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, MetsBlog.com, MLB Trade Rumors, Evening Perambulations and U.S.S. Mariner
RELATED:
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
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
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
ESPN:
Reports: Ichiro, M's on verge of 5-year extension — The Mariners' turnaround may have changed the mind of the team's biggest star. — Multiple media reports in Seattle are reporting that Ichiro Suzuki and the Mariners are on the verge of a five-year contract extension.
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.
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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 …
Ronald Blum / Associated Press:
Selig on Bonds chase: I 'have a day job' — SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Bud Selig still hasn't made out his lineup card for Barry Bonds. — With Bonds only five home runs from breaking Hank Aaron's career mark, the commissioner was adamant Tuesday that he hadn't decided whether to attend the record-breaker.
Discussion:
FanHouse
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Selig to Be there When Bonds Passes Aaron — According to Jon Heyman of SI.com, Commissioner Selig has decided that he will be where ever it is that Barry Bonds pass Henry Aaron on the all-time home run list. As Heyman reports (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/ 2007/writers/jon_heyman/07/10/ daily.scoop/? …
Discussion:
Washington Post
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.
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Steve Henson / Yahoo! Sports:
All-Star notes: La Russa wants larger roster — SAN FRANCISCO - Their dugouts are stocked with baseball's best players, yet All-Star Game managers Jim Leyland of the American League and Tony La Russa of the National League couldn't help but pine for a few players who aren't here.
Discussion:
MetsBlog.com
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 …
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
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
