Top News:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats designate LeCroy for assignment — GM Bowden will try to trade him to AL team, activates Armas — WASHINGTON — Catcher/first baseman Matthew LeCroy knew this past weekend that his days with the Nationals were numbered. After the team made the eight-player trade …
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MLB.com:
Nationals recall righthander Tony Armas Jr. from rehabilitation assignment and reinstate him from the 15-day disabled list — Matthew LeCroy designated for assignment — The Washington Nationals today recalled right-handed pitcher Tony Armas Jr. from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the 15-Day Disabled List.
ESPN:
Gammons out of hospital, heads to rehab center — BOSTON — Longtime ESPN baseball analyst Peter Gammons was released from a Boston hospital Monday — nearly three weeks after suffering a brain aneurysm. — Gammons was moved to an undisclosed rehabilitation center, his wife, Gloria said in a statement.
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Sports Illustrated:
ESPN analyst Gammons moved from hospital to rehab after aneurysm — BOSTON (AP) -Peter Gammons, an ESPN analyst and member of the writer's wing of the baseball Hall of Fame, was released Monday from a Boston hospital where he was being treated for a brain aneurysm.
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
In reversal, Pedro up & throwing — CHICAGO - Pedro Martinez figured his boldest move yesterday would be drinking coffee for the first time since experiencing food poisoning. "Wish me luck, because I really feel like I want a cup," the ace said as he rested the drink in his locker.
Discussion:
Hot Foot
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Ryan Crawford / MLB.com:
Now Pelfrey can get settled in — Mets' top pitching prospect to make second start Tuesday — CHICAGO — Mike Pelfrey will get a second chance to make a first impression when he starts against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. — In his first start, the Mets' top pitching prospect allowed three runs …
Associated Press:
Phillies-Padres Preview — The Philadelphia Phillies are trying to turn around their season. It would be a big help if Cole Hamels does. — The surging Phillies hand the ball to the rookie left-hander on Monday in the opener of a three-game series against the San Diego Padres .
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Amanda Branam / MLB.com:
Williams to open set with Phils — Philadelphia (42-48) at San Diego (48-43), 7:05 p.m. PT — The Padres are happy to see the Braves leave town and welcome in the Phillies for a three-game series that begins Monday. — After allowing 36 runs over the three-game set with Atlanta …
New York Post:
YA GOTTA BELIEVE — WRIGHT STARS IN AD FOR FAITH HEALER — July 17, 2006 — TO LIFT a line from The Doors, strange days have found us. — So it's Saturday afternoon and we're watching the Mets on Ch. 11. They're playing the Cubs in Wrigley, when, during a commercial break, David Wright …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Sox can't help but revere Rivera — NEW YORK — While Yankees closer Mariano Rivera was delivering a pitch Sunday in the eighth inning, Scott Podsednik scooted a few inches back in the batter's box in anticipation of Rivera's signature cut fastball. — But it didn't matter …
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Sports Illustrated:
'It was the right thing to do' — Giambi speaks about testimony; Yankees' wish list — While Barry Bonds awaits word as to whether he'll be indicted for perjury and possibly other charges (such as tax evasion), the Yankees' Jason Giambi is enjoying life again.
baseballminutia.com:
Blowing It Up - Wayne Krivsky takes on the Power of Tradition — So much for the Power of Tradition. — To the fan and analyst a trade is a talent swap first and foremost, stats for stats, needs for needs, but beneath all of the rate stats and percentage stats are nuances that get passed over by those of us on the outside.
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Most moves to come from within organization — TORONTO — Pitcher C.J. Wilson, after throwing two scoreless innings for Triple-A Oklahoma on Sunday, will be called up for Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. — He is expected to replace one of the rookie right-handed relievers, either Scott Feldman or Wes Littleton.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Michael Gluskin / MLB.com:
Notes: Rumors fly around Lopez — Right-hander has struggled but could still be coveted — BALTIMORE — One day after discussing trade rumors in general terms, Baltimore starter Rodrigo Lopez learned Monday that he may have a new specific destination. Buster Olney, a senior columnist for ESPN.com …
Sean McAdam / ESPN:
AL teams take NL pitchers at their own risk — The countdown to the non-waiver trading deadline is 14 days and already, there is the sense of resignation in the air. — For the second consecutive year, few expect many important deals to be struck. Talk? Yes, plenty. Proposals? Sure.
Discussion:
...getting paid to watch
Pat Borzi / New York Times:
Myers Makes a Quiet Return to the Mound for the Phillies — SAN FRANCISCO, July 16 — Brett Myers walked from the dugout toward the mound in the first inning at AT&T Park on Sunday, looked around and waited for the venom. The last time he made this walk, on June 24, the fans at Fenway Park lambasted him.
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Royal chance for momentum swing — When it comes to knowledge of the Royals, nobody has more than Allard Baird, the former Kansas City general manager and newly appointed Red Sox special assignment scout, who will report to Boston GM Theo Epstein today as the Sox begin a three-game series against Baird's former team.
Discussion:
Royals Review
Deadspin:
The Man With The Indestructible Arm — We love it when other countries play American sports in a way that points out the way we do it might be wrong. It happened in the NBA a few years ago — Today's example is Daisuke Matsuzaka, currently the best pitcher in Japan.
