Top News:
Associated Press:
Lee isn't concerned about impending free agency — CBS SportsLine.com wire reports — ARLINGTON, Texas — Carlos Lee is focused on helping the Texas Rangers now. The All-Star slugger isn't thinking about what might happen after this season when he can become a free agent.
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
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Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Brewers add Bell to help out infield — Milwaukee sends Minor League pitcher to Philadelphia — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers may be slumping since the All-Star break, but they're apparently not willing to cash in 2006 just yet. — Hours after announcing a blockbuster deal with the Rangers …
USA Today:
D-Rays' kids set for major promotions — DURHAM, N.C. — It's late morning at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park, and already 92 degrees. There is no breeze. No clouds. Just stifling humidity. — "I don't know whose idea this was to play a day game," says Class AAA Bulls third baseman B.J. Upton …
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Carter Gaddis / TBO.com:
Prospects Blast Organization — Skip directly to the full story. — Roto Cooker — Should the Rays sign Julio Lugo to a long-term contract? — Yes - he's a key part of the future — No - his trade value will never be higher — More from this channel: — This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
St. Petersburg Times:
Lugo wants winning plan in place — NEW YORK - In addition to proper terms of the deal, shortstop Julio Lugo said the Devil Rays must show him they have a plan in place to become a winning team if he is to agree to a long-term contract. — Money is important, Lugo said …
Howard Kussoy / MLB.com:
Beckett shoots for 14th vs. phenom — Los Angeles (53-49) at Boston (61-40), 1:20 p.m. ET — On their road to October, the Red Sox have been cruising for most of the season in first place of the American League East. However, a shaky start to the second half of the season has the Sox looking …
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Kelsie Smith / Boston Globe:
Weaver's Monster challenge — The chin-length, sun-bleached blond hair flipping out from under Jered Weaver's bright-red cap hints at the young pitcher's roots — born in Northridge, Calif., he went to Long Beach State University, and was the Angels' first pick (12th overall) in the 2004 draft.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Torres' nightmare is becoming a Giant again — (07-29) 04:00 PDT Pittsburgh — Salomon Torres back to the Giants? Maybe not a hot idea. — In an interview before Friday night's game, the Pirates reliever said he shuddered when he heard San Francisco had asked about him because he has such bad memories …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
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Paul Newberry / sports.yahoo.com:
NY Mets 6, Atlanta 4 — ATLANTA (AP) — Pedro Martinez was a little concerned when he first took the mound, and it showed. — But once he realized that his hip wasn't going to be a problem, the Atlanta Braves never had a chance. — Martinez surrendered four runs in the first inning …
Discussion:
Zisk Online
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Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Will's Mill — Saturday Love — Saturday, July 29, noon ET: The Astros and Angels have made their final offers on Miguel Tejada. The Orioles now have to decide if it's enough to give up their star shortstop. The Astros have a backup plan in Julio Lugo, but need to act quickly …
David Lennon / Newsday:
Could be Zito or nobody — ATLANTA - While the Mets mull the value of second-tier options such as Jon Lieber, Livan Hernandez and Kip Wells, what they seem to really want is the big prize, and he takes the mound Saturday in Oakland. — That would be Barry Zito, and it's a subject …
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
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Associated Press:
Padres-Rockies Preview — The Colorado Rockies have won two vastly different games to start their four-game set against the San Diego Padres . — They'll try to make it three straight over the NL West leaders Saturday when the teams meet at Coors Field. — Colorado (49-53) …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Road warrior battles the elements — San Diego (54-49) at Colorado (49-53), 5:05 p.m. PT — Road warrior Chris Young gets the call on Saturday night for the Padres in a marquee matchup against the Rockies' splendid left-hander, Jeff Francis. — Young is 4- in unfriendly environs …
Andrew Bare / MLB.com:
Indians promote Marte to Majors — Club wants to get prospect at-bats before September — CLEVELAND — The key piece to one of the winter's most buzz-worthy trades has finally been fitted into the Indians' Major League puzzle. — Andy Marte, the big prize in the Coco Crisp trade …
Discussion:
Beyond the Box Score
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Stoneman's Bid for Tejada Undeterred — BOSTON — Bartolo Colon's elbow injury and Kelvim Escobar's balky elbow could put a crimp in the Angels' efforts to add an impact bat before Monday's trade deadline, but General Manager Bill Stoneman remains in serious negotiations with the Baltimore Orioles …
Discussion:
Halo Herald
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Dan Connolly / Baltimore Sun:Trade talk getting louder for Tejada as deadline nears
Discussion:
YanksBlog.com
Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Maddux mows down Cardinals for win — Amidst trade rumors, veteran secures 327th career victory — CHICAGO — If Saturday was Greg Maddux's last game for the Cubs, he left with a tip of his cap and a "W." — Angel Pagan stole home for the tie-breaking run to help Maddux win …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
