Top News:
Associated Press:
Hillenbrand lashes out at Jays front office, wants trade — TORONTO — Shea Hillenbrand criticized the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday and said he expects to be traded. — "I love my teammates here, but I'm waiting to be traded," Hillenbrand said during a profanity-filled tirade.
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner, Baseball Time in Arlington, Yanksfan vs Soxfan, Lone Star Ball and The Griddle
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Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Blue Jays cut ties with Hillenbrand — Veteran had been vocal about being frustrated with his role — TORONTO — After voicing his displeasure with his role on the Blue Jays and other issues, veteran infielder Shea Hillenbrand was designated for assignment following Wednesday's 5-4 loss to the Texas Rangers.
Rob Gillies / Associated Press:
Hillenbrand cut after criticizing Blue Jays, refusing to sit in dugout — TORONTO (AP) — Shea Hillenbrand was cut by the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night after he was chastised during a team meeting and refused to sit in the dugout with his teammates. — Hours before, Hillenbrand criticized …
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Blue Jays cut ties with Hillenbrand — Veteran had been vocal about being frustrated with his role — TORONTO — The nameplate was gone and the locker was empty — occupied only by a row of plastic hangers, which Shea Hillenbrand hung his Blue Jays uniforms on just a few hours before.
Associated Press:
Red Sox sign righty Beckett to three-year extension — BOSTON — It didn't take Josh Beckett long to start paying dividends on his new contract extension. — "Way to make us look good," Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein said Wednesday, grabbing a seat next to the team's next ace …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Fluto Shinzawa / Boston Globe:
Money ball — One run is again enough as Red Sox cash in for victory — After yesterday's 1-0 win, Josh Beckett's American League-leading 12th of the season, Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein approached the man he had signed to a three-year contract extension the night before.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Associated Press:
Next stop, Cincy: Actor Hanks continues ballpark tour — CINCINNATI — Actor Tom Hanks and two show business friends turned a rain delay into an event Wednesday. — Hanks, director Ron Howard and comedian Dennis Miller made Great American Ball Park their third stop on their hush-hush ballparks tour.
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Hanks, Howard pay visit to GABP — Along with Dennis Miller, Oscar winners touring ballparks — CINCINNATI — On Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park, actors Tom Hanks and Dennis Miller and director Ron Howard were just three regular guys killing time during a long rain delay.
Abe Winter / MLB.com:
Sheets strong in outing at Omaha — OMAHA, Neb. — Ben Sheets may be ready to return to the Milwaukee Brewers starting rotation. — He made a strong case Wednesday night, allowing only one run on three hits in 6 1/3 strong innings in helping the Triple-A Nashville Sounds beat the Omaha Royals, 3-1.
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Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Clemens wins 343rd over Cubs, Maddux — Roger Clemens outpitched Greg Maddux in a rare matchup of 300-game winners and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Wednesday night. — Clemens (2-3) threw six shutout innings to earn his 343rd career victory and move into sole possession of eighth place on the career list.
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Bernie Wilson / Associated Press:
Padres release Castilla, continue search for 3B — SAN DIEGO (AP) — Third baseman Vinny Castilla was released by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, an unpopular move in the clubhouse and one that likely will hasten the NL West leaders' search for a replacement before the trading deadline.
Discussion:
The Griddle
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Left Wishing on a Star — Frustration Mounts as Kearns Struggles, Florida Wins Series: Marlins 1, Nationals 0 — MIAMI, July 19 — For a moment, there was some hope, albeit in the most marginal of forms. Florida Marlins center fielder Alfredo Amezaga drifted back …
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Baseball America:
Chat Wrap: John Manuel Prospects Chat — Q: … A: — John Manuel: Thanks to everyone for coming in to the chat, I've had plenty of email on this post already so I thought a chat was the way to go. Let's dive in with Weezer as my backkup band for the day . . .
Enrique Rojas / ESPN:
Sosa says he'd return to MLB for right offer … MIAMI — Sammy Sosa is not retired and could hit some more home runs in the major leagues. — At least, that is what he said Wednesday. — "I'm not retired. I'm young and happy," said the Dominican to a radio station in Santo Domingo.
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Marlins' Tankersley not limited to lefties — MIAMI GARDENS — Taylor Tankersley has been regarded as a lefty specialist since ascending to the majors earlier this season, but that's becoming a misnomer. — Wednesday marked the second time in as many appearances Tankersley pitched a full inning and was credited with a hold.
Discussion:
FishStripes
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Future Shock — Sunshine State Scouting Notebook — While things are hot all over the country lately, it's always warm in Florida, and the Florida State League has been a hotbed for talent this year. Even though the bevy of top pitchers like Homer Bailey (Reds), Yovani Gallardo (Brewers) …
