Top News:
Associated Press:
Giants acquire Hillenbrand from Blue Jays — SAN FRANCISCO — The San Francisco Giants acquired Shea Hillenbrand from Toronto on Friday night, two days after the Blue Jays booted him from the team for clashing with management. — The Giants sent reliever Jeremy Accardo to Toronto …
RELATED ITEMS:
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
In Hillenbrand, Giants get right-handed bat they sought — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Shea Hillenbrand had several players campaigning for him in his new clubhouse, reminding Giants management of the infielder's availability. — San Francisco skipper Felipe Alou paid attention …
Discussion:
The Catbird …
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Trade Winds: Market turns corner — Hillenbrand, Abreu may be on the move as rumors swirl — Corner infielders and corner outfielders were front and center on the trading front Friday with two players in particular — third baseman Shea Hillenbrand and right fielder Bobby Abreu — commanding most of the attention.
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Peavy gets the call against rival Giants — San Diego (50-45) at San Francisco (49-47), 7:15 p.m. PT — There is nothing wrong with Jake Peavy that a victory can't cure — and he hopes he has come to the right place, AT&T Park. — When Peavy takes on the Giants' Matt Cain on Friday night …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
These contenders need to act before deadline — Contenders, take note: The Braves' acquisition of closer Bob Wickman on Thursday was a classic example of a team filling a need before the July 31 non-waiver deadline. — While several clubs remain on the bubble, unsure of whether to be buyers or sellers …
RELATED ITEMS:
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Notes: Sledge back with Padres — Leone also joins team; Peavy trade rumors dismissed — SAN FRANCISCO — It was a healthier, thinner, more confident Terrmel Sledge who rejoined his Padres teammates Friday and was immediately placed in the lineup in right field, batting second, with Brian Giles nursing a tight right hamstring.
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
Chris Girandola / MLB.com:
Martinez to throw bullpen session — Ace could come off DL to start by end of next week — NEW YORK — Mets ace Pedro Martinez will throw a bullpen session before Saturday's game and follow it up with a simulated game on Sunday afternoon. — If all goes well, the right-hander could come off …
RELATED ITEMS:
Chris Girandola / MLB.com:
Martinez checks himself into hospital — Right-hander 'not feeling well,' according to team — NEW YORK — Mets ace Pedro Martinez checked himself into a hospital on Friday night because the pitcher "wasn't feeling well," according to Mets director of media relations Jay Horwitz.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Notes: Little rearranges lineup — Manager looking for answers amid second-half slump — PHOENIX — Russell Martin returned from a bruised wrist Thursday night, but Cesar Izturis was still attending to family matters and Dodgers manager Grade Little, left with essentially the same deck of cards, shuffled them anyway.
Discussion:
SawxBlog
RELATED ITEMS:
Gregg Bell / Associated Press:
Gabbard to make major league debut Saturday for Red Sox — SEATTLE (AP) — The battered Boston Red Sox will promote left-hander Kason Gabbard from Triple-A Pawtucket to start against the Seattle Mariners on Saturday in his major league debut, manager Terry Francona said.
RELATED ITEMS:
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Q&A with Stan Kasten — Incoming team president sees progress at RFK Stadium — The Nationals have a slogan for the three-game series against the Cubs this weekend: "Painting the Town Red." It's the Nationals' way of showing the new changes at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium …
Discussion:
Federal Baseball
RELATED ITEMS:
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Young ready to return to action — Tigers activate switch-hitting slugger after tough first half — DETROIT — The Tigers hope they have their switch-hitter back. Dmitri Young knows he has his life back. — With a week and a half left until the July 31 deadline and with the most …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
RELATED ITEMS:
CBC News:
Yankees' Mussina rips struggling Rodriguez — New York Yankees ace Mike Mussina wasn't in a forgiving mood Thursday night as he lashed out at third baseman Alex Rodriguez. — Rodriguez's throwing error in the sixth inning led to a four-run inning for the Toronto Blue Jays …
RELATED ITEMS:
Steve Gilbert / MLB.com:
Gonzalez left out and upset — D-Backs veteran sounds off after 'one-day' stint on bench — PHOENIX — Luis Gonzalez never likes to see his name out of the lineup, but his omission Thursday in the final game of a four-game series with the Dodgers was particularly upsetting.
Discussion:
The Transaction Guy
RELATED ITEMS:
Ryan Vb / Cardinals Diaspora:
What You Talking 'bout Willis? — RUMOR AND SPECULATION — Remember yesterday when I noted that it was quiet, too quiet? Well, it's getting a little louder now. Reports from Bernie have the Cards and the Marlins talking about a Dontrelle Willis swap. The price tag?
Associated Press:
Heated argument at hotel gets Canseco another run-in with cops — CHICO, Calif. (AP) — Former major league slugger Jose Canseco had another run-in with police this week after winning the home run derby at the Golden Baseball League's inaugural All-Star game.
John Delcos / The Journal News:
Depth key for Mets — CINCINNATI — The Mets have been really big this summer about the team concept, boasting many diverse and talented parts. — In their galaxy of big names, they say there's always room for lesser lights to shine. — There haven't been too many games this summer …
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Maddux trade growing dim — Future Hall of Famer likely to end season in Cubs' rotation — WASHINGTON — With nine days remaining until the July 31 trade deadline, the question of whether to move Greg Maddux to a contender is becoming a prickly one for the Cubs.
Discussion:
CubsNet.com
