Top News:
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.
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Joe Posnanski / Kansas City Star:
Feelings clash about Jeter — Begin with a story: I have a friend, a devoted Yankees hater, who claims that he and his friends play a drinking game whenever Derek Jeter plays on television. He says that when the announcer says anything good about Jeter — when he talks about Jeter's general brilliance …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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.
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Maris clan: Howard would be worthy of record — When Ryan Howard's picture flashed across the television screen, Randy Maris turned to his younger brother Rich with a puzzled look. — "Who's he?" Randy asked. — Rich had a quick answer: He might be the guy who breaks their father's home run record.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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Sports Illustrated:
The chase for 62 — It's time to celebrate Howard's run at Maris' old mark — We don't need the pregame news conferences in front of the national media. We don't need the specially numbered baseballs with the watermark that can be seen only under an ultraviolet light.
Tim Marchman / New York Sun:
Howard's Success Has Cynics Grumbling — Last week in this space I somewhat off-handedly predicted that Philadaelphia's Ryan Howard would hit 62 home runs for an 80-win team and win the National League's MVP award. I ought to play the stock market, or at least join in on a few games of c-lo.
Discussion:
Can't Stop The Bleeding
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
A's claim Williams; no call-up angers Pie — One of the major miscalculations the Cubs made last winter was depending on Jerome Williams to make the rotation. — After a poor start in April and an inconsistent four months at Triple-A Iowa, the Williams saga ended Tuesday when Oakland claimed him on waivers.
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MLB.com:
Cubs complete trade with Minnesota and make three other moves — The Chicago Cubs today acquired right-handed pitcher Adam Harben from the Minnesota Twins to complete the trade which sent Phil Nevin to Minnesota on August 31. In addition, the Cubs have recalled right-handed pitcher Jae Kuk Ryu …
Evan Grant / Dallas Morning News:
Hicks: Rangers lack leadership, mental toughness — OAKLAND - Taking a page from the George Steinbrenner School of Management, in which any time is a good time to challenge players, Rangers owner Tom Hicks said Tuesday that his team has lacked mental toughness and leadership this season.
Phil Rogers / ESPN:
Best deadline deal? Maddux to Dodgers — Was there really a time when we debated whether Greg Maddux could be an asset for a contender? Why didn't we just ask if the earth was round, if poker was on television and if Will Ferrell had a movie in production?
Discussion:
High and Tight
Joe Kay / Associated Press:
Griffey out indefinitely with toe injury — CINCINNATI (AP) — The slight limp gave it away. — Ken Griffey Jr. walked slowly and carefully on Tuesday, a day after he dislocated a toe on his right foot while trying to make a catch. He was out of the Cincinnati Reds' lineup, and had no guess about when he might be back.
Associated Press:
Rockies-Padres Preview — The San Diego Padres lead the NL wild-card standings but with their recent stretch of good play, are focused on something bigger. Thanks to some dramatics from Josh Barfield , they still have their sights set on a second straight division title.
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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Associated Press:
Big Papi cleared to play after weeklong absence — BOSTON — Slugger David Ortiz was back in the lineup for the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, receiving medical clearance to play after tests for heart palpitations showed nothing abnormal. — Ortiz was hospitalized for two days last week …
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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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Rob Gillies / Associated Press:
Blue Jays to increase payroll again — TORONTO (AP) — Blue Jays owner Ted Rogers thinks the team needs to increase its payroll again next season. — The Blue Jays made a request to ownership several days ago and Rogers thinks the request is warranted. The team boosted its payroll …
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.
