Top News:
Fox Sports:
Cubs searching for last year's magic entering set with Orioles (Jul 14, 2017) — BALTIMORE — The world champion Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles both struggled throughout the first half of the 2017 season. Both teams will be hoping to start the second part on a better note …
RELATED:
Associated Press:
MLB: Cubs acquire Jose Quintana — White Sox pitcher Jose Quintana throws against the Kansas City Royals on May 2. Quintana has been traded to the Chicago Cubs for four prospects. (John Sleezer / Kansas City Star) — The Chicago Cubs found the pitching help they were looking for just a few miles from Wrigley Field.
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times
John Harper / New York Daily News:
How Yankees fare against Red Sox could determine how aggressive they'll be at trade deadline — For a team searching desperately for a cure to a month-long slump, perhaps this is exactly what the Yankees need: they start the second half by heading to Boston for a weekend showdown, knowing they've owned the Red Sox this season.
Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Cubs trade reinforces faith in Kyle Schwarber, fellow MLB youngsters — Photos of Cubs catcher and outfielder Kyle Schwarber. — Chicago Tribune — Despite relentless speculation regarding Kyle Schwarber's future, the left-handed slugger remains with the Cubs and figures to stay awhile.
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
Cubs acquire Jose Quintana from White Sox in blockbuster 5-player trade
Discussion:
Cincinnati.com and MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
With trade, White Sox add ‘one of the most exciting prospects’ to booming farm system
Jesse RogersESPN / ESPN:
Cubs acquire Jose Quintana from White Sox for top prospects
Discussion:
baseballmusings.com
Colleen Kane / Chicago Tribune:
Secret phone call at All-Star fan convention helped trade for Jose Quintana progress
Discussion:
Chicago Tribune
Fox Sports:
Rangers, Royals begin second half with key series (Jul 14, 2017) — KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The previous two years, Ned Yost spent time and energy managing the American League in the All-Star Game. — This July, the Royals manager spent the All-Star break on a tractor on his Georgia farm.
RELATED:
Fox Sports:
Astros host Twins, set sail on second half (Jul 14, 2017) — HOUSTON — The Houston Astros had braced themselves for elevated expectations heading into this season following a series of savvy veteran acquisitions that positioned the club to take the significant leap from ordinary postseason contender …
Alex Tekip / ESPN:
Rumor Central: Rangers to listen on Yu Darvish, Cole Hamels? — The Texas Rangers could part with their two best pitchers if the team continues to play below expectations at the trade deadline, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. — “There's an increasing buzz that the Rangers will listen …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Stefan Stevenson / Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
Rangers confident another strong second half is ahead — KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Texas Rangers are hoping, perhaps even expecting, history repeats itself in 2017. — For the past two seasons, the first under manager Jeff Banister, they've played well in the second half.
Fox Sports:
Banged-up Orioles are under .500 but insist all is not lost — BALTIMORE (AP) An array of injuries, poor pitching and lopsided defeats left the Baltimore Orioles with a losing record at the All-Star break. — Fortunately, they're still within striking distance of a playoff spot.
RELATED:
Jon Heyman / FanRag Sports:
Dodgers interest in Britton has Jansen excited
Discussion:
Bleacher Report, Bless You Boys, True Blue LA, MLB Daily Dish, Federal Baseball and Camden Chat
USA Today:
Rays' Colby Rasmus to ‘step away’ from game; 2017 return doubtful — Rays outfielder Colby Rasmus has decided to “step away from baseball” and was placed on the restricted list, Tampa Bay announced on Thursday. — He is not expected to return to the team this season.
Discussion:
SI.com, Bluebird Banter, Sportsnet.ca and MLB Daily Dish
RELATED:
Rich Shook / UPI:
MLB: Toronot Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers aim to get into contention in second half — DETROIT — Two teams hoping against hope they can become contenders and avoid the dreaded selloff label — the Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers — begin the post-All-Star-break schedule Friday with a three-game series at Comerica Park.
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Kelly headlines Cardinals prospects as trade deadline nears — Springfield Cardinals catcher Carson Kelly (5) reacts after a run scored by San Antonio Missions' Nick Torres (11) during the second inning of a minor league baseball game Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Springfield, Mo. (Guillermo Hernandez Martinez/The News-Leader via AP)
Discussion:
ESPN and Brew Crew Ball
RELATED:
Mike Ehrmann / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Rapid riser: Braves promote 19-year-old Acuna to Triple-A
Discussion:
Talking Chop
New York Daily News:
Yankees deal lefthander Tyler Webb to Brewers — The Yankees have dealt left-handed reliever Tyler Webb to the Brewers, according to FOXSports.com — There's no word yet on what New York will get in return. — In seven relief appearances with the Yankees this season …
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports, Brew Crew Ball, Pinstripe Alley, FanRag Sports and MLB Daily Dish
RELATED:
Jeff Todd / MLB Trade Rumors:
Brewers Acquire Tyler Webb From Yankees For Garrett Cooper
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings and Minor League Ball
Marissa Payne / Chicago Tribune:
MLB player with a lifelong stutter mics up for All-Star Game to inspire others — The Washington Post — With a spreadsheet of impressive stats this season, Houston Astros star George Springer is used to making physical statements on the baseball diamond.
RELATED:
Sean Pendergast / Houston Press:
Five Burning Questions for the Second Half of the Astros Season
Discussion:
MLB on Yahoo! Sports
Associated Press:
Court: MLB committee can determine Nationals' rights fees — An appeals court has ruled that a committee of Major League Baseball owners and executives can determine the amount of rights fees the Washington Nationals can earn from television broadcasts of their games.
Rick Hummel / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Some divisions appear settled while others remain wide open — St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Matt Carpenter catches a line drive by Philadelphia Phillies' Odubel Herrera then steps on first base to double off the runner in the seventh inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals …
Mitchell Forde / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Leake to start off post-break rotation — The Cardinals will send their ERA leader, Mike Leake, to the mound Friday to begin the second half of the season against the Pirates. — Leake will be followed in the starting rotation by Lance Lynn, Carlos Martinez, Adam Wainwright and Michael Wacha.
Fox Sports:
Brewers face Phillies with hope of building NL Central lead (Jul 14, 2017) — MILWAUKEE — After four days of relaxing during the All-Star break, the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers return to action Friday night, looking to build on a 5 1/2-game lead over the Chicago Cubs when they take on the Philadelphia Phillies at Miller Park.
ESPN:
Bartolo Colon allows 4 runs, K's 5 in start for Twins' Triple-A team — Bartolo Colon gave up four runs, four hits, walked two and struck out five in 3 innings Thursday in a Triple-A start for the Rochester Red Wings against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Dom Amore / Hartford Courant:
Castro, Rehabbing With Trenton, Could Join Yankees At Fenway — New York Yankees second baseman Starlin Castro played in a rehab assignment for the Trenton Thunder at Dunkin Donuts Park Thursday night. Photo by BRAD HORRIGAN | bhorrigan@courant.com
Maria Torres / Kansas City Star:
Raul Mondesi tried to hit homers with Royals and got demoted. Now he's hitting them — PAPILLION, NEB. — Here in the Omaha Storm Chasers clubhouse, Raul Mondesi is comfortable. — Three months ago, he was scrambling to keep himself from looking out of his element in the Royals lineup …
