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.
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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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Some coaches sure to fall in (firing) line — While Dusty Baker has been forced to answer questions about his job status for weeks, his coaching staff has been pretty much ignored. — But like Baker and his players, the Cubs coaches also are being evaluated, and it's likely some will follow Baker …
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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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.
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Report details injury — Ramírez might have tear in knee — PITTSBURGH — Even as Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig reiterated yesterday he was irritated with Manny Ramírez's no-show at the 77th All-Star Game, a report purporting to offer details of the injury to Ramírez's right knee emerged.
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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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Ken Davidoff / Newsday:
These Yanks, Mets ideas not half-bad — We're more than halfway through the baseball schedule, but more than half the fun remains. — For teams like the Yankees, fighting for their lives, each game takes on greater importance, as time to gain ground runs out.
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
O's glass half-empty … Set to start the second half of the baseball season tonight, the Orioles are where most prognosticators expected them to be - in fourth place in the American League East, far removed from the playoff picture and on pace for a ninth straight losing season.
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.
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 …
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
