Top News:
Gordon Edes / Boston Globe:
Yankees rolling, but Sox don't yield — So, what are we to say about a team when it doesn't collapse, fold, choke, fall apart, crumble, disintegrate, melt, break down, crash and burn, fizzle, flop, or fade? — The language is rich in words to describe failure.
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Mike Lupica / NY Daily News:
The AL East race still has juice, and so does rivalry — BOSTON - The Yankees and Red Sox have not given us the show we expected this season, because never in this world was a team as loaded as the Yankees supposed to be 14 1/2 games off the lead at the end of May.
Ian Browne / MLB.com:
Dice-K seeks quick turnaround — After his last start, Matsuzaka aiming for better results vs. Yanks — BOSTON — In a warm gesture by members of the Japanese media on Wednesday, Daisuke Matsuzaka — who turned 27 on Thursday — was presented with a birthday cake.
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster
Steve Popper / NorthJersey.com:
Mets hope to silence Phillies — When the Mets last saw the Philadelphia Phillies, it was a glimpse that they wouldn't soon forget. The Phillies were racing onto the field at Citizens Bank Park, celebrating an improbable victory and a four-game sweep of the Mets. — A few of the Mets stayed and watched.
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Anthony McCarron / NY Daily News:
Ian Kennedy shines, but Yankees' winning streak ends — TORONTO - It was only Ian Kennedy's third start in the major leagues, but everything seemed so comfortable for him last night, like he was pitching "anywhere else - USC, anywhere in the minor leagues," he said.
Discussion:
New York Post
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Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Trembley, Cabrera get suspensions — Penalties announced amid lineup shake-up; Tejada sits, grumbles — Orioles manager Dave Trembley learned yesterday that he had been fined and assessed a three-game suspension as a result of his on-field tirade a night earlier.
Kelly Thesier / MLB.com:
Ryan steps down as Twins GM — Vice president/assistant GM Bill Smith to take over position — MINNEAPOLIS — Terry Ryan has often been lauded as one of the best talent evaluators in baseball. — And now he'll get a chance to fulfill his love of scouting talent, full-time.
Discussion:
Siberian Baseball
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Nats Want Prime-Time '08 Opener — The Washington Nationals are pushing the idea of opening their new ballpark next season on a national stage, asking Major League Baseball officials to grant them a prime-time game on a Sunday night to be broadcast on ESPN, according to sources who have been briefed on the club's plans.
RELATED:
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
For Hitters, Not Much to Miss — As Final Homestand Begins, Nats Ready to Bid Farewell to RFK — It hosted Livan Hernandez's fastball for strike one against Arizona's Craig Counsell, the moment — 7:06 p.m., April 14, 2005 — when baseball returned to Washington.
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated, Examiner, Capitol Punishment, The Nationals Enquirer and Sports Scope
Gordon Wittenmyer / Chicago Sun Times:
Floyd's thinking about retiring — HOUSTON — A season that has taken a toll on Cliff Floyd like no other in his career might be his last, the Cubs outfielder said Thursday — especially, believe it or not, if the Cubs do the unthinkable and win the World Series.
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards' last stand? — A week ago, tonight's game promised the start of something rare, even historic. Now the Cardinals must decide whether three nights in September represent a rescue or a salvage operation. — The Cardinals and Chicago Cubs, two teams that share a rivalry …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Quick fix turning into valuable asset — Since coming in a trade, Castillo has done wonders for Mets — NEW YORK — Luis Castillo stared down the line on a typical Monday and watched third-base coach Sandy Alomar Sr. relay a typical call. A few moments later, Castillo had his orders.
Jack Curry / New York Times:
Matsuzaka Running Out of Gas in the Fast Lane — Daisuke Matsuzaka slowed everything down Wednesday at Fenway Park, working on his pitching motion in slow motion. Matsuzaka slowly, very, very slowly, brought the ball in his right hand from behind his back, past his shoulder and down below his knees.
Discussion:
New York Post
Jayson Stark / ESPN:
Peavy, Sabathia are Cy Young front-runners … Before we launch into our annual dissection of the Cy Young derby, let's play America's favorite game of the Rumblings and Grumblings set, Trophy Case Jeopardy. — Your Final Trophy Case Jeopardy category: Cy Youngs For Two Teams. — The answer: Gaylord Perry.

