Top News:
Larry Stone / Seattle Times:
M's set to sign Ichiro to 5-year deal — SAN FRANCISCO — One of the Mariners' biggest concerns this season is about to be resolved. — The club is on the verge of locking up Ichiro, their All-Star outfielder whose contract was set to expire after the season, to a five-year contract extension, The Seattle Times has learned.
Discussion:
Associated Press, Baseball Analysts, MLB Trade Rumors, Evening Perambulations, MetsBlog.com and U.S.S. Mariner
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Chris Haft / MLB.com:
Ichiro leads the way in AL victory — Outfielder's inside-the-park homer a first in All-Star history — SAN FRANCISCO — Given the distinct San Francisco flavor that emerged Tuesday night at AT&T Park, the 78th All-Star Game might as well have been stuffed between slices of sourdough bread …
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
John Hickey / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
All-Star Ichiro shows his worth — Mariner named MVP after helping AL win Midsummer Classic — SAN FRANCISCO — Ichiro Suzuki gave more than a hint of why he just might be worth $20 million a year Tuesday. — The Seattle center fielder was the driving force behind the American League's 5-4 victory …
Discussion:
ESPN
Corey Brock / MLB.com:
Ichiro reportedly nears new contract — Superstar won't confirm deal, said to be five years, $100 million — SAN FRANCISCO — Seattle Mariners center fielder Ichiro Suzuki is said to be close to signing a five-year extension with the Mariners that could be worth almost $100 million.
Discussion:
Caffeinated Confines
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
M's look to lock up Ichiro long-term — FOXSports.com, Updated 47 minutes ago — LIKE THIS STORY? — Ichiro is eligible for free agency at the end of the season, but it doesn't appear he will reach that point. — Ichiro and the Mariners are engaged in serious talks …
Discussion:
River Ave. Blues
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:
Versatility keeps Pujols out this time — Infielder only NL hitter who doesn't play in Midsummer Classic — SAN FRANCISCO — Albert Pujols' versatility has helped him make it to the All-Star Game at three different positions in his career, four if designated hitter counts as a position.
Discussion:
Baseball Time in Arlington
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Janie McCauley / Associated Press:
Pujols irked about getting left on All-Star bench by La Russa — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Albert Pujols was angry about being left on the All-Star bench and the St. Louis slugger took aim at the National League manager — who just happened to be Tony La Russa of his own Cardinals. — "It's the All-Star game.
Sports Illustrated:
Selig will follow Bonds in HR chase — SAN FRANCISCO — The oh-so-obvious dance of discomfort between soon-to-be all-time home run champ Barry Bonds and baseball commissioner Bud Selig continues. — And it will continue, right up until the record. — Baseball's greatest power hitter …
RELATED:
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:Selig to Be there When Bonds Passes Aaron
Discussion:
Washington Post
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Blogging the MLB All-Star Game — 8:34 p.m. ET: Welcome to the Yahoo's live All-Star Game blog. It's been an eventful pregame already at AT&T Park in San Francisco, where the fans gave an incredible ovation to Barry Bonds, booed Russell Martin and witnessed Chris Isaak sing "through the perilous night."
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Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
NL All-Star frustration has to end soon — FOXSports.com, Updated 21 minutes ago — LIKE THIS STORY? — SAN FRANCISCO - Next year at Yankee Stadium, the National League finally will put an end to this absurdity. — The AL has just about run out of ways to torture the NL …
Discussion:
Catbird in the Nosebleed Seats
Reuters:
Agent sent to prison for smuggling Cuban players — KEY WEST, Fla. — A federal judge sentenced U.S. sports agent Gustavo "Gus" Dominguez to five years in prison on Monday for smuggling potential Major League Baseball players out of Cuba. — U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore ordered …
Discussion:
Sports Scope
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Dallas Morning News:
Gagne, Otsuka on trade block? Not so fast — When the Rangers open the second half of the season Friday, contrary to popular belief, there will be a lot at stake. — A hot start to the second half isn't likely to get the Rangers into anything resembling a pennant race …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Tracy Ringolsby / Fox Sports:
Pittsburgh getting an extreme makeover — LIKE THIS STORY? … McClatchy liked his role on center stage with the Pirates, particularly in that he was viewed as the savior of baseball in Pittsburgh and the man who orchestrated the construction of PNC Park.
Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com:
Indians, Hafner's agent rekindle talks — Parker says discussions going well, but won't forecast deal — SAN FRANCISCO — His office sits just across the street from AT&T Park, where the All-Star festivities are taking place, but Scott Parker wasn't in attendance Tuesday night.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
After Tough Trip, Mets Look Forward to Time Off — Most of the Mets had scattered from Minute Maid Park in about 20 minutes after their 8-3 loss to the Houston Astros on Sunday afternoon. Except for their four All-Stars, the Mets wanted nothing to do with baseball for the next few days.
Discussion:
Mets Geek
