Top News:
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Pedro day-to-day with right calf strain — Mets righty yields six runs in one inning against Phillies — PHILADELPHIA — The physical condition and availability of Pedro Martinez once again is an issue for the Mets, and again his problem involves his right leg.
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
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Amalie Benjamin / Boston Globe:
It's time to test mettle vs. iron — So much for the ``easy" teams. Now comes the harder stuff. — Though it was assumed the Red Sox would clean up on Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Baltimore, they went only 6-7 during a 13-game stretch against the four worst teams in the American League.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Robertson tries to revive Tigers — Detroit (76-41) at Boston (66-48), 7:05 p.m. ET — Nate Robertson got to know Josh Beckett just after the Marlins drafted Beckett second overall in 1999, the same year Florida took Robertson in the fifth round. They were roommates when Robertson was first called up to the Major Leagues in 2002.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Howard Kussoy / MLB.com:
Beckett squares off vs. Tigers in opener — Detroit (76-41) at Boston (68-48), 7:05 p.m. ET — Following a five-game slide on the road to the Devil Rays and Royals, the Red Sox rebounded to sweep the Orioles this weekend, a necessary accomplishment due to the eight games they will play …
New York Post:
A REELING RODRIGUEZ TOSSES INJURY CARD IN — WHEN the lineups were announced before yesterday's Angels-Yankees game, the Stadium crowd once again amped up an ovation for Alex Rodriguez hoping, obviously, that the brew of encouragement and support would finally spur the most talented player to the most wonderful deeds.
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Associated Press:
Giants-Padres Preview — Despite having one of the worst home records in the NL, the San Diego Padres still are in contention for a playoff spot. — The Padres look to shake their recent home struggles when they begin a 10-game homestand against NL West rivals Monday night with the start …
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Lyle Spencer / MLB.com:
Padres open big homestand — San Francisco (54-62) at San Diego (60-57), 7:05 p.m. PT — The National League West is coming after the defending division champs. — Starting Monday night, with Barry Bonds and his San Francisco Giants in town, the Padres will play 10 games in 10 days within the division …
Jim Molony / MLB.com:
Rockies, Astros discussing Wilson deal — Houston outfielder one of 12 'designated' players available — Will it be a Rockies' redux for Preston Wilson? — Colorado and Houston have been discussing a deal that would reunite the outfielder with the franchise he played for from 2003 through the first half of last season.
NY Daily News:
D-Backs' Green Snakes into discussion — WASHINGTON - The Mets have spent plenty of green putting this year's NL-East leading team together. It's possible they could add a little more green to the roster. — The East Valley (Ariz.) Tribune reported that the Diamondbacks planned …
Discussion:
Hot Foot
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Amanda Branam / MLB.com:
Encarnacion named NL's best of week — Third baseman helped Reds pull close to Cards in race — While the Reds are at the top of the Wild Card heap in the National League as of Monday, they are setting their sights a little higher these days. — Reds third baseman Edwin Encarnacion …
Associated Press:
Rockies bring back one of their own, sign 3B Castilla — Vinny Castilla couldn't contain the ear-to-ear grin. He smiled as photos were snapped, and grinned when he answered questions. — Castilla was elated to be back with the Colorado Rockies, agreeing to terms on a minor-league contract Monday …
Discussion:
Bad Altitude
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Time to retire No. 17? — Beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions — After the remarkable treatment afforded Mike Piazza at Shea Sadium last week, I got to thinking that the Mets should retire his uniform number. He is a certain Hall of Famer who played some of his best and most important years in New York.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Can Soriano win the MVP? — Beat writer Bill Ladson answers Nationals fans' questions … What are the chances of Alfonso Soriano winning the National League MVP this year? He has done everything he can for the Nationals to be a competitive team and has been able to hit at spacious RFK stadium.
Discussion:
The Nationals Enquirer
Jamey Newberg / MLB.com:
Going Deep: Going interactive — You've got procedural questions, we've got answers … Q: What are the rules regarding roster expansion and subsequent playoff rosters? Do players on the expanded roster have to be added to the 40-man roster? Does it burn up their service time? — B.King and F.Miv
Associated Press:
Reds' Mercker going to have elbow surgery — CINCINNATI — Veteran left-hander Kent Mercker will undergo season-ending reconstructive surgery on his left elbow, the Cincinnati Reds said Monday. — The 38-year-old Mercker was placed on the disabled list Saturday after pitching a scoreless inning …
