Top News:
Marc Topkin / Tampa Bay Times:
Rays win first of season at Fenway — BOSTON — Jose Molina provided the entertainment by racing home with the go-ahead run. Wil Myers produced some history with his first extra-base hit and RBIs. — But the most important development in Wednesday's 6-2 victory over the Red Sox …
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USA Today and HardballTalk
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Associated Press:
Jennings, Hellickson Help Rays Top Red Sox, 6-2
Jennings, Hellickson Help Rays Top Red Sox, 6-2
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DRaysBay and Boston Globe
Michael Periatt / MLB.com:
Ross sidelined by second concussion
Ross sidelined by second concussion
Discussion:
Red Sox Monster, Over the Monster, Boston Globe, DRaysBay and HardballTalk
Troy Renck / On the Rox:
Jeff Francis accepts minor-league assignment for Rockies, heads to Colorado Springs — Jeff Francis pitches in spring training a few years back. He accepted a minor-league assignment to remain with the Rockies organization. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)
Discussion:
MLB Rumors and HardballTalk
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Troy E. Renck / Denver Post:
Jeff Francis leaves Colorado Rockies to make room for Roy Oswalt
Jeff Francis leaves Colorado Rockies to make room for Roy Oswalt
Discussion:
Purple Row and MLB Rumors
MLB.com:
Benoit Leyland's first option in closer situation — DETROIT — Before Jose Valverde rejoined the Tigers at the end of April, manager Jim Leyland had a bullpen by committee, but had Joaquin Benoit as his preferred option. — “On a lot of the days, if it's doable, I think [Joaquin] …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Lester Munson / ESPN:
San Jose suit appears to be strong — Major League Baseball should be taking the city's antitrust lawsuit very seriously — San Jose's lawsuit against Major League Baseball could easily become commissioner Bud Selig's worst nightmare. — Unless the Lords of Baseball voluntarily pave …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
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John Harper / NY Daily News:
Mets manager Terry Collins, now armed with pitchers Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, should stay with Mets — Harvey and Wheeler on Tuesday provided a reminder that talent has been the issue, and if that is finally going to change now, Collins surely deserves the chance to make something of it.
Discussion:
Metsblog
Jon Heyman / CBSSports.com:
(USATSI) — NEW YORK — Alex Rodriguez's recent progress is said by people around the Yankees to have been dramatic, with one person calling it “fantastic” and another even speculating A-Rod could possibly begin to play rehab games just after the All-Star break.
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HardballTalk, Pinstriped Bible, SI Wire and CBSSports.com Sports News …
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Sox's Ventura in Manto's corner — White Sox manager Robin Ventura on the team's mood during its slump. — MINNESOTA — Manager Robin Ventura endorsed hitting coach Jeff Manto in the wake of the Chicago White Sox's offensive struggles. — “Even when it goes like this, you look at me …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
Master Tesfatsion / MLB.com:
Soria begins rehab assignment in Double-A — ARLINGTON — Joakim Soria will begin his rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Thursday. Soria is scheduled to pitch an inning in the first of multiple appearances with the team. — Soria threw two live batting-practice sessions during …
Discussion:
HardballTalk
David Pinto / baseballmusings.com:
Living Up to Expectations — Oswaldo Arcia homered for the Twins this afternoon, scoring the first run of the game in the second inning as the White Sox trail 3-1 in the fourth. The 22-year-old rookie is off to a nice start, with 33 hits, fifteen of them going for extra bases.
Discussion:
Twinkie Town
Alden Gonzalez / MLB.com:
Pujols finally feels like the Albert of old — ANAHEIM — It was Saturday, June 8 at Fenway Park, a little after 1:05 p.m. ET, when Albert Pujols believes he reverted back to the prolific hitter of his St. Louis days. It seemed so uneventful, a plate appearance against lefty Felix Doubront that resulted in a lineout to first base.
Discussion:
HardballTalk
csnphilly.com:
Papelbon blows save, debates Phils' fundamentals — Every time you think the Phillies are about to turn the corner and put something together they trip over their own feet. — They were one out away from completing a three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night …
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NESN.com and HardballTalk
Fox Sports:
Manny ‘invigorated’ for return to US — Manny Ramirez wants to make another comeback to major league baseball. — Ramirez, 41, batted .352 this season with eight home runs and 43 RBI for the EDA Rhinos of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. The Rhinos — based in Kaohsiung City …
Discussion:
NESN.com, River Avenue Blues, MLB Rumors and SI Wire
Reuters:
Yankees Impressed With First Look at LA's Puig — NEW YORK — The New York Yankees had a first-hand look at Cuban rookie sensation Yasiel Puig of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday and came away mightily impressed. — “He hits the ball hard, I can tell you that.
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True Blue LA
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