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.
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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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Matthew Leach / MLB.com:Versatility keeps Pujols out this time
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Baseball Time in Arlington
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 …
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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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."
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 …
Discussion:
MLB Trade Rumors
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
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.
