Top News:
Michael Morrissey / New York Post:
RUN, JOSE, RUN! — WILLIE BENCHES LOAFING REYES IN LOSS TO 'STROS — Up until the eighth inning last night, it was another unsuccessful start for Mike Pelfrey and another listless game for the Mets' bats. — In other words, nothing notable. — But when Jose Reyes stood near home plate …
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D.J. Short / MetsBlog.com:
preGame: Mets at Astros (Game Three) — The Game: — The Mets (47-38) take on the Astros (38-49) in the third game of a four-game set at Minute Maid Park this evening, starting at 7:05 pm EDT. — The Lineup: — Jose Reyes leads off, followed in order by Ruben Gotay, Carlos Beltran …
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Matthew Cerrone / MetsBlog.com:
Quote: Willie and Reyes on Reyes Running — During the eighth inning of last night's game, Jose Reyes hit a dribbler down the third-base line, which was picked up by Mike Lamb, but Reyes did not run to first. Lamb jogged the ball half-way to first, looking to the home plate umpire …
Discussion:
Mets Today
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Willie: Take a seat, Jose — Randolph pulls lazy Reyes in Mets' loss — HOUSTON - Willie Randolph motioned for Jose Reyes to return to the dugout. And the manager's message was clear: Losing happens. Lack of hustle won't be tolerated. — Reyes had barely budged from the batter's box …
Kristie Rieken / Associated Press:
Astros' Rodriguez 4-hits Mets, 4-0 — HOUSTON (AP) — Wandy Rodriguez' first career complete game couldn't have come at a better time for the Houston Astros. — The lefty threw a four-hitter and Lance Berkman had a two-run homer to lead the Astros to a 4-0 win over the New York Mets on Friday night.
Mark Schmetzer / MLB.com:
Webb replaces Fuentes on NL team — Right-hander to make his second straight trip to All-Star Game — CINCINNATI — Brandon Webb won't be going to San Diego after all. — The Arizona right-hander instead will be making his second consecutive trip to the All-Star Game.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
RELATED:
Kevin Baxter / Los Angeles Times:Penny might be limited in All-Star game
Discussion:
The Biz of Baseball
Elizabeth Botello / MLB.com:
Wells to face rookie on FOX — San Diego (48-37) vs. Atlanta (46-41), Saturday, 12:55 p.m. PT — The San Diego Padres will take on the Atlanta Braves and rookie pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes in the middle game of their three-game series on Saturday afternoon. — Reyes will make his Major League debut in PETCO Park.
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Steve Yanda / Washington Post:
Bacsik's Rough Start Sets Tone in Nats' Loss — If ever there was a chance for the Washington Nationals to revive themselves against a playoff-contending opponent, it was last night. After all, the National League Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers had lost five of their past seven games.
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Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Nutting: Decisions on Littlefield, Tracy after season — Pirates' owner urges team to have 'great second half' — The Pirates will wait until after this season to decide the futures of general manager Dave Littlefield and manager Jim Tracy, principal owner Bob Nutting said yesterday.
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Ordonez, Holliday banging out the hits … We're halfway through another spectacular baseball season. And we know what you're thinking: — Has anyone else hit his 500th home run in the last 15 minutes? — Has George Steinbrenner fired anyone yet? — And, of course, how do you spell O-k-a-j-i-m-a?
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Dan LaTorraca / Pinstripes PA:
Yankees sign Erubiel Durazo — According to this article the Yankees have signed Erubial Durazo to a minor league contract. I did some cross checking, just in case, and according to the Monterrey Sultans official website, Durazo may actually be joining the Yankees, or at least the Scranton Yankees.
Discussion:
YanksBlog.com
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Jackson willing to play outfield — CINCINNATI - Conor Jackson is willing to try something different to ease the Diamondbacks' corner infield logjam. Being willing is one thing, being allowed is another. — Jackson said Friday that he would not mind playing the outfield if it would mean …
Bruce Jenkins / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants should focus on future, not present — "They built a park that has staying power, in my view, beyond any individual player, even Barry Bonds. It is an absolute jewel in a perfect location." — Andy Dolich, marketing whiz who spent years with the A's
Discussion:
FIRE JOE MORGAN
Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Griffey ties Robinson with No. 586 — Slugger moves into sixth place on the all-time home run list — CINCINNATI — Reds right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. moved into a sixth-place tie with Frank Robinson on the all-time home run list by hitting career homer No. 586 Friday vs. the Diamondbacks.
Discussion:
Knuckle Curve
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Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com:
Burnett not bothered by criticism — Right-hander says general manager has a right to be upset — TORONTO — If A.J. Burnett is upset about the criticism he's received from his general manager, he's doing a good job of hiding it. — On Friday, Burnett addressed the media …

