Top News:
David Lefort / Extra Bases:
Papi returning today — The quickly recovering Red Sox lineup will receive another boost tonight after the team, as expected, cleared David Ortiz to return to action. — "The ongoing monitoring of David Ortiz has not identified any further problem," the Red Sox released in a statement attributed to Dr. Thomas Gill.
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Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Sox, Peña walk on air — He's a hometown hero with winning HR in 10th — Such sweet relief, this atmosphere of giddiness that enveloped the Fens last night after the steady drumbeat of gloom and despair that has echoed throughout the ancient ballpark in recent days.
Discussion:
Surviving Grady
Nick Cafardo / Boston Globe:
Winning hit was child's play — Walkoff homer a real throwback — I was Tony Conigliaro, with the wide stance and bat cocked high, shaping the No. 25 with duct tape on the back of a white T-shirt. — You were Fred Lynn making great catches against an imaginary wall, or Jim Rice hitting sizzling line drives over the Green Monster.
Discussion:
Keep Your Sox On In Brooklyn
ESPN:
Abreu deal was Yanks' best in six years — NEW YORK — It was late June in 2000 when Yankees general manager Brian Cashman decided his dynasty was in danger of collapse. After two consecutive world championships, the Bombers were barely above .500, having lost six of seven and looking nothing …
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Tyler Kepner / New York Times:For Mussina, Two Weeks Off Is Just Right
Discussion:
Ben Maller's Sports …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Cruz control: Rangers rout A's, 8-1 — OAKLAND, Calif. - Labor Day traditionally means two things for the Rangers: the end of summer and the start of looking to next season. — At least Monday, gazing into the future provided a vista as pretty as sunset at the Golden Gate Bridge.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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Susan Slusser / San Francisco Chronicle:Zito, Payton, A's struggle vs. Texas
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Notes: Martinez rejoins Mets — Ace will continue rehab, could start by mid-September — NEW YORK — Pedro Martinez rejoined the Mets on Monday, and though there is still no immediate timetable for his return to the mound, the team is pleased with the ace's progress and expects him back later this month.
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Steve Henson / Los Angeles Times:
LaRoche Probably Won't Get the Call — MILWAUKEE — All it took was sitting for several hours during the flight from L.A. and Chad Billingsley's next start was pushed back indefinitely. — As for Andy LaRoche's debut, that apparently will wait as well. — LaRoche, a prospect …
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
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Gerg Cote / Miami Herald:
Fans missing the magic — Amazement is best served suddenly. As a 100-meter dash is more exciting than a marathon, what impresses most easily in sports is what we can see happening right now — as in one frenetic night at the Orange Bowl, for a totally random example.
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Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Tejada Remains Topic of Interest — If the Angels had their way, Miguel Tejada would have played third base for them on Monday, not shortstop for the Baltimore Orioles. But, as the teams engaged in trade talks in July, Tejada said he had no interest in playing third base.
Discussion:
6-4-2
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Toni Ginnetti / Chicago Sun Times:
Emergency surgery shelves Barrett — Costly injuries keep taking down Cubs players, with catcher Michael Barrett the latest to face a possible season-ending mishap that required emergency surgery Saturday. — The surgery was required to stop internal bleeding after Barrett was hit …
Discussion:
Sweaty Men Endeavors
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats' Ortiz flirts with no-hitter in victory — Right-hander helps his own cause at plate with solo homer — WASHINGTON — Jose Rijo, the special assistant to Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, was in Washington the last few days and he was set to travel back to the Dominican Republic on Sunday …
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Marc Topkin / St. Petersburg Times:
Two Bulls stars begin audition — ST. PETERSBURG - Two more potential pieces of the Devil Rays' future arrive today with the promotions of catcher Shawn Riggans and reliever Juan Salas from Triple A. — Riggans, 26, hit .293 with 11 homers and 54 RBIs and was named the International …
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Daniel Brown / Mercury News:
The case for Jeter — In 1950, the last time a New York Yankees shortstop won the most valuable player award, Phil Rizzuto edged a deep and talented field despite lacking gaudy statistics. — Rizzuto got the nod because writers recognized his contributions that went beyond the box score.
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — Three FAQs — Real life has been intruding on baseball a bit much lately. We all got the shock of Jon Lester's diagnosis, one that hit home for me and for many in the Red Sox organization. The yellow "Livestrong" band I wear isn't just in support of cancer research …
Associated Press:
HOMEMLBNEWS STORYWright, Reyes to lead MLB tour in Japan — TOKYO (AP) - New York Mets infielders David Wright and Jose Reyes will lead a team of major league players on an exhibition tour of Japan in November, Major League Baseball officials said Tuesday. — Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies …
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Loving it in La-La Land — Former Cub Maddux enthused to be part of Dodgers' playoff push — MILWAUKEE — Greg Maddux was sitting in the visiting clubhouse Monday when he saw a familiar face from his second tour with the Cubs. — "Quiet in here, isn't it?" he said. — Yes, it is.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Embraced by the fans — Taguchi signed a $3 million, three-year contract with the Cardinals and was introduced on January 9, 2002. He prepared a short speech in English for the press conference, and the fans embraced him, lining up for his autograph in such large numbers at the Cardinals Winter Warm-up that Emiko cried.
Steve Treder / Hardball Times:
Enlivening the Mid-1970s: Part One — The baseball in use in the major leagues was a little bit dead from 1974 through 1976. — Now, I can't prove that. And I assure you, nearly every time when assertions about "juiced baseballs" come up, I'm firmly in the highly skeptical camp.
Murray Chass / New York Times:
Baseball Without Strikes? Talks Could Make It Happen — PROBABLY the biggest surprise in all of the years I have written about baseball was not the Red Sox' comeback against the Yankees in the 2004 postseason, or the Diamondbacks' victory over the Yankees in the ninth inning of Game 7 …
USA Today:
Towers and Bochy: the Padres' compadres — PHOENIX — It's nearly midnight in the desert. The San Diego Padres' clubhouse has been empty for two hours, but Kevin Towers and Bruce Bochy once again are last to leave. — They're in no hurry. Towers, the Padres' general manager …
Discussion:
Gaslamp Ball
