Top News:
Bob Nightengale / USA Today:
There's no ducking the numbers: MLB has a bad baseball problem that's only getting worse — It's a shame Eddie Gaedel isn't with us anymore. This is his time to shine. — You remember, Gaedel? He was the 3-foot-7 slugger hired by St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck as a publicity stunt …
Discussion:
Halos Heaven
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Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels … ANAHEIM, Calif. - The Desert Nail Spa in Scottsdale picked up a new client this year. A regular visitor since February, he fist bumps employees when he walks through the door, and once he sits down, his usual nail technician knows exactly what he wants done.
Dan Arritt / UPI:
Jays' Aaron Sanchez returns home to take on Angels — Aaron Sanchez will likely have friends and family in the stands when the Toronto Blue Jays open a four-game series at the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday night. — Sanchez will also have plenty of motivation to keep the Blue Jays rolling.
Larry Millson / UPI:
Atlanta Braves try to stay hot against Toronto Blue Jays — TORONTO — Atlanta Braves first-year general manager Alex Anthopoulos was not sure how well his new team would do this season. — “You know what, we didn't know what to expect,” the former Toronto Blue Jays general manager Anthopoulos …
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter and Talking Chop
Associated Press:
Trout stays hot, Angels hold on for 5-4 win over Arizona — ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — There is never a June gloom for Los Angeles Angels superstar Mike Trout. — Trout drove in two runs, Kole Calhoun and Ian Kinsler added solo homers and the Angels held on for a 5-4 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Nick Piecoro / Arizona Republic:
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Angels
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and AZ Snake Pit
Bradford DoolittleESPN / ESPN:
Cubs show Dodgers — and everyone else — they're team to beat in NL — CHICAGO — Teams don't establish themselves as “the team to beat” on the basis of a regular-season series in baseball, especially one that unfolds over two chilly weekdays in the middle of June.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Jon Lester expects great plays from Cubs' exceptional defensive players — Cubs second baseman Javier Baez on the defensive gems against the Dodgers: 'That's what we do' (Mark Gonzales) — Chicago Tribune — After Albert Almora Jr. made a diving catch in center field to rob Yasiel Puig …
Matt Carlson / Associated Press:
Cubs beat Dodgers 2-1 in 10 innings for doubleheader split
Cubs beat Dodgers 2-1 in 10 innings for doubleheader split
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, True Blue LA, Bleed Cubbie Blue and MLB Daily Dish
Toronto Sun:
Cubs, Dodgers go for series win after doubleheader split
Cubs, Dodgers go for series win after doubleheader split
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
Matthew Florjancic / WKYC-TV:
Cleveland Indians complete three-game sweep of Chicago White Sox with 12-0 win at Progressive Field — The Cleveland Indians completed a three-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox with a 12-0 win at Progressive Field Wednesday. — CLEVELAND — Good things happen when the Cleveland Indians …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Shelly Anderson / UPI:
D-backs open 4-game series in Pittsburgh — The Arizona Diamondbacks open a four-game series Thursday against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and by the time they move on to Miami, their rotation could look different. As in, more intact. — Right-hander Zack Godley (7-5, 4.77 ERA) …
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David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Free agency checkup: Which stars are adding and losing money? — Let's check in on some members of the so-called greatest free-agent class ever — although it's admittedly a little less great given the results and/or injuries of Bryce Harper, Clayton Kershaw and Josh Donaldson …
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Chelsea Janes / Chicago Tribune:
Nationals GM says Bryce Harper has handled struggles with ‘class and dignity’ — The Washington Post — If Bryce Harper did not have such a long and varied résumé of major-league successes, what has happened over the last few weeks would not be worth the energy so many who write and talk about this game devote to it.
Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Former Cubs pitching coach Billy Connors dead at 76 — Billy Connors (right) with former Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte during spring training in 2010. (Associated Press) Chicago Tribune — Former Cubs pitching coach Billy Connors died Monday at the age of 76.
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Dan Martin / New York Post:
Yankees' pitching whisperer Billy Connors dead at 76
Yankees' pitching whisperer Billy Connors dead at 76
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and baseballmusings.com
Toronto Sun:
Giants, Marlins set for finale of heated series — SAN FRANCISCO — A beanball war between the Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants has the potential to spill over into Wednesday's series finale, with neither manager saying the book was closed after there were three hit batsmen and two ejections Tuesday night.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and McCovey Chronicles
RELATED:
David SchoenfieldESPN Senior / ESPN:
Real or Not? Giants disgrace the game with latest beanballs
Eddie MatzESPN Senior / ESPN:
The true madness of Max Scherzer — Max Scherzer swears he's normal. The evidence points to the contrary. — The day before a recent start in Baltimore, the Washington Nationals' ace plopped himself in front of a laptop at the video table inside the visitors clubhouse.
Tess DeMeyer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Dustin Peterson searches for ‘rhythm’ he rode to the big leagues — Dustin Peterson's first major-league appearance lasted around 48 hours, but those two days with the Braves represent a fraction of the right fielder's aspirations. — “It was awesome,” he said before suiting …
John Fay / Cincinnati.com:
Bailey's back with the Cincinnati Reds, but plan remains unclear — Homer Bailey was back in the Reds clubhouse Wednesday. He did not add a whole lot of clarity to his situation. — As for an update? — “I don't have one,” he said. “Ask other people. They know better than I do.”
Eric Olson / MLB Baseball News, Scores …:
AP sources: Tigers-Royals to play in Omaha before 2019 CWS — Kansas City Royals will play a regular-season game in Omaha the week the 2019 College World Series opens, The Associated Press has learned. — Major League Baseball and the NCAA have been working to arrange a game as a kickoff event to the CWS …
Discussion:
Detroit News and Royals Review
Mike DiGiovanna / Baltimore Sun:
Success of Shohei Ohtani is inspiring more players to seek two-way roles — Inland Empire first baseman Jared Walsh is all smiles after hitting a home run against the Lancaster JetHawks at the Hanger on May 8. (Shotgun Spratling / Los Angeles Times) — What Shohei Ohtani did for the Angels …