Top News:
Associated Press:
Astros-Padres Preview — The Houston Astros are slowly moving into contention for a third straight NL wild card berth. — The Astros look to complete their first three-game sweep at San Diego in nearly 24 years when the meet the Padres on Thursday afternoon.
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Amanda Branam / MLB.com:
Hensley faces Astros in finale — Houston (51-56) at San Diego (55-52), 12:35 p.m. PT — The second half has been puzzling for the Padres. — They went into the All-Star break on a five-game winning streak with a two-game lead at the top of the National League West standings.
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Bob Herzog / Newsday:
Heat exhaustion — Trachsel gets win, but bullpen lets it get too close for comfort — MIAMI - Winning pitcher Steve Trachsel was waiting to open the door to the clubhouse for Billy Wagner last night, an appropriately symbolic gesture after Wagner had just slammed the door on the Marlins in dramatic …
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Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Pelfrey looks for minor adjustment — MIAMI - Mike Pelfrey knew he was ticketed for the minors early in the day at the team hotel when he got wind of Royce Ring being summoned to the Mets. Pelfrey got the news he was headed to Triple-A Norfolk from Willie Randolph when he arrived at Dolphin Stadium.
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Mulder may pitch soon — Mulder may pitch soon — Barring complications from a side session set for today, lefthander Mark Mulder will begin a rehab assignment Sunday in Davenport, Iowa, for Class A Quad Cities. — Mulder reported no problems Wednesday after working a three-inning simulation Tuesday against several teammates.
Discussion:
Ben Maller's Sports …
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Notes: Cards like Sosa's versatility — Newcomer in bullpen now, but has ability to start — ST. LOUIS — New acquisition Jorge Sosa intrigues the Cardinals for a variety of reasons, most notably his 94-mph fastball and sometimes-dazzling slider. But there's another element to Sosa that holds appeal: his versatility.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Armas Falters, Stanton Rises — Nats' Rally Can't Trump Poor Start: Giants 8, Nationals 6 — A week ago, Mike Stanton wore a cap with a script "W" above the brim and tutored the young men in the Washington Nationals' bullpen, some of them more than 15 years his junior.
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Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
Mark of a winner — Loretta double ends it for Sox in wild ninth — Wily Mo Peña, fresh off his near-maiming of a man in the front row of the Monster seats, sat in the Red Sox dugout, looking at the few fans leaving the park with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
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Carrie Muskat / MLB.com:
Barrett in running for Aaron Award — Cubs catcher claimed Silver Slugger honors last season — CHICAGO — Michael Barrett didn't adjust his stance or drop his elbow or change his grip. The difference at the plate this season for the Chicago Cubs catcher is mental, not physical.
Discussion:
GROTA
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Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Fasano & Lidle keep cool, warm up for hot forecast — Sal Fasano is a man with a three-part plan. The first part is eating a good meal this morning. The second is drinking an enormous amount of water. The third aspect is having prepared a solution of ammonia and water so he can pour it on his head from time to time.
Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
Varitek keeps positive outlook — Jason Varitek hobbled into the room and hobbled out. In between, the Red Sox catcher opted to take the optimistic view. — But then, that is probably part of the reason why he is the team captain. — Speaking for the first time since being diagnosed …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
Enrique Rojas / ESPN:
Cuban star Gourriel has no interest in deserting … At 22 and already with an impressive résumé in local and international events. Cuban infielder Yulieski Gourriel is considered one of the world's best baseball players. — And as with other Cuban greats since Fidel Castro …
Discussion:
Nationals Farm Authority
Bill Simmons / ESPN:
Larry Legend vs. Big Papi — Four years ago, back when David Ortiz was just The Fat Guy on the Twins, I tackled "Pacino or DeNiro?" and called it the most important mailbag question in Sports Guy history. Now I'm wondering if that question has been surpassed by "Big Papi or Larry Legend? …
T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Notes: Catching duties shift — Blalock plays at DH in finale; Loe set for rehab start — MINNEAPOLIS — Rangers catcher Rod Barajas was able to joke about throwing out two basestealers in one inning on Tuesday. — "When you have three days off, your arm feels fresh," Barajas said.
NY Daily News:
Sanchez's best save — Met reliever feared for career after crash — By CHRISTIAN RED in Miami and MICHAEL O'KEEFFE in New York — Duaner Sanchez was chatting with his cousin and a friend in the back of a cab early Monday when another car suddenly slammed into the side of the taxi on a Miami highway.
Keith Law / Baseball Analysts:
Death, Taxes, and Major League Waivers — MLB's rules are complex and convoluted, but they're not hard. I've heard various people in front offices referred to as "rules experts" or - my favorite "waivers experts." The rule on waivers (Rule 9) runs nine pages, a large part of which revolve around resolving the order of claims.
Discussion:
Baby Bombers
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Diamonds in the rough — COMPTON, Calif. - Cy Wiggs does not realize he is caught in the middle of a fight, and because he is 12 years old, he does not worry about that kinda stuff, either. Right now, the only thing on his mind is pizza. — It's what's for lunch today at the Urban Youth Academy …
Discussion:
The Griddle
