Top News:
Jerry Crasnick / ESPN:
Joba, Yankees can't avoid the plague … CLEVELAND — The word "bizarre'' doesn't do justice to some events on a baseball field. Randy Johnson once struck and killed a dove with a fastball. A black cat walked in front of the Chicago Cubs' dugout in the summer of 1969, portending the team's late collapse against the Mets.
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Mark Feinsand / NY Daily News:
Yanks 1 step from elimination after 11-inning loss to Indians — CLEVELAND - The Yankees are one loss away from a third straight first-round postseason embarrassment. And they have a Perfect Swarm to thank. — Confounded by the Indians - and countless gnats - the Bombers lost, 2-1 …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Again, the Indians Create the Buzz — It is natural to be drawn to Joba Chamberlain, to the irresistible story of the rookie fireballer from Nebraska who saved the Yankees' season. But nobody expected the bugs from Lake Erie to care. — Yet they were attracted to Chamberlain …
George King / New York Post:
YANKS VICTIM OF INSECTICIDE — BOMBERS IN 0-2 HOLE AFTER BUGGING OUT — Termites in the bat rack, not Lake Erie midges, did in the Yankees last night. — Though a brief but fierce invasion of Jacobs Field by the local bugs helped the Indians tie the score in the eighth off Joba Chamberlain …
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
A walkoff winner — Homer in 9th by Ramírez puts Sox up 2-0 — Manny Ramírez watched his home run sail over the wall early this morning. (JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF) — It felt like summer all day, but the Red Sox brought back some of the autumnal magic after midnight …
Discussion:
Boston Herald, Hartford Courant, Los Angeles Times, Boston Sports Media Watch and The Soxaholix
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Tony Massarotti / Boston Herald:
Return of Ramirez is power boost to lineup … Bat struck ball with a thunderous, unmistakable crack, and it was as if the words themselves were echoing off the angular walls at time-dipped Fenway Park [map]. — Manny's back. — "It feels great, man," Manny Ramirez [stats] …
David Pinto / Baseball Musings:
Playoffs Today — Two National League teams go for sweeps today in the National League Division Series. The Diamondbacks and Cubs start the evening at Wrigley with Livan Hernandez facing Rich Hill. As the Arizona Republic points out: … Livan is showing his real age …
Discussion:
Baseball Analysts
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Melvin confident with Hernandez — Manager set to start former Series MVP — CHICAGO - The Diamondbacks will be stepping out of one raucous environment and into another today at Wrigley Field, and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin is pleased to be handing the ball to veteran Livan Hernandez in such a situation.
Mark Hale / New York Post:
GLAVINE TURNS DOWN OPTION — As expected, Tom Glavine turned down his option yesterday to return to the Mets in 2008. — Glavine had a $13 million vesting option. The deadline for his decision was yesterday, but he was a long shot to accept the option. Even by declining it, he can still return to the Mets.
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Dejan Kovacevic / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Analysis: Tracy's future with Pirates was not in cards — Chaotic clubhouse, emotional attachment to Dodgers key to failure — June 24, Anaheim, Calif.: The Pirates are less than 24 hours removed from a 10-1 loss, and strength coach Frank Velasquez is working out feverishly in the exercise room …
John Brattain / Hardball Times:
Yost infection — Sometimes you find the best information in the oddest places. For instance: I find blogs a treasure trove of useful information. The thing is, as you know, I also write for a mainstream outlet. The demographic of the readers there is a lot different from the ones here …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Neil Hohlfeld / Houston Chronicle:
Nottebart, Houston franchise's first no-hit pitcher, dies — Area resident, who made history in '63 as a Colt .45, succumbs at 71 — Don Nottebart, who pitched the first no-hitter in Houston franchise history for the Colt .45s in 1963, died Thursday in Cypress.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Los Angeles Times:
Even former Dodger Drew can celebrate when his team is up by two — The columnist still can't get a rise out of the former Dodger. — BOSTON — I did my part. — I said hello to J.D. Drew, and although he didn't immediately fall to the ground and curl up into the fetal position, he didn't do anything to hurt the Angels in Game 1.
Sports Illustrated:
Friday's five cuts — Thoughts on bug stoppages, Clemens, Rowand, more — 1. Plenty of major league games with far less on the line have been stopped due to bug infestations. I can't believe both the Yankees and Indians didn't argue for a stoppage of play Friday night, but especially New York …
