Top News:
Bruce Levine / ESPN:
Source: Cubs' Dempster, Theo discuss trades … CHICAGO — Ryan Dempster and team president Theo Epstein met Wednesday to discuss potential trades for the Chicago Cubs pitcher, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. — Dempster is in the final season of a four-year, $44 million deal that pays him $14 million in 2012.
Discussion:
Getting Blanked, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Verlander nabs 1st win in month to lead Tigers — Recap — Box Score — Play-By-Play — Photos — Conversation — Justin Verlander nabs first win in a month as Tigers cap road trip — CHICAGO — Justin Verlander pitched eight solid innings for his first win in a month …
Discussion:
Yahoo! Sports, ESPN and Associated Press
Rowan Kavner / MLB.com:
Raburn back with big club as Smyly hits DL — CHICAGO — Pitcher Drew Smyly's blister on his left middle finger, at one time a day-to-day injury, landed him on the 15-day disabled list Thursday, as the Tigers recalled second baseman Ryan Raburn from Triple-A Toledo.
Discussion:
Bless You Boys
John Fay / Cincinnati Reds:
Baker fires back at Lowe with explosive accusations — Dusty Baker responded angrily to Cleveland starter Derek Lowe's postgame rant against him. Lowe said he didn't respect Baker over some incident a few years ago. — Here's what Baker said: — “He had some words for me.
Discussion:
Red Reporter, MLB.com, Getting Blanked, Red Hot Mama, HardballTalk, baseballmusings.com and Redleg Nation
RELATED:
Joe Kay / Associated Press:
Reds hit 3 HRs in 12-5 win for sweep of Indians — CINCINNATI—Brandon Phillips hit one of Cincinnati's three homers and drove in four more runs on Thursday afternoon, leading the ailing Reds to a 12-5 victory and their first three-game sweep of the Cleveland Indians since 2008.
Discussion:
Associated Press and Yahoo! Sports
Jordan Bastian / Major League Bastian:
Derek Lowe has “zero respect” for Dusty Baker
Discussion:
Cincinnati Reds, Baseball Nation, Yahoo! Sports, Red Hot Mama, CBSSports.com and Mark My Word
Associated Press:
Volquez Pitches Padres Past Mariners 6-2 for Sweep — SEATTLE (AP) — Edinson Volquez pitched effectively into the seventh inning and the San Diego Padres beat the skidding Seattle Mariners 6-2 Thursday night for their first series sweep of the season. — Volquez (3-6) was in command all night …
Discussion:
Lookout Landing and Associated Press
RELATED:
Bill Shaikin / Los Angeles Times:
Gary Jabara, O.C. communications magnate, in running for Padres — The San Diego Padres are looking for a new owner. — Gary Jabara, the founder of a Newport Beach wireless communications company, is the leader of one of three groups believed to remain in the running to buy the San Diego Padres.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com, Gaslamp Ball, HardballTalk and MLB Rumors
Bob Dutton / Boston Herald:
Royals edge Brewers with walk-off win — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Suddenly, walk-off victories are common occurrences at Kauffman Stadium. — The Kansas City Royals snatched another victory from defeat Thursday night by scoring two runs in the ninth inning for a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers that completed a three-game sweep.
Discussion:
BBTF's Baseball Primer …
Dave Cameron / FanGraphs Baseball:
Matt Cain's Place in History — Matt Cain just threw the 22nd perfect game in baseball history, which is of course an amazing accomplishment. But, through the way he dominated on the way to his perfect game, Cain actually joined an even more exclusive club - guys who have posted a Game Score above 100 in a nine inning game.
Discussion:
Getting Blanked, HardballTalk, Minor League Ball, DRaysBay, Baseball Nation and McCovey Chronicles
RELATED:
MLB:
Matt Cain throws perfect game, strikes out 14 as Giants drub Astros
Discussion:
Baseball Prospectus, Associated Press, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN and The Crawfish Boxes
Mark Polishuk / MLB Rumors:
Cardinals Agree To Sign Carson Kelly — The Cardinals have agreed to sign second-round pick Carson Kelly to a $1.6MM bonus, reports Jim Callis of Baseball America (Twitter link). Kelly's bonus is almost triple the recommended $574.3K bonus for the 86th overall pick and, as Callis notes …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
The Heater Feed:
Luke Scott headed to 15 day disabled list — Designated hitter Luke Scott has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Friday, June 8. Scott has stiffness in his middle back, which he says he injured Friday against the Marlins. He will continue rehab work and says he should be ready …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Paul Casella / MLB.com:
Hurlers return to glory after being written off — Santana, Peavy, Zito, Capuano have rediscovered winning forms — These guys were supposed to be done. Whether because of injuries, age or simple ineffectiveness over the past few seasons, they were not only considered to be past their primes …
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
RELATED:
MLB.com:
Joe Torre to manage Team USA in 2013 World Baseball Classic — Conference call scheduled for Thursday at 3 p.m. ET — DURHAM, N.C. — USA Baseball announced Thursday that Joe Torre has been named manager of Team USA for the 2013 World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Alex Speier / WEEI:
HOW SUCCESS BRED A MONSTER: THEO EPSTEIN CONSIDERS HIS RED SOX LEGACY — CHICAGO — It was not the final note that Theo Epstein wanted in Boston. — The former Red Sox general manager has plenty that is keeping him energized in what he calls the “next chapter” of his baseball life …
Discussion:
HardballTalk and ESPN
