Top News:
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Clement set to face rookie in series finale — Boston (32-21) at Detroit (37-19), 1:05 p.m. ET — The Red Sox will not be able to capitalize on familiarity as a recipe for success on Sunday afternoon in the rubber match of this three-game series against the Tigers.
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Lack of runs hurts Wakefield — Sox lineup unable to get going off Tigers pitchers — DETROIT — If anyone has a right to bemoan his lack of luck this season, it's Tim Wakefield. All the knuckleballer seems to do is keep the Red Sox in games, and then have a loss to show for his effort.
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Notes: Mound meeting a Leyland no-no — Manager: Second closer-catcher discussion may have hurt team — DETROIT — A meeting on the mound did not lead to a meeting of the minds. — After Todd Jones' second loss in four days, manager Jim Leyland came to his defense, saying his closer has done a good job on the whole this season.
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detroittigertales.blogspot.com
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Miner's debut will be Major — Boston (32-21) at Detroit (37-19), 1:05 p.m. ET — Zach Miner's Major League debut will come in front of what should be close to a capacity crowd on Sunday at Comerica Park. The catch is he'll be pitching to Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Pujols out with strained right oblique — Cardinals slugger injured on play at first base — ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols was removed from the Cardinals' game on Saturday against the Cubs due to strained right oblique muscle. — With one out in the top of the second inning …
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R.B. Fallstrom / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:Pujols injured in Cards' loss to Cubs
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Can't Stop The Bleeding
Jeff Pearlman / Slate:Pee No Evil — Why are sportswriters pretending baseball's steroids era is over?
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Straight Flushing
Reid Hanley / Chicago Tribune:
Prior close to being ready — Throws strong 5 innings, takes extra tosses in bullpen — PEORIA — Mark Prior was so efficient Saturday night he had to finish his second rehabilitation start in the bullpen. — The 25-year-old Cubs right-hander completed five innings for the Peoria Chiefs …
Discussion:
The Sports Frog
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Ed Eagle / MLB.com:
Pirates sink Padres rookie to even series — Duke settles down after shaky first inning, gets win — PITTSBURGH — Zach Duke knows a little something about bouncing back from rough starts. — In an outing that was somewhat emblematic of his rollercoaster sophomore season …
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Fox Sports:
TOP OF 1ST — Hits: 0 — Errors: 0 — Cubs first. — Pierre grounded out, second baseman Miles to first baseman Pujols. — Perez grounded out, second baseman Miles to first baseman Pujols. — Barrett grounded out, third baseman Rolen to first baseman Pujols. — BOTTOM OF 1ST
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Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Notes: Guillen drills his troops — Thome likely out until Tuesday — CHICAGO — If the current members of the White Sox have not yet heard Ozzie Guillen's message for success, preached to the team in winning times or recent frustration, then they clearly aren't listening.
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South Side Sox
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Mike Kiley / Chicago Sun Times:
Wood's next start bumped to Tuesday — ST. LOUIS — Kerry Wood won't start today as scheduled against the St. Louis Cardinals. — With his surgically repaired right shoulder experiencing more stiffness in between starts after he threw Friday in the Busch Stadium bullpen …
Chris Haft / Mercury News:
Rookie catches on fast as Giants split — NEW YORK - Although Eliezer Alfonzo's surname was misspelled on the back of his jersey, he properly established his identity Saturday. — Fulfilling a pregame prediction, the rookie catcher drilled a go-ahead, two-run home run in a three-run sixth inning …
Discussion:
The Musings and Prophecies …
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Arroyo steals the show in Houston — Ace's bat, six strong innings take down Astros — HOUSTON — Just about everything defied logic for the Reds on Saturday night. — In a 7-5 victory over the Astros, their pitcher was the biggest offensive force of the game.
Ted Hutton / Sun-Sentinel:
Marlins roll over Rockies — Nolasco in command as bats come alive — DENVER — The rookie-laden Marlins have had to learn a lot in a hurry this season and have taken their lumps while doing so. — Now it appears they are learning the most difficult and important aspect of the game: how to win.
Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com:
Plug pulled on 'Bonds on Bonds' — Editorial differences cited for calling off final episode — NEW YORK — "Bonds on Bonds," the short-lived inside look at the life of Giants slugger Barry Bonds, is kaput, Bonds said Saturday before the first game of a doubleheader against the Mets at Shea Stadium.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Pauley wants seconds: Will face Yanks in NY — DETROIT - David Pauley will be given another chance to show the Red Sox he belongs in the major leagues, when he starts Tuesday against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. — Pauley, who was called up from Double-A Portland on Wednesday …
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