Top News:
Jack Curry / New York Times:
A New Front in Baseball's Drug War — Jason Grimsley, a journeyman pitcher with the Arizona Diamondbacks, took only two hours to disclose what he surely hoped would remain a secret, and what other major leaguers also wanted to keep private. About two months ago, according to federal investigators …
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Grimsley mess offers a stern wake-up call … Before Tuesday, Jason Grimsley's biggest claims to fame were: (A) he's the guy who once crawled through the drop ceiling at the new Comiskey Park (now called U.S. Cellular Field) to rescue Albert Belle's corked bat, and (B) he was once traded …
Maury / The Baseball Journals:
Pitchers, Not Sluggers Surprise of Steroid Testing — Let's play some word association... If I say Juiced baseball player, what comes to mind?... Hmmm, head looks like a potato... Bulging arms... sudden surge in hits for power... probably performing past his prime.
Jack Curry / New York Times:Pitcher Used Human Growth Hormone, Document Says
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Santana Joins Angels' Weavers — He has a new look, but control of his emotions is the key to a sharp effort in a 12-2 victory over Devil Rays. — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Ervin Santana thought his new braids, which took three hours to weave at a local salon, had something to do with his dominance …
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Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Erstad Suffers Setback in Rehab — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Angels are getting used to life without Darin Erstad a lot sooner than they expected. — There has already been speculation that Erstad, his offensive numbers in decline and his contract expiring after this season, will not be re-signed in 2007.
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
Mike Scarr / MLB.com:
Notes: Colon's return imminent — Could join Angels on Sunday, bump Jered Weaver from rotation — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Angels are expecting the return of Bartolo Colon soon, possibly by Sunday. — Colon did not suffer any setbacks following Tuesday's 82-pitch outing and also maintained …
Discussion:
6-4-2
Marcus Hayes / Philly.com:
Madson learns that time is on his side — PHOENIX - Ryan Madson is one of those tall, skittish guys. — He does everything fast: eats fast, walks fast, talks fast. — When he pitches fast, well, that's a problem. He might have gotten past that problem for good yesterday.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Add Former Orioles Manager as a Consultant — In a move that will further prepare the Washington Nationals for what could be a flurry of deals before the July 31 trade deadline, General Manager Jim Bowden yesterday hired former major league manager Davey Johnson as a special consultant …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats' focus turns to signing draftees — GM Bowden ecstatic about new collection of talent — WASHINGTON — General manager Jim Bowden was sitting in his office, giddy about the players the Nationals selected in the First-Year Player Draft on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Brian J Oliver / Nationals Farm Authority:
Road to Recovery — "It was about what I expected." — That is how Nationals starting pitcher John Patterson summed up his first rehab start at Potomac. He pitched three and a third innings of a 4-1 loss at home to Winston-Salem. Patterson surrendered four hits, one walk, and two runs …
Discussion:
thurdl sports
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Michael Walsh / MLB.com:
Patterson rehabs with Potomac — Big righty throws 3 1/3 innings, takes loss in Class A game — WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Moments after completing his rehab start with the Class A Potomac Nationals, John Patterson leaned over the chain-link fence flanking the Nationals' dugout and showed a youngster …
NY Daily News:
Despite youth movement, critic remains down on farm — The Yankee farm system has had an approval rating in recent years to which perhaps only Barry Bonds can relate. For that matter, "The Da Vinci Code" is a critics' delight compared to reviews of Yankee prospects from within the baseball industry.
Associated Press:
Padres-Brewers Preview — With their lineup struggling, the San Diego Padres hope Chan Ho Park can continue his dominance over the Milwaukee Brewers when the teams' four-game series at Miller Park continues Wednesday. — The Brewers (28-31) defeated the Padres 5-1 on Tuesday behind a three-hitter from Dave Bush .
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Yanks' Class of 2006 is complete — New York selects 25 pitchers and 25 position players — NEW YORK — After two days and 50 rounds, the Yankees have their Class of 2006. — New York selected 25 pitchers and 25 position players, seven of whom are outfielders.
Alan Eskew / MLB.com:
Notes: Kiker impresses — Connor raves about top pick; Eaton progessing well — KANSAS CITY — Pitching coach Mark Connor got a chance to see left-hander Kasey Kiker, the Rangers' first-round pick in the First-Year Player Draft, in a bullpen session before the draft. — Connor came away impressed to say the least.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Justice B. Hill / MLB.com:
Bonser to take on Mariners — Minnesota (25-32) at Seattle (27-33), 9:05 p.m. CT — The game on Wednesday night looks like a tale of two teams that are going in the same direction. Unfortunately for the Twins and the Mariners, the direction they are going is down, not up.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
