Top News:
Associated Press:
Astros deal two minor-leaguers for Huff — ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Devil Rays traded third baseman Aubrey Huff and cash to the Houston Astros in exchange for two minor league prospects on Wednesday. — The 30-year-old Huff, subject of trade speculation each of the past three years …
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Associated Press:
Huff dealt to Houston — Devil Rays trade third baseman for pair of prospects — HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros acquired third baseman Aubrey Huff from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for two minor league prospects Wednesday, hoping Huff can help revive the Astros' struggling offense.
Bill Chastain / MLB.com:
Upton moved to third in Triple-A — Touted prospect could be called up within weeks — ST. PETERSBURG — B.J. Upton is making what the Devil Rays are calling a "short-term move" to third base and could be seen at the hot corner at Tropicana Field within the coming weeks.
Discussion:
The Griddle
mlb.mlb.com:
Astros acquire Huff from Devil Rays — Zobrist, Talbot to Tampa Bay; Outfielder Jason Lane optioned to Triple-A Round Rock — HOUSTON — The Houston Astros announced today that they have acquired outfielder Aubrey Huff and $1.625 million in cash considerations from the Tampa Bay Devil Rays …
NY Daily News:
Phil in blank — All-Star Confidential — PITTSBURGH - In their quest to land a power-hitting outfielder before the trading deadline, the Yankees are closely monitoring developments in Philadelphia, where GM Pat Gillick is seeking to dump the hefty contracts of Pat Burrell and Bobby Abreu.
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Selig wants pitchers rested — Proposes ban for All-Star hurlers Sunday before game — PITTSBURGH — While meeting with baseball writers Tuesday before the All-Star Game, Commissioner Bud Selig threw out a stunning proposal—banning All-Star Game pitchers from being used on the Sunday before the Midsummer Classic.
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NY Daily News:
Glavine puts team ahead of All-Stars — PITTSBURGH - While criticizing Manny Ramirez for not appearing at the All-Star Game, Commissioner Bud Selig praised Tom Glavine's and Jose Reyes' attendance. Of course, Glavine was unavailable to pitch because he faced the Marlins on Sunday.
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
Joe Sheehan / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Today — All-Star Game Diary — 4:58 p.m. PDT: It's been a few years since I've done this, and I don't think I've ever posted one live, so this should be interesting. — I've been spending a lot of time today thinking about the All-Star Game.
ESPN:
Report: Bonds friend is key witness against him — One of Barry Bonds' longtime friends is a key witness against him as the federal government ponders perjury or tax-evasion charges against the San Francisco Giants slugger, Bonds' lawyer told The New York Times.
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Mike Kiley / Chicago Sun Times:
Dusty Baker safe — for now — Cubs general manager Jim Hendry ended the speculation about Dusty Baker's immediate future today by saying the manager is in no jeopardy of being replaced at the moment. — ``There's no truth to any of the speculation,'' Hendry said.
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Alyson Footer / MLB.com:
Gaetti relieved of duties by Astros — Houston hires Berry to serve as interim hitting coach — HOUSTON — The Astros' shakeup continued on Wednesday evening, when the club announced hitting coach Gary Gaetti was relieved of his duties. Former Houston third baseman Sean Berry …
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
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Associated Press:
Fox, TBS have seven-year, $3 billion TV deal with MLB — PITTSBURGH — First-round playoff games will be shown only on cable starting next season as part of baseball's new seven-year television deal with Fox and TBS, a total package worth almost $3 billion.
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Jay Jaffe / Baseball Prospectus:
Prospectus Hit List — Week of July 9 — Don't ask about the All-Star Game; this scribe boycotted, and it looks like I've got seven more years of same ahead of me. Seven more years of treating the game, its surrounding irrelevant contests, and the inane selection debates with all the consideration …
Discussion:
Futility Infielder …
Associated Press:
Age is a state of mind — 83-year-old becomes oldest professional ballplayer — SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — No one in the bleachers at the Sioux Falls Canaries game was quite sure what was going on down on the field. They were all quiet, wondering and transfixed on the little old man digging into the batters' box.
