Top News:
Newsday:
Mets consider calling up Pelfrey — Mike Pelfrey could make his major-league debut Friday night at Shea Stadium against the Marlins. According to a team official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the Mets are seriously considering a call-up of their top pick from the 2005 amateur draft.
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Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Randolph surprised by Feliciano — Manager says he'll have a talk after reliever questions decisions — NEW YORK — The strains of the last week never have been evident on the face of Willie Randolph. The Mets manager has preached no panic and lived it as well, maintaining the even temperament he demonstrated as a player.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Needing Arms, Mets Give Lima Another Try — José Lima appeared in the Mets' clubhouse yesterday without the dyed blond cornrows he modeled two months ago. The Mets do not care about the different hairstyle. They just hope he pitches better this time around.
Tony Kuttner / MLB.com:
Notes: Verlander needs fan support — Pitcher one of five players voters can send to All-Star Game — OAKLAND — Tuesday was Justin Verlander's last chance to convince fans he should be selected for the final spot on the American League All-Star roster. — Verlander, one of five candidates voters …
Discussion:
detroittigertales.blogspot.com
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John Tomase / Boston Herald:Stars refused to line up: Schilling deserves honor
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Armas to make rehab starts — Righty will pitch two games at Double-A Harrisburg — WASHINGTON — Right-hander Tony Armas Jr., on the disabled list because of a forearm strain, will not pitch in any of the remaining four games during the first half of the season.
Discussion:
District of Baseball
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals walk off with July 4th victory — Zimmerman launches game-winning three-run shot — WASHINGTON — Ryan Zimmerman's home run in the bottom of the ninth inning catapulted the Nationals to a second victory over the Marlins, 6-4, in front of 23,118 fans at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Discussion:
The Curly W
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Break point — School may be out for Baker and many on his staff during All-Star recess — HOUSTON — Dusty Baker and some of his coaching staff may have a restless All-Star break after general manager Jim Hendry announced Tuesday he will use the four-day break to decide whether an overhaul is in order.
Discussion:
The View From The Bleachers
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Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
No dousing Rockies' desire — Helton's power surge helps Colorado gain share of division lead — Rockies left-hander Jeff Francis, pitching Tuesday night at Coors Field against the Giants, improved his record to 6-7 and lowered his ERA to 4.05 by allowing just one hit in five scoreless innings.
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Mariners Notebook: Fireworks in Hargrove's office — DH Everett, manager exchange unpleasantries after loss to Angels — It wouldn't be the Fourth of July without fireworks, and so it was for the Mariners on Tuesday. — About 45 minutes after the game, designated hitter Carl Everett went …
Discussion:
Mariners Morsels
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
If Trade Is Made, Torre Will Take Hitter Over Pitcher — CLEVELAND, July 4 — Joe Torre continues to insist that the Yankees' fortunes depend on starting pitching. But a team has to score runs to win, of course, and the Yankees have not done enough of that lately.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Angels need another slugger — The Angels are showing life, averaging more than eight runs per game during their four-game winning streak. — In other words, they might delude themselves again. — The Angels, 11th in the American League in runs scored, need to acquire a big-time run producer to complement Vladimir Guerrero.
Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
Dodgers Bruise to Victory — Garciaparra ties record by getting hit by pitches three times as L.A. moves to within a game of first place with 10-4 win over Arizona. — This was retaliation of the finest order, accomplished with civility and an absence of broken bones, though maybe a minor bruise.
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Patterson Toughs Out 'Dead Arm' — By the time the Washington Nationals' 6-4 victory over Florida ended yesterday with Ryan Zimmerman's homer, John Patterson's day was long since over. But the right-hander continued his slow comeback from a two-month stint on the disabled list …
Associated Press:
Padres-Phillies Preview — When the Phillies recalled highly touted pitching prospect Cole Hamels on May 12, he was expected to strengthen the rotation and help them contend for a division title. — Instead, Hamels will try to avoid his fifth straight loss and Philadelphia (37-44) …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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Bob Sikes / ...getting paid to watch:
There'll Never Be Another 4th Like This — Many learned observers recognize the July 4 game between the Mets and the Braves in 1985 to be one of the games most memorable. In my seven years with the club I vividly remember Game 6 at Houston in 1986 and the last few dizzying moments of Game 6 against the Red Sox of the same year.
