Top News:
NY Daily News:
Report: Feds wanted to use bug to nab Bonds — STAFF & WIRE REPORT — A lawyer for Jason Grimsley said last night that federal investigators pressured the disgraced Diamondback to wear a wire in an effort to catch Barry Bonds and other major leaguers admitting steroid use on tape, according to a published report.
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USA Today:
Grimsley's lawyer says feds targeted Bonds — PHOENIX — The attorney for Jason Grimsley said Wednesday that federal agents tried to pressure the former Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher into wearing a listening device to lure other major league players into confidential conversations in an effort …
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 …
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 …
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
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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 …
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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Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:
Johnson hired as consultant — ATLANTA — The Washington Nationals have hired former major league manager Davey Johnson as a special consultant to general manager Jim Bowden, a planned temporary addition to the front office but one already fueling speculation that Johnson eventually could become the team's manager.
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Built to last — Milledge lends hand as Tom tops Dodgers — LOS ANGELES - Lastings Milledge's right arm was in the spotlight once again last night. But it wasn't for high-fiving Dodger fans at Chavez Ravine. — The rookie sensation gunned down Nomar Garciaparra in the eighth inning …
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David Lennon / Newsday:
Lineup's limping along — Banged up Floyd and Reyes leave holes, but set return vs. D-Backs — LOS ANGELES - Carlos Beltran spent yesterday afternoon soaking in the Jacuzzi to help soothe his bruised left side and was cleared to play last night. Jose Reyes visited with a hand specialist …
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
Jon Cooper / MLB.com:
Ortiz outduels Smoltz in finale — Washington takes series in Atlanta behind solid pitching — ATLANTA — It was a night of improbabilities for the Washington Nationals. — The Nationals not only beat John Smoltz, who hadn't lost to this franchise since 1994, they did so behind …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
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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 …
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Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Tigers get a taste of Cintron … CHICAGO — There are, in fact, several living human beings who can remember the last time a Tigers-White Sox series felt like this. — Big. Well, bigger than a Daily Lotto drawing, anyway. — Meaningful. Well, more meaningful than a Nicole Jordan novel, at least.
Jackie MacMullan / Boston Globe:
Rookie had winning form, but wound up a tough-luck loser — NEW YORK — The Red Sox are turned upside-down and inside-out. The ace gets rocked, while the kid bears down. The veteran implodes, while the rookie exhibits uncommon poise. — Josh Beckett can't get out of the second inning …
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.
David Boyce / Kansas City Star:
Second-round pick eager to take the field — A day after becoming the Royals' second-round selection, infielder Jason Taylor had the exuberance of being the luckiest person around. — On Tuesday, Taylor was drafted a couple of rounds higher than he expected, and on Friday he's going to his high school prom.
Discussion:
Royals Authority
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
Keith Law / ESPN:
Draft trend steering top prospects to best teams … Last year, Austin Jackson, a teenage outfielder who had committed to play guard for Georgia Tech's basketball team, was considered an unsignable prospect in the MLB Rule 4 Draft, despite a five-tool package that could have led to his selection in the top couple of rounds.
