Top News:
Associated Press:
Padres-Giants Preview — One controversial San Francisco player might sit out Saturday, but the Giants may introduce a new one to their lineup. — With slugger Barry Bonds nursing an injured left leg, Shea Hillenbrand could make his San Francisco debut as the streaking Giants continue …
RELATED ITEMS:
Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Friars ask Williams to cool off Giants — San Diego (50-46) at San Francisco (50-47), 6:05 p.m. PT — The Padres turn to veteran right-hander Woody Williams on Saturday night, hoping he'll reverse their fortunes and keep the surging Giants at bay. San Francisco counters with another veteran right-hander, Jason Schmidt.
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 …
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 …
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Bonds avoids indictment, then injures knee — SAN FRANCISCO —Barry Bonds received a temporary reprieve from his legal troubles only to find himself injured again on the field. — Bonds expressed "relief" that the federal grand jury considering possible perjury and tax-evasion charges against him expired without an indictment.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
Conditional situation — Trading Lee a strong possibility if Brewers fall out of playoff picture — thaudricourt@journalsentinel.com — Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin is preparing for the possible trade of leftfielder Carlos Lee in the event the club falls out of the playoff race …
Jordan Bastian / MLB.com:
Hillenbrand, Chulk dealt for Accardo — Team able to move disgruntled slugger, get bullpen help — TORONTO — The Blue Jays officially parted ways with Shea Hillenbrand — their disgruntled designated hitter — by completing a three-player trade with the San Francisco Giants on Saturday morning.
Discussion:
Batter's Box Interactive …
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:
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
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Dave Van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Baker: Lee may not be OK until '07 — After having Sunday and Monday off to rest his still-healing right wrist, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee had another one Thursday. That's three days off in a span of five, leading to the question of just how serious the injury remains and how long it will take for him to be 100 percent.
RELATED ITEMS:
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Mussina comes to A-Rod's defense — TORONTO — Many people have been wondering why Derek Jeter hasn't come to Alex Rodriguez's defense as the fans at Yankee Stadium continue to direct their anger and disappointment in this year's team at the reigning American League MVP.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nationals sale to be finalized on Monday — Lerners set to purchase club from Major League Baseball — WASHINGTON — On a day when the Nationals revealed their new fan experience and had a come-from-behind victory at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium on Friday, incoming president Stan Kasten announced …
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards Notebook: Jocketty urges patience on possible trades — LOS ANGELES — Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty suggested those anticipating a trade as the non-waiver trade deadline approaches practice a little patience. The Cardinals' potential trading partners are doing just that.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
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
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
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?
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Patterson's surgery successful — Exploratory procedure on right forearm answer questions — WASHINGTON — Nationals right-hander John Patterson said on Friday that he was relieved to know that his forearm injury wasn't as serious as he and the team first thought.
