Top News:
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 …
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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.
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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 …
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 …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter
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
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Guillen issues warning to Rangers — White Sox manager: Team will retaliate if Padilla throws at hitters — CHICAGO - The promotion for Friday's series opener between the Rangers and White Sox was "Mullet Night." By the end of the weekend, it could be "Fight Night."
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Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
Daniels says no trades on horizon — CHICAGO - Rangers general manager Jon Daniels "continues to have dialogue with clubs" regarding possible trades to upgrade his team. There are still no specific trade possibilities he is willing to discuss, though. — "We have yet to be presented …
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Vidro's Injury Makes Giants Think Twice — Washington Nationals second baseman Jose Vidro, a candidate to be traded given the long-term rebuilding project the club is undertaking, drew significant interest from the San Francisco Giants earlier this week, a club source said …
Discussion:
Beck's Blog
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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.
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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 …
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PittsburghLIVE.com:
Notebook: Dodgers out of the hunt for Craig Wilson — Craig Wilson started in right field and batted fifth Friday. The question, seemingly, is whether the start will prove to be one of Wilson's last with the Pirates. Wilson, who has repeatedly requested a trade, is seemingly on the verge …
Discussion:
Where have you gone …
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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
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.
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
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.
