Top News:
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Notes: Rainout negates Pelfrey recall — Mets no longer need extra starter for Friday doubleheader — NEW YORK — Nothing like a little rain to wash away the Mets' problems. — The Mets had been prepared for some time to recall rookie starter Mike Pelfrey from Triple-A New Orleans …
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David Picker / New York Times:
Even Before Rain, Mets Would Rather Be in Philadelphia — Willie Randolph and the Mets were not happy that they were scheduled to play the finale of their four-game series with Cardinals last night. They would have preferred an afternoon game, so they could leisurely make their way to Philadelphia …
Bob Herzog / Newsday:
El Duque asks to pitch in Mets' day game, Willie OKs — It started out innocently enough: a manager communicating with his starting pitcher about a change in plans. — Moments after Thursday night's Mets-Cardinals game at Shea Stadium was rained out before it ever began …
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Notes: Buehrle situation still in flux — Contract talks may continue happening until this weekend — ST. PETERSBURG — Picture this following scenario taking place on Monday at U.S. Cellular Field. — The White Sox have a full house in attendance on a warm summer night for the start …
Discussion:
South Side Sox
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MLB.com:
Astros recall Albers and McLemore — Club releases White, designates Randolph for assignment — HOUSTON — The Houston Astros announced today that the club has recalled RHP Matt Albers and LHP Mark McLemore from Triple-A Round Rock. Albers and McLemore will be uniform for tonight's …
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Martin leads onslaught vs. Johnson — Dodgers hammer big lefty to move back into first place — PHOENIX — The Dodgers found a Cy Young Award winner they could beat Thursday, making Randy Johnson wish he had stayed on the disabled list a little longer. — After not scoring against Brandon Webb …
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Joe Kieser / MLB.com:
Thomas launches No. 500 at Metrodome — Blue Jays slugger hits three-run shot vs. Silva in first frame — MINNEAPOLIS — Seventeen years ago, Frank Thomas belted his first career home run off Twins pitcher Gary Wayne in Minnesota. Thursday afternoon at the Metrodome, the pitcher was different, but the result was the same.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Rangers' bid for sweep derailed — Millwood pitching better; Kinsler sprains left ankle in loss — DETROIT — Roll call in the Rangers' locker room after a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Thursday afternoon. — Ian Kinsler. Sprained left ankle. Crutches present at locker.
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T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com:
Notes: McCarthy to start Monday — Right-hander will be activated from DL to face Red Sox — DETROIT — The Rangers are planning to bring Brandon McCarthy off the disabled list and pitch him on Monday against the Boston Red Sox. — McCarthy has made just one Major League start since …
Discussion:
Dallas Morning News
Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Padres tentatively acquire OF Milton Bradley — The Padres have tentatively acquired outfielder Milton Bradley from the Oakland Athletics. As part of the trade, the Padres will send a minor league pitcher to Oakland. Bradley, a switch-hitter, could join the Padres on Sunday at Dodger Stadium.
Baltimore Sun:
Baseball fans bored with milestones … When Roger Clemens went for his 350th career victory on Wednesday night at Camden Yards, the ballpark was about two-thirds full and the excitement level for what could have been a rare piece of baseball history was not all that much greater …
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Notes: Jones takes responsibility — Closer holds himself accountable for Tuesday's loss — DETROIT — The Tigers do not have a captain. The way Todd Jones sees it, their bullpen does, in a way. — While Jones' frustration was tempered Wednesday morning after Tuesday's loss, he still wasn't happy with how it unfolded.
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Who Might Be Owning the Chicago Cubs? — The Chicago Cubs - one of MLB's crown jewels - will have a new owner in place before the start of next season. Here's a break down of who's in the hunt to own them. With the All-Star Game approaching quickly, eyes are starting focus on the sale …
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Early showdown for Cubs — MILWAUKEE — Two of baseball's hottest teams meet at Wrigley Field this weekend, and the Brewers-Cubs series is enhanced because the home team is chasing the visitors. — A key National League Central series, before the All-Star break?

