Dodger Thoughts:
Tracyblah — What happens when humbling experiences fail to humble? — I've only been following the mess in Pittsburgh from a distance, not enough to monitor lineups or in-game maneuvers, but enough to see that whatever excuses there might be for the Pirates' losing …
Kevin Baxter / Miami Herald:
Teams caught playing foul ball — Florida lost a game between the teams with the worst records in the NL. It featured a brand of baseball that was fitting. — kbaxter@MiamiHerald.com — PITTSBURGH - It was the stoppable force vs. the movable object.
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Sore knee lands Mueller on DL — Dodgers start three rookies; Gagne mixes in changeups — SAN FRANCISCO — It's looking like last year all over again for the injury-riddled Dodgers. — They had to place third baseman Bill Mueller on the 15-day disabled list Friday …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
