Top News:
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
D-Train stops Boston's 12-game winning streak — MIAMI GARDENS - Much of the pre-series discussion focused on how irked the Marlins would feel playing in front Red Sox-friendly crowds. — Whatever percentage of the 32,194 Dolphin Stadium fans were Big Papi partisans or Manny Ramirez maniacs meant little …
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Dave Joseph / Sun-Sentinel:
Classy Lowell swinging easy again — · Mike Lowell came home Friday evening. — There were a few adjustments. Different uniform. Different clubhouse. — "I had to ask where to park," he said, a smile creasing his face. — But here he was again at Dolphin Stadium.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Associated Press:
Welcome back — Flurry of ex-Marlins return for sort of homecoming — MIAMI (AP) — Instead of bartering with teammates for their unused tickets for Boston's weekend series against the Florida Marlins, Mike Lowell simply purchased enough to accommodate his friends and family. — How many?
Discussion:
Fish Chunks
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Willis to face Red Sox for first time — Boston (48-28) at Florida (34-41), 7:35 p.m. ET Friday — Having just taken two out of three against the Devil Rays and won 13 out of their past 17 games, the $64,000 question becomes how will the Marlins do against a team playing as well as they are?
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nationals' Kasten Will Keep Bowden — Stan Kasten, the incoming president of the Washington Nationals, yesterday announced he would keep Jim Bowden as the team's general manager when new ownership takes over later this month, providing stability to the front office during a period that could bring significant upheaval on the field.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Bowden will remain with Nationals — Impending sale of team means money at GM's disposal — WASHINGTON — With the Lerner Group getting close to purchasing the Nationals before the grand reopening at RFK Stadium on July 21, incoming president Stan Kasten announced that general manager Jim Bowden …
Greg Wagner / MLB.com:
Jered Weaver returns to Majors — Angels designate Jeff Weaver for assignment — ANAHEIM — The last-place Angels simply couldn't wait any longer to see more of their rookie phenom. — With calming health concerns about Bartolo Colon and an inability to trade Jeff Weaver …
Discussion:
Watching All Angels
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Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Padres hire ex-Dodgers exec DePodesta — Paul DePodesta, a former general manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has joined the Padres as a special assistant for baseball operations. He will report to CEO Sandy Alderson, the club said Friday. — DePodesta, 33, was fired by Dodgers owner Frank McCourt …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Bernie Wilson / Associated Press:
Padres add former Dodgers GM DePodesta to front office — Padres add former Dodgers GM DePodesta to front office — SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Padres hired Paul DePodesta as special assistant for baseball operations on Friday, giving them five former general managers on their payroll.
Newsday:
Debate no longer one-sided — Reyes-Wright may outshine Jeter-A-Rod — The Mets not only will bring the National League's best record to Yankee Stadium this weekend, they also come bearing an even more surprising distinction. — With apologies to future Hall-of-Famers Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:At 32, Jeter Has Experienced It All in This Crosstown Rivalry
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Bill Plunkett / Orange County Register:
Deal must be right for Dodgers — The Dodgers are reluctant to part with their young prospects to solve pitching problems. — As Grady Little sat with reporters in the visitor's dugout before Wednesday's game at the Metrodome, talk turned to the state of affairs in the NL West.
Jim Salisbury / Philly.com:
Ow, Canada! Phillies lose big to Blue Jays — TORONTO - And so the Sordid Season treks on, with new faces in haunting old places. — One night after breaking a seven-game losing streak in Baltimore, the Phillies ventured north last night and continued their plummet south in the National League East standings.
Discussion:
Balls, Sticks, & Stuff
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Hughes Will Probably Stay, but Two Prospects May Go — With each game he pitches, it seems, Phil Hughes cements his case to stay with the Yankees past the July 31 trading deadline. Hughes, 20, has allowed just one hit in each of his last two starts for Class AA Trenton.
Newsday:
Wallace Matthews — No lasting impression — Lastings Milledge came to his farewell party dressed in all the trappings of a major-league ballplayer. Sterling silver diamond wristwatch. Rectangular diamond stud in his left earlobe. French cuff pinstriped shirt, diamond cuff links.
Lboros / Viva El Birdos:
Game 78 Open Thread: June 30, 2006 — the angels DFA 'd jeff weaver today; i wouldn't mind seeing the cardinals take a flyer. not if it's going to cost any worthwhile talent, mind you, but the angels don't have a whole lot of trade leverage here. if the cardinals can get him for, say …
