Top News:
Associated Press:
New grand jury to look at Bonds allegations — SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds will not be indicted immediately, but the ongoing federal investigation of steroids and possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against the San Francisco Giants star will continue, prosecutors said Thursday.
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Associated Press:
Prosecutors extend Bonds investigation; no indictment Thursday — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — They aren't through with Barry Bonds, not yet. — The federal grand jury considering possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against the star slugger expired Thursday without an indictment.
Associated Press:
New grand jury to investigate Bonds — SAN FRANCISCO — No indictment was returned Thursday against Barry Bonds, though a new grand jury will be convened to consider possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against the star slugger as part of the ongoing federal probe into steroids.
Associated Press:
Padres-Giants Preview — The San Francisco Giants look to win a third straight game as they open a four-game series against the NL West-leading San Diego Padres Thursday, but the game could be overshadowed by a possible indictment against Giants slugger Barry Bonds .
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Ben Walker / Associated Press:Glavine: Unresolved Bonds case still 'a cloud over baseball'
Discussion:
The Catbird …
Associated Press:
Braves get relief — Indians trade closer Wickman for minor leaguer — ATLANTA (AP) — Since the start of spring training, Atlanta Braves general manager John Schuerholz has called his bullpen "a work in progress." — No longer. — Sensing a playoff surge, the Braves traded …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Braves trade prospect for Indians closer Wickman … The Atlanta Braves, looking for bullpen help as they make a run at the National League wild card, acquired closer Bob Wickman from Cleveland for minor league catcher Max Ramirez on Thursday. — Wickman, 37, is 1-4 with a 4.18 ERA and 15 saves this season.
MLB.com:
Indians and Braves complete trade — Closer RHP Bob Wickman sent to Atlanta; Indians receive C Max Ramirez from the Braves — CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians today announced the club has completed a trade with the Atlanta Braves, sending RHP Bob Wickman to Atlanta in exchange for C Max Ramirez.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Braves acquire Wickman from Indians — Minor Leaguer Ramirez swapped in bid to bolster bullpen — ATLANTA — Just before he boarded his flight from St. Louis to Atlanta on Thursday morning, John Schuerholz made one final phone call, and ended it with a smile.
Discussion:
Tomahawk
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 …
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Associated Press:
'It was either him or me' — Jays manager challenged Hillenbrand to a fight — TORONTO (AP) — After Shea Hillenbrand wrote on the clubhouse bulletin board that the "ship was sinking," Toronto Blue Jays manager John Gibbons challenged him to a fight. — There was no brawl …
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:First Base Is Up for Grabs — The Angels are well into the second half …
Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Pirates Notebook: Randa not entirely without destinations — MIAMI — Joe Randa is skeptical he will be traded, no matter how hard the Pirates try. — And he has cause: There is not much demand for third basemen around Major League Baseball as the July 31 trading deadline nears.
Discussion:
Bucs Dugout
Associated Press:
Oneonta beats Brooklyn 6-1 in 26 innings — NEW YORK (AP) — Shortly after Oneonta beat Brooklyn 6-1 in 26 innings Thursday, Mark Wright could hardly believe he had played in the longest game in New York-Penn League history. — "It kind of gets to the point where you get in a rhythm …
Discussion:
The Eddie Kranepool Society
Bryan Tsao / Hardball Times:
Contending Holes: American League — On September 27 of last season, the A's took the field in Anaheim, Calif. with their season on the line. Having roared back from being over 10 games under .500 in the first half, the A's needed a win in the second game of their season-ending series …
Marcus Hayes / Philly.com:
For Coste, baseball life is a bowl of worries — SAN DIEGO - Mom got the first hit. — Grandpa will get the first home run, hit yesterday. — Chris Coste, the Phillies' 33-year-old rookie catcher, can't help worrying that he won't have more souvenirs to distribute for a while.
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Washington Post:
MLB: D.C. Government in Default of Lease Agreement — Major League Baseball has declared the District government in default of the lease agreement for the new stadium, charging that the city has failed to meet several deadlines for turning over critical documents.
Discussion:
William F. Yurasko's …, District of Baseball, The Nationals Enquirer and Capitol Punishment
Bernie Miklasz / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Jocketty needs to avoid making a desperate deal — The storm that rolled so violently through St. Louis on Wednesday failed to generate active trade winds for Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty. — It's an anxious time for Cardinals fans from coast to coast, who sift through Internet trade rumors …
