Top News:
MLB.com:
Kevin McClatchy's letter to fans — Dear Pirates Fans: — Today I announced that I will be stepping down as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of the 2007 season. — A decision of this personal and professional magnitude is not something you make overnight.
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Alan Robinson / Associated Press:
McClatchy stepping down as Pirates CEO — PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kevin McClatchy, a newspaper heir who likely prevented the Pirates from leaving Pittsburgh by assembling an ownership group in 1996, is stepping down as the team's chief executive officer at the end of the season.
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball
MLB.com:
Pirates CEO Kevin McClatchy to step down at the end of the 2007 season — Kevin McClatchy has decided to step down as the Pittsburgh Pirates Chief Executive Officer at the end of the 2007 season. After more than eleven years as the day-to-day leader of the organization …
Discussion:
The Parrot
Chad Jennings / The Times-Tribune:
Local Yankees release pitcher — MOOSIC — Rain hammered PNC Field on Thursday, cancelling the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees' series finale against the Pawtucket Red Sox after a rain delay of an hour and 15 minutes. — While the steady downpour fell outside the stadium …
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David Picker / New York Times:
In Rodriguez's Spot, Matsui Plays Role to Perfection — Hideki Matsui acknowledged afterward that he felt a little uneasy as he came to bat in the bottom of the eighth inning yesterday. The score was tied, 5-5, the Yankees having squandered a 5-2 lead. The pitcher on the mound was Pat Neshek …
Sports Illustrated:
Neifi Perez first to be banned for stimulant — The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced on Friday that infielder Neifi Perez of the Detroit Tigers has been suspended 25 games, effective immediately, for testing positive for a banned Stimulant in violation of Major League Baseball's …
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Chris Duncan / Associated Press:
Mets' Maine wins again, Ks 9 Astros — HOUSTON (AP) — The New York Mets needed one inning to purge the memories of their nightmare series in Colorado. — John Maine set a career high with nine strikeouts in 7 2-3 innings and Ramon Castro hit a two-run double filling in for suspended Paul Lo Duca …
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Jon Paul Morosi / Detroit Free Press:
Raburn on the rise — Ryan Raburn, the best all-around hitter at Triple-A Toledo this season, will join the Tigers today, according to a member of the organization with knowledge of the team's plans. — Raburn, 26, was removed for a pinch hitter during the Mud Hens' 10-7 loss to Louisville on Thursday night.
Discussion:
TigerBlog
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Michael Phillips / MLB.com:
Bush celebrates birthday at RFK — Day before turning 61, President watches Nats-Cubs game — WASHINGTON — President George W. Bush celebrated his birthday on Thursday at RFK Stadium, but the party was a secret to the 22,594 in attendance. — The President, who turns 61 on Friday …
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Nats agree to deal with '07 top pick — Bowden: Detwiler could possibly make debut this year — WASHINGTON — The Nationals agreed to terms with left-hander Ross Detwiler, the sixth overall pick in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, on Thursday. Detwiler will get a $2.15 million signing bonus.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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Clark Spencer / Florida Marlins:
One year later, Marlins pitchers ailing — SAN DIEGO — Though the Marlins aren't sure how long they will be without Josh Johnson, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with what the pitcher was told is a strained right forearm, this much is certain: The season has gone nothing like last year for the team's young rotation.
RELATED:
Juan C. Rodriguez / Sun-Sentinel:Johnson back on DL but hopes to return soon
Discussion:
FishStripes
Nancy Marrapese-Burrell / Boston Globe:
Okajima wins popular vote for All-Star team — Reliever is added to All-Star roster — Earlier in the week, when he wasn't in the Red Sox lineup, infielder Alex Cora spent three innings online in the clubhouse, voting for teammate Hideki Okajima in the Major League Baseball All-Star balloting.
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Tom Haudricourt / JSOnline:
Adding injury to insult — Hall forced out after severely spraining ankle during Brewers' loss — Pittsburgh - Bill Hall didn't realize how high he had jumped. — Trying to rob Pittsburgh's Ryan Doumit of a home run in the second inning Thursday afternoon at PNC Park …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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John Lowe / Detroit Free Press:
Umps have a list of poky pitchers — Leyland didn't prompt timing — Dana DeMuth, chief of the umpiring crew that penalized Cleveland right-hander Rafael Betancourt on Tuesday night for taking too much time to throw a pitch, put to rest suggestions by the Indians that the Tigers had alerted the umpires to Betancourt's slow pace.
Discussion:
Fox Sports
Mike Kaszuba / Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up — Hennepin County could be on the hook for millions in legal fees, depending on the value of the land for a new Twins stadium. — As a condemnation hearing over the site of the new Minnesota Twins stadium nears its midpoint, the best drama may still be found outside the courtroom.
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs holding at 11 pitchers—for now — Gallagher latest call with Petrick down — WASHINGTON — Manager Lou Piniella got the long reliever he was searching for Thursday when the Cubs called right-hander Sean Gallagher back up from Triple-A Iowa. — But the Cubs remained at 11 pitchers …
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
Josh Hamilton / ESPN:
'I'm proof that hope is never lost' … Editor's Note: This story appears in the July 16 edition of ESPN The Magazine, on sale beginning July 4. — To let you know how far I've come, let me tell you where I've been. — Not that long ago, there were nights I went to sleep in strange places praying I wouldn't wake up.
