Top News:
Associated Press:
Red Sox, A's lined up for 2008 opener in Japan — NEW YORK — The Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics are lined up to meet in a Tokyo Dome opener next season. — Major League Baseball gave the players' union a draft 2008 schedule on Monday, and the Red Sox would open the United States portion …
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Paul Doyle / Hartford Courant:
D-RaysÂ' Kazmir Shuts Down Red Sox — BOSTON - Under the best of circumstances, Curt Schilling would have little margin of error against lefthander Scott Kazmir. Monday night, he had none. — Kazmir, the ace of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, entered his Fenway Park start with a 2.82 ERA in 15 starts against the Red Sox.
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
Tom Keller / MLB.com:
Two Mo' for the road in win — Pena's two blasts powers Nats to victory over Marlins — MIAMI — If Shawn Hill had any anxious flashbacks, he certainly didn't show them. — Appearing at Dolphin Stadium for the first time since suffering a right elbow injury here on May 11 that sidelined …
Discussion:
We've Got Heart
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Mark Zuckerman / Washington Times:
Going deep (pockets) — They have pitching (or, at least, they appear to have pitching). Shawn Hill, Jason Bergmann, Tim Redding, John Lannan, Joel Hanrahan, Matt Chico and a bumper crop of young prospects give the Washington Nationals hope for 2008 and beyond.
Maury Brown / The Biz of Baseball:
Sizing Up Frank Coonelly to the Pirates — If there's one thing to be said about the Pittsburgh Pirates this year, at least they are riding the Titanic to the bottom of the icy blue while at least trying to rearrange those piloting the ship. Faced with a 15th consecutive losing season …
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Notes: Utley, Holliday vying for crown — Competing for NL batting title, All-Stars go head-to-head — PHILADELPHIA — While the four-game visit from Colorado might tilt the National League Wild Card race, there's individual accomplishment playing out as well.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Mailbag: Pedro a shoo-in for Hall? — Beat reporter Marty Noble answers fans' questions — If Pedro Martinez were to retire today, what would his chances be of being elected to the Hall of Fame? — Quite good. My sense of it is that he would be automatic. Martinez has credentials in every way.
Scott Merkin / MLB.com:
Thome to Hall? At least as a visitor — White Sox slugger details plans for 500th home run ball — CHICAGO — A visit to Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., has already been crossed off Jim Thome's things-to-do list. The White Sox slugger admits, though …
Dave / U.S.S. Mariner:
The Value of Adrian Beltre … Now that the season is effectively over, we can turn our attention from the daily matchups of the next game to bigger picture analysis. Today's subject: Adrian Beltre. — Longtime readers will know that we've never hid our affection for Beltre.
Discussion:
Dodger Thoughts
Jason Beck / MLB.com:
Notes: Bonderman won't need surgery — Pitcher's status for remainder of the season is still uncertain — DETROIT — Jeremy Bonderman's decision to pitch through the pain in his elbow on Sunday will still be second-guessed, but it apparently won't have long-term ramifications.
Discussion:
The Detroit Tiger Weblog
Associated Press:
Tigers use 4-run 9th to top Blue Jays — DETROIT (AP) — Fans chanted "M-V-P!" when Magglio Ordonez came to the plate in the bottom of the ninth Monday night. — Once again, he delivered. — Ordonez hit a two-run single with two outs in the ninth inning, capping a four-run rally …
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
Rick Gano / Associated Press:
Cubs roll, tie for lead in Central — CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs will gladly pardon the interruption of their 10-game trip. — Chicago got 17 hits during a one-game stopover at Wrigley Field, helping Ted Lilly win his 15th game and beating the St. Louis Cardinals 12-3.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Mark Hale / Mets Blog:
Delgado and playoffs — Carlos Delgado won't be playing on the rest of the homestand, and he'll be out longer than the 7-to-10-day span the Mets initially said. — Last Wednesday, the Mets said Delgado's strained right hip flexor would keep him out for a week to 10 days.
Discussion:
Mets Fever
Mark Hale / New York Post:
METS HIRE PEDRO'S TRAINER — Pedro Martinez's personal trainer is now officially a member of the Mets. — The Mets have hired Chris Correnti, who has been with Martinez during his rehab and has helped to oversee it, as a consultant for the remainder of the season.
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