Top News:
Associated Press:
Pujols angered at La Russa for All-Star benching — SAN FRANCISCO — 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.
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Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Where's Albert? On Tony's bench as NL loses again — SAN FRANCISCO — Albert Pujols made big-league history as a rookie for the Cardinals in 2001 when he became the first player to start 30 or more games at four positions (third base, first base, left field, right field) …
Discussion:
The Griddle
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Beckett shines in All-Star debut — Red Sox ace throws two scoreless frames to pick up victory — SAN FRANCISCO — Josh Beckett was cooling off in the American League dugout after two shutout innings of work in his first All-Star Game when he expressed a thought to Mike Lowell …
Discussion:
The House That Dewey Built
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 …
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
Art Thiel / Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Seattle's Japanese superstar displays a sublime sense of timing — Since it appears the Mariners are poised to offer as much as $100 million in a new contract for Ichiro, perhaps they should meet him at his San Francisco hotel for breakfast this morning before his price goes up.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Bill Plaschke / Los Angeles Times:
Thrills abound despite You Know Who — SAN FRANCISCO — It was breathless by the Bay, a dust-churning downhill trolley, 360 feet of some of the coolest magic in All-Star game history. — I never saw it. — While Ichiro Suzuki was sprinting to his inside-the-park homer at the 78th All-Star game Tuesday …
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
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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.
Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
Ailing Cabrera strikes out — SAN FRANCISCO — Last year, Marlins third baseman Miguel Cabrera played two innings in the All-Star Game but did not bat. — On Monday, Cabrera got a plate appearance and struck out against American League starter Dan Haren.
Discussion:
FishStripes
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Jeremy Anders / MLB.com:
Ramirez named NL Player of the Week — Marlins shortstop hits .520 with three homers to cap first half — MIAMI — Most players are glad to see the All-Star break come, because it gives them a chance to rest, relax and visit family for a few days. For Marlins opponents, however …
Matthew Leach / MLB.com:Versatility keeps Pujols out this time
Discussion:
Baseball Time in Arlington
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
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David O'Brien / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Atlanta could witness Bonds' 756th HR — San Francisco — While Braves fans wait to see if the team can continue its recent resurgence after the All-Star break, here's a possible cringe-inducing scenario to think about regarding Barry Bonds. — What if the Giants slugger …
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 …
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Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:Selig to Be there When Bonds Passes Aaron
Discussion:
Washington Post
Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
MLB upset that Marlins haven't received stadium help — SAN FRANCISCO — Major League Baseball officials expressed disappointment Tuesday that the Marlins have not received financial help from the state to build a new home and still have no alternative to Dolphin Stadium.
Discussion:
FishStripes
