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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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
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.
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Associated Press:
Drew leaves game after getting hit by pitch — LOS ANGELES (AP) — Right fielder J.D. Drew of the Los Angeles Dodgers limped out of Friday night's game against the St. Louis Cardinals after getting hit flush on the outside of his right knee by a pitch from Jeff Suppan in the first inning.
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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 …
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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 …
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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
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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
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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.
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
Sports Illustrated:
Contenders and pretenders (cont.) — Braves — GM John Schuerholz was going for it even before they won seven of eight. Bob Wickman is a nice start to rebuild their nameless bullpen. As one competing GM said, "Who are all those guys?" — Verdict: Contender. — Phillies
Baltimore Sun:
O's purchase contract of Tatis, outright Clark … The Orioles today announced that they have purchased the contract of third baseman Fernando Tatis from Triple-A Ottawa and have outrighted infielder/outfielder Howie Clark to Ottawa. — In another move, Hayden Penn was optioned to Ottawa …
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
