Top News:
Enrique Rojas / ESPN:
Source: Starlin Castro gets extension — Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro has agreed to a seven-year contract extension worth $60 million, a source told ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com. — The contract covers four years of arbitration eligibility and three years of free agency, and includes a $16 million option for 2020.
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue, Baseball Nation, HardballTalk, MLB Daily Dish, NESN.com and BBTF's Baseball Primer …
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Zach Links / MLB Rumors:
Cubs, Starlin Castro Agree To Extension — 6:01pm: Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports (on Twitter) that the eighth-year option includes a $1MM buyout that is part of the $60MM guarantee. — 3:12pm: Cubs President Theo Epstein says that no deal is finalized between Castro and the club, tweets Doug Padilla of ESPNChicago.com.
Discussion:
Fox Sports
NY Daily News:
Adrian Gonzalez off the hook as NY Mets' Kelly Shoppach takes fall for Boston's text mutiny — Several sources say Gonzalez had nothing to do with the message's content — BY ANDY MARTINO IN WASHINGTON AND ROGER RUBIN IN NEW YORK / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS — Adrian Gonzalez (below) …
Discussion:
Boston Globe
NY Daily News:
Exclusive: Daily News uncovers bizarre plot by San Francisco Giants' Melky Cabrera to use fake website and duck drug suspension — The scheme began unfolding in July as Cabrera and his representatives scrambled to explain a spike in the former Yankee's testosterone levels.
Discussion:
HardballTalk and WasWatching.com
Andy Martino / NY Daily News:
Question of whether the NY Mets should deal Johan Santana is a pricey proposition — Santana is not Cliff Lee, not in 2012. He underwent major shoulder surgery in September of 2010 and has allowed six earned runs or more in five consecutive starts, a Mets record. — Johan Santana (l.) is pulled in second inning on Aug. 11.
Discussion:
NorthJersey.com, Amazin' Avenue, New York Times, Talking Chop and Wall Street Journal
Associated Press:
Davis Powers Orioles Past Tigers 3-2 — DETROIT (AP) — Chris Davis hit a three-run homer and the Baltimore Orioles snapped the Detroit Tigers' four-game winning streak with a 3-2 victory on Saturday night. — Adam Jones and Matt Wieters opened the seventh inning with consecutive singles off Rick Porcello (9-8).
Discussion:
Camden Chat, Bless You Boys and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Yoenis Cespedes, Bartolo Colon carry A's to win over Indians — OAKLAND, Calif. — Yoenis Cespedes homered and drove in three runs, Bartolo Colon won his third consecutive start at home and the Oakland Athletics beat the Cleveland Indians 8-5 on Saturday night.
Discussion:
Let's Go Tribe and Associated Press
Michael Baron / Metsblog:
Final Score: Mets 2 Nationals 0 — The Mets (57-63) shutout the Nationals (74-46) by the score of 2-0 tonight in Washington. — The Least You Should Know: … For a full recap and box score, check out SNY's In-Game Live. — Michael Baron, MetsBlog.com
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
Bob Raissman / NY Daily News:
YES Network needs to trim its roster of analysts and pair Paul O'Neill and David Cone with Michael Kay full-time — Their work together during the recent Texas-Yankees series again showed their ability to make each other better. They make it hard to bail — even during a Yankees blowout.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Adam Rubin / ESPN:
Mets' payroll likely won't change — WASHINGTON — Looking for the New York Mets to spend their way out of their doldrums during the upcoming offseason? Don't count on it, a baseball source told ESPNNewYork.com. — Although general manager Sandy Alderson publicly said last week …
Discussion:
Metsblog
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
Rockies will likely make push to bring back lefty Jeff Francis — Jeff Francis won't solve the Rockies' myriad pitching woes. He's not the rotation's savior and he's never again going to be an ace like he was during the 2007 World Series season. — But there are strong indications …
RELATED:
Patrick Saunders / Denver Post:
Rockies' Jhoulys Chacin pitching Tuesday against Mets in New York
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Associated Press:
Cubs win 9-7 to salvage DH split against Reds — CINCINNATI — This was one special game for Brett Jackson and Brooks Raley, and they were able to celebrate after the Chicago Cubs held on for a much-needed victory. — Jackson hit his first career home run to help Raley earned his first major league win …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue and Associated Press
Associated Press:
Nelson Cruz's two-run homer helps Rangers edge Blue Jays — TORONTO — Nelson Cruz hit a two-run homer, Joe Nathan converted his team-record 22nd straight save opportunity and the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 Saturday. — Nathan broke the Rangers mark he shared with Francisco Cordero …
Discussion:
Associated Press, Bluebird Banter and Globe and Mail
Associated Press:
Royals rally for 4-2 victory over White Sox — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Luis Mendoza is pitching so well the Kansas City Royals are having some fun with his unorthodox hairstyle. — Mendoza tossed seven effective innings, Salvador Perez hit a tiebreaking two-run double and the Royals rallied …
Discussion:
Royals Review, South Side Sox and baseballmusings.com
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