Top News:
Karen Guregian / Boston Herald:
Hometown's abuzz on Lester's return — SEATTLE - When it comes to producing athletic superstars, Bellarmine Preparatory School in Tacoma may not be in the same league as Junipero Serra High in San Mateo, Calif. — Really now, how does any school compete with the likes of Junipero alums Tom Brady, Lynn Swann and Barry Bonds?
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David Heuschkel / Hartford Courant:
Lester Trying To Treat This As Just Another Start — SEATTLE — It won't be anything like his major league debut at Fenway Park, sitting in the clubhouse an extra five hours because of a rain delay. — This one is in Jon Lester's backyard. He will have a sizable cheering section today …
CBS SportsLine.com:
Boston's rookie lefty right at home in return to Seattle — Boston Herald — SEATTLE — Thus far, Boston rookie Jon Lester has passed every conceivable test. — He pitched well after a near five-hour rain delay in his major league debut. He pitched through self-imposed jams, limiting damage.
Discussion:
SawxBlog
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Lester to meet Mariners in finale — Boston (59-37) at Seattle (46-51), 4:05 p.m. ET — It wasn't all that long ago that Jon Lester was just another resident of Tacoma, Wash., who happened to idolize Ken Griffey Jr. and the Seattle Mariners. Griffey is as long gone from Seattle …
Associated Press:
Padres-Giants Preview — The San Francisco Giants have surged their way back into first place in the National League West thanks to their longest winning streak of the season. — They try to keep it going and extend their lead when they wrap up a four-game series with the San Diego Padres at AT&T Park.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Hensley hoping to sink Giants — San Diego (50-47) at San Francisco (51-47), 1:05 p.m. PT — Looking to lift the Padres' spirits, Clay Hensley takes his sinking fastball to the mound Sunday against the Giants' deep, dangerous lineup. The tenacious Texan will face right-hander Jamey Wright in the series finale at AT&T Park.
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Rodriguez Is All Smiles as His Mistakes Mount — TORONTO, July 22 — The video board at Rogers Center is 33 feet high and 110 feet wide. Each time he struck out Saturday, Alex Rodriguez turned his head toward it to watch the replay as he walked back to the dugout.
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
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Sam Borden / NY Daily News:Torre: Alex woes unlike Knobby's throws
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Associated Press:
Dodgers deal Alomar Jr. to White Sox — CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago White Sox acquired veteran catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. from the Los Angeles Dodgers for minor-league pitcher B.J. LaMura on Sunday after designating backup Chris Widger for assignment. — A six-time American League All-Star …
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Gabbard sharp in losing cause — Rooker hurler impresses in his Major League debut — SEATTLE — Attempting to do what no Red Sox pitcher has done since Juan Pena on May 8, 1999 — win his Major League debut — left-hander Kason Gabbard ultimately came up empty, but through little fault of his own.
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Associated Press:
Marlins not looking to deal Willis — MIAMI (AP) — The Florida Marlins say they aren't looking to make any deals before the trade deadline, and that's fine with Dontrelle Willis. — The Marlins' ace was the subject of frequent trade speculation earlier this season, but a surprising midseason surge …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
New York Post:
BEST BAD TRADE THEY EVER MADE — KAZMIR RIPOFF SPURRED AMAZIN' TRANSFORMATION — July 23, 2006 — HERE is a warning to Mets fans: You aren't going to like this column. Your anger will not be enabled here. Your frustrations will find no friend in the coming 900 words.
Discussion:
...getting paid to watch
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Turnbow on a break — Kolb set to step in if Brewers need a temporary fill-in closer — CINCINNATI — Dan Kolb hadn't gotten word yet, but he was ready to step in should the Brewers need a new closer. — Brewers manager Ned Yost said he would give Derrick Turnbow a break …
Alan Eskew / MLB.com:
Notes: Kendrick gets start at third base — Angels looking for a way to get youngster more at-bats — KANSAS CITY — The Angels had a new third baseman Sunday, but did not make a trade. — Howie Kendrick, who had been taking ground balls at third base, made his first start there against the Royals.
Ken Belson / New York Times:
The House That Steinbrenner Is Building — IT'S another June evening in baseball and the Boston Red Sox are visiting New York for the latest showdown with their archenemy, the Yankees. As it is at every meeting between the teams, the stadium is packed and crackling with energy.
