Top News:
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:
baseballmusings.com, Purple Row and MLB Rumors
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 …
Discussion:
USA Today and HardballTalk
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Chris Abshire / MLB.com:
Crowe to disabled list after collision with wall — HOUSTON — The Astros placed right-fielder Trevor Crowe on the 15-day disabled list after he sprained the AC joint in his right shoulder during the sixth inning of Thursday's 7-4 win over the Brewers. — Crowe smashed the shoulder …
Discussion:
The Crawfish Boxes
Metsblog:
Jon Niese leaves game with ‘left shoulder discomfort’ — Jon Niese was forced to leave Thursday night's game in the fourth inning with an apparent shoulder injury. — Update - 9:19: The Mets have announced that Niese is suffering from “left shoulder discomfort.”
Discussion:
Amazin' Avenue
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
Associated Press:
Ian Kinsler helps Rangers repel A's, close AL West gap — ARLINGTON, Texas — When the ball caromed away from Texas Rangers center fielder Craig Gentry, he quickly recovered to get it and throw to shortstop Elvis Andrus. The game was over after a perfect relay to the plate.
Discussion:
Athletics Nation and ESPN
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.
Discussion:
CBSSports.com Sports News …, HardballTalk, Pinstriped Bible and SI Wire
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
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 …
Discussion:
NESN.com and HardballTalk
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.
Discussion:
True Blue LA
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