Top News:
Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
In reverse gear and skidding fast — NEW YORK - Billy Traber on the mound. Kevin Youkilis in left. John Smoltz in the showers, possibly contemplating retirement. — And the Red Sox sinking like a stone in the American League East. — Not exactly what you had in mind …
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Amy K. Nelson / MLB:
Boston Red Sox's John Smoltz faces uncertainty after another rough outing — Another rough outing leaves question marks about right-hander's future … NEW YORK — About 30 minutes before first pitch on Thursday night, John Smoltz was in the depths of this new stadium, tossing a football, his spirals tight, his throws aggressive.
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
David Ortiz can't hide from Bronx boo birds — NEW YORK - In 1995, as Cal Ripken Jr. was closing in on Lou Gehrig's Iron Man streak, the Baltimore Orioles shortstop was asked about tuning out all the distractions that go with pursuing a record owned by one of the greatest icons in sports history.
Sean McAdam / Boston Herald:
Time to pull plug on John Smoltz project — NEW YORK - It seemed like a good idea at the time. — When the Red Sox [team stats] signed John Smoltz last winter, it was with the notion they could afford to have him come along slowly after shoulder surgery, integrate him into the rotation sometime …
Andy McCullough / New Jersey Online:Boston Red Sox pitcher John Smoltz may be nearing the end after another rough night
Associated Press:Boston Red Sox's David Ortiz, MLBPA plan Saturday news conference for 2003 drug test
Discussion:
sox1fan.com
Adam Kilgore / Boston Globe:Bay reinjures hamstring; status up in air
Discussion:
A Die Hard Yankees Fan
Ian Browne / MLB.com:Red Sox sign Byrd to Minor League deal
Discussion:
Boston Globe, sox1fan.com, Red Sox Monster, Over the Monster, Boston Herald, Plain Dealer and Keep Your Sox On
Ben Nicholson-Smith / MLB Rumors:
Twins Acquire Carl Pavano — The Twins deepened their rotation today, acquiring Carl Pavano from the Indians for a player to be named later. Pavano, 33, has allowed 150 hits in 125.2 innings, posting a respectable 88K/23BB ratio. — His base salary is just $1.5MM, but in addition …
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Carl Pavano / Associated Press:
Minnesota Twins get Carl Pavano from Cleveland Indians, demote R.A. Dickey — MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Twins have acquired right-hander Carl Pavano from the Cleveland Indians in an attempt to shore up their rotation. — Pavano — The deal was announced Friday.
Discussion:
Hardball Times
Joe Christensen / Around the Majors:
Twins trade for Carl Pavano — DETROIT — The Twins have acquired starting pitcher Carl Pavano from Cleveland for a player to be named. — R.A. Dickey was optioned to Class AAA Rochester making room on the Twins' 25-man roster, and Boof Bonser has been moved to the 60-day disabled list, clearing room on the 40-man roster.
Hal McCoy / Dayton Daily News:
It's time to say goodbye — The hammer fell today and it hurts like hell. — They're putting the ol' baseball scribe out to pasture and if there are teardrops on your screen, well, that's from me, just an old softie. — My run is over - 37 years of bliss, doing a job that wasn't a job.
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Yanks add depth by acquiring Gaudin — Possible fifth starter excited about coming to New York — NEW YORK — Poll the Yankees, and they'll tell you the most significant difference between now and June, between winning and losing, has been their bullpen.
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Eddie Michels / Philly.com:
Phillies' Myers says he feels fine after simulated game — CLEARWATER, Fla. - Brett Myers was supposed to be starting a long-toss program at this point of his recovery, 2 months after hip surgery. — Instead, the 28-year-old righthander pitched a simulated game yesterday.
Discussion:
The Fightins
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Associated Press:Philadelphia Phillies general manager: J.A. Happ won't go to bullpen …
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Associated Press
Adam Rubin / NY Daily News:
Mets willing to waive bye to Billy? — SAN DIEGO - Billy Wagner could be on a contender in September. — As the former closer nears a return to the majors following Tommy John elbow surgery, a Mets insider suggested the organization would be open to dealing Wagner by the Aug. 31 postseason-roster deadline …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
D-Backs break away from Pirates — PITTSBURGH - For someone going on his ninth season of riding buses around exotic minor-league destinations, Trent Oeltjen's first night in the big leagues got off to an understandably fast start for the Diamondbacks rookie on Thursday.
Discussion:
Nationals Journal
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Scherzer a student of the stats — Right-hander uses obscure numbers to analyze science of pitching — Not long after Diamondbacks pitcher Yusmeiro Petit nearly threw a no-hitter Tuesday night, Max Scherzer was on his iPhone in the visitor's clubhouse, bringing up a Web site with charts …
James Kannengieser / Amazin' Avenue:
You Always Fear What You Don't Understand — Mike Silva's New York Baseball Digest is a blog dedicated to coverage of the Mets and Yankees. The tone of the site is similar to sports talk radio. There is an open and prominent aversion to statistical analysis, except for the occasional pieces by Howard Megdal.
Chuck Finder / PBC Blog:
Prime draft choice Cain set to sign — Pending a physical examination Friday morning, Texas prep left-hander Colton Cain is expected to sign with the Pirates soon after and report to Bradenton Saturday to commence his professional career. — Cain, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound …
