Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Deal for starter almost came out of the blue — SEATTLE — Why wasn't Kason Gabbard, the rookie lefthander making his big league debut this afternoon, on the Red Sox flight here Thursday night, a plane loaded with family members and club officials because it's one of the team's designated family trips?
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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Jeff Horrigan / Boston Herald:
Club digs Wells' progress — SEATTLE - The Red Sox' urgency to add another starting pitcher before the non-waivers trading deadline on July 31 may be easing up due to the recent progress of David Wells' return from knee problems. — The 43-year-old left-hander threw 50 strong pitches …
Associated Press:
Red Sox starter Wakefield goes on disabled list — SEATTLE (AP) — The Boston Red Sox placed starter Tim Wakefield on the 15-day disabled list Saturday because of a stress fracture in the area of his rib cage. — The move is retroactive to Tuesday, meaning Wakefield is eligible to return to the rotation on Aug. 1.
Discussion:
The Griddle
David Heuschkel / Hartford Courant:
Francona To Start Young What's-His-Name: Gabbard — SEATTLE — Drinking a beer as he waited for his meal, Red Sox manager Terry Francona recognized two of the three minor league players who walked into a Fort Myers restaurant in spring training. He knew pitcher Chris Smith and catcher Jim Buckley.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Gabbard gets call for today's start — SEATTLE — Add Kason Gabbard's name to a list that just keeps getting longer. — That would be the tally of starting pitchers who have taken the mound for the Red Sox this season, a number that will grow to 11 with Gabbard's first major league start today …
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
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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.
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 …
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
Janie McCauley / Associated Press:In Hillenbrand, Giants get right-handed bat they sought
Discussion:
The Catbird …
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 …
NY Daily News:
Jeter: Alex can defend self — TORONTO - Derek Jeter sighed when the question was posed to him yesterday. He first heard it a few weeks ago, but for the second time this season there was a buzz among talk radio and other Yankees observers as to why the captain hasn't "spoken out" in defense of his struggling teammate Alex Rodriguez.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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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.
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Celebrate Stability With Comeback Win Over the Cubs — The night was supposed to feel good and, in the end, it did. Fans poured into old RFK Stadium in the early evening, shook hands with players, exchanged smiles, ate some new food, watched some new entertainment — yes …
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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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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.
