Top News:
ESPN:
Source: ChiSox 'extremely close' to Soriano deal — The White Sox are "extremely close" to trading for Nationals outfielder Alfonso Soriano, a source close to the situation told ESPN The Magazine's Tim Kurkjian. The Nationals have great interest in pitcher Brandon McCarthy.
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats' Bowden refutes Soriano rumors — Reports said outfielder heading to White Sox in trade — WASHINGTON — According to a published report, the Nationals are close to sending Alfonso Soriano to the White Sox. The only thing general manager Jim Bowden would say about the report is that a deal is not in place.
MLB.com:
Nationals name Mike Rizzo Assistant GM and Vice President of Baseball Operations — Former Diamondbacks scouting executive laid foundation of talent that resulted in organization's No. 1 ranking per Baseball America — The Washington Nationals today appointed Mike Rizzo as Assistant General Manager …
Discussion:
Nationals Farm Authority
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Williams' manhunt picks up steam — White Sox get Royals' reliever MacDougal; McCarthy off limits — General manger Ken Williams fortified the White Sox's bullpen Monday by acquiring flame-throwing Mike MacDougal from the Royals for two pitching prospects but said he was unwilling to deal …
Discussion:
Exile in Wrigleyville
Art Thiel / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Slapstick home run livens up Safeco lore — In its short history, the local ballyard has not been a repository of exotic moments. — Perhaps it is the uptight franchise's penchant for neatness, propriety and politeness. Maybe the yard needs an ex-player's ghost to haunt a bullpen.
Discussion:
The Sports Frog
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Rick Wilton / Hardball Times:
Baseball Injury Report — Featured Note of the Week — There is a lesson here. Back in June 2005, just after he had Tommy John surgery, Dr. James Andrews stated he believed Dotel could be ready by the opener in 2006. At the time, it was a surprising comment.
Discussion:
Dem Bums
Fred Mitchell / Chicago Tribune:
Sosa can't believe he's not a 'Hero' — Especially after all his 'glorious years' as Cubs slugger — Sammy Sosa is incredulous at being left off the list of five Cubs "Hometown Heroes." — In a wide-ranging phone interview with the Tribune from his home in Miami, the former slugger reacted …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Wells making strides in rehab — OAKLAND, Calif. — Any frustration was released on a bag of balls that felt the full force of a David Wells kick, its contents scattered over the McAfee Coliseum infield. Following an Alex Cora bouncer in the vicinity of the mound — though the infielder already …
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:
Scouting can be daunting for players — South Florida Sun-Sentinel — "The book" on an opposing starter in the minor leagues, if one is even available, is easy reading. Best pitches. Out pitches. Maybe some velocities. It's the equivalent of short sentences with not too many multisyllabic words.
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
OK outing for Lester, family — SEATTLE — By his count, Jon Lester figures there were about 50 family members and friends in the stands yesterday at Safeco Field, a place they'd seen him pitch once before, while he was still starring for Bellarmine Prep in Tacoma.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Blast it all — HRs in 6th help doom Vazquez again; Tigers up 7½ — Poor performances by the White Sox's starting pitchers necessitated the trade for reliever Mike MacDougal from Kansas City in an effort to shorten their workload. — But that didn't cure Javier Vazquez's persistent …
Discussion:
Exile in Wrigleyville
Ken Wright / Washington Times:
Armas on mark against Cubs — Right-hander Tony Armas Jr., who has had problems going deep into games because of high pitch counts this season, threw seven strong innings yesterday to lead the Washington Nationals to a 7-1 victory against the Chicago Cubs. — Armas allowed just one run …
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Another big first paces Tigers to victory — Detroit first team since 1891 with three five-run firsts in row — CLEVELAND — It couldn't have been this nerve-wracking for the 1891 St. Louis Browns. Score five or six in the first inning, tack on some runs, and take the will out of the likes …
Discussion:
...getting paid to watch
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Notes: Randolph to use six-man rotation — Rookies Maine, Pelfrey to get at least one more start — NEW YORK — Gil Hodges and Rube Walker, the Mets manager and pitching coach in 1969, respectively, generally are credited with introducing the five-man rotation.
Discussion:
...getting paid to watch
