Top News:
Mike DiGiovanna / Los Angeles Times:
Despite Cabrera's Slump, Lineup Staying the Same — NEW YORK — There is no question the Angels' offensive resurgence and their 19-7 run in July coincided with Orlando Cabrera's move from the second to third spot in the batting order. — The Angels were 35-41 on June 27 …
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Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Boomer busts five-game skid — Wells records career victory No. 228 and first of season — BOSTON — The uniquely passionate and large fandom that follows the Red Sox couldn't help but be in full-throttle, fret mode on the heels of the club's 1-5 road trip through last-place posts Tampa Bay and Kansas City.
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Howard Kussoy / MLB.com:
Benson makes his return at Fenway — Baltimore (51-65) at Boston (66-48), 1:25 p.m. ET — In the midst of a six-game road trip against the top two teams in the American League East, the Orioles need all the help they can get. — Looking to turn around Baltimore's 3-6 start to August …
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Howard Kussoy / MLB.com:
Boston eyeing repeat win vs. Baltimore — Baltimore (51-65) at Boston (66-48), 1:25 p.m. ET — Snapping a season-high five-game losing streak with Friday night's win, the Red Sox showed how happy they are to return home after a horrific 1-5 road trip against two last-place teams.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Rangers' Volquez steps into a comfort zone — Pitcher has worked on fastball command and feels more prepared — ARLINGTON - Rangers pitching coach Mark Connor had a straightforward message for 23-year-old Edinson Volquez when they worked in the bullpen Thursday.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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D.C. Reeves / MLB.com:
Notes: Young back in the fold — Veteran signs Minor League deal with likely Sept. 1 callup — ARLINGTON — Eric Young, a key contributor to the 2004 Texas Rangers, was signed to a Minor League contract on Friday. — The 39-year old was released by the San Diego Padres on Aug. 1 to make room for the newly-acquired Todd Walker.
Associated Press:
Padres-Astros Preview — A second-half surge last season helped the Houston Astros get into the postseason. The same formula may work this season as well. — Houston looks for its season-high fifth straight win when its continues a weekend series with the San Diego Padres on Saturday.
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Kevin Yanik / MLB.com:
Righty Peavy to face Astros — San Diego (58-57) at Houston (57-58), 4:05 p.m. PT — Right-hander Jake Peavy has already matched his career high for losses (11) this season, and he certainly doesn't want to reset that mark on Saturday against the Astros. — Peavy's last three outings have been encouraging.
ESPN:
Report: Loria was talked out of firing Girardi — Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria had to be talked out of firing manager Joe Girardi after a loss last Sunday, the Palm Beach Post reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources with knowledge of the situation.
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Leslie Parker / MLB.com:
Notes: Sox present Fisk with ring — Guillen honors former teammate with World Series memento — CHICAGO — A baseball legend who never got a World Series ring in his 13 seasons with the White Sox finally got one before Saturday's White Sox game at U.S. Cellular Field.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Glavine solid, but Mets fall to Nationals — Veteran lefty fans seven, allows two runs in six innings — WASHINGTON — Their large, comfortable lead in the National League East allows the Mets to view developments with a perspective different from those of other teams in the division.
Discussion:
Mike's Mets
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Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Without Varitek, young staff caught off guard — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One thing is obvious: The Red Sox pitching staff really misses Jason Varitek. — Nobody is pointing fingers at Javy Lopez and Doug Mirabelli, but the small nuances of Varitek's game are lost inside the white lines.
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TSN.ca:
HOMEMLBNEWS STORYReds place Mercker on 15-day DL — Sports Ticker — PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) - A troublesome elbow has again turned Kent Mercker into a spectator. — The Cincinnati Reds placed the veteran lefhander on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday and recalled lefthander Chris Michalak …
Sam Borden / NY Daily News:
Pavano in fan flap — Carl Pavano was involved in a verbal dispute with a fan at his rehab outing in Tampa on Thursday night, during which he made an off-color remark alluding to the fan's sexual orientation, according to sources. — The fan was heckling Pavano all night …
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Tigers' passion play — CHICAGO - Jim Leyland is smoking a cigarette. — Wait. No. Every Jim Leyland story starts with him smoking a cigarette. Jim Leyland is not about cigarettes. He is about passion. So let's try again. — Jim Leyland is standing on the grass at U.S. Cellular Field.
Discussion:
TigerBlog
Lindsey Frazier / MLB.com:
Livan's debut spoiled by Marlins rookie — Righty lasts eight innings, but is outdueled by Johnson — PHOENIX — Having not yet played the Marlins this year, the Diamondbacks did not know quite what to expect from the young, energetic ballclub on Friday night. — But Arizona soon realized just how dangerous Florida can be.
NY Daily News:
HoJo hangs on as hitting coach — WASHINGTON - Howard Johnson will resume his job as Triple-A Norfolk's hitting coach Monday, after completing a 10-day suspension, Mets special assistant Tony Bernazard said yesterday. — Johnson was sent home Aug. 4 after returning from his son's baseball tournament.
