Top News:
Jesse Yomtov / Greenville News:
MLB power rankings: Time to start believing in the Twins — SportsPulse: C.C. Sabathia has likely punched his ticket to Cooperstown after eclipsing 3,000 strikeouts. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale looks at the current players that are also locks to be future Hall of Famers. — CONNECT
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Bob Nightengale / Arizona Republic:
A year ago, he was unknown. Today, Luke Voit is the Yankees' savior — Luke Voit still can't get used to people recognizing him in the city. The subway system remains terrifying to him. And the folks back home would never believe the price you have to pay for a good steak dinner in New York City.
Discussion:
USA Today
Gabe Lacques / USA Today:
Why are home runs flying in Triple-A? Turns out, all baseballs are not created equal — SportsPulse: C.C. Sabathia has likely punched his ticket to Cooperstown after eclipsing 3,000 strikeouts. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale looks at the current players that are also locks to be future Hall of Famers.
David Haugh / Chicago Tribune:
Column: Joe Maddon's methods have helped the Cubs rebound into 1st place. Isn't it time to look at giving him an extension? — Photos of Joe Maddon, the 2015 NL Manager of the Year. — Chicago Tribune — Without even trying, Joe Maddon summed up the essence of what makes him most effective as Cubs manager.
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
Tyson Miller and Robel Garcia are the Cubs' minor-league pitcher and player of the month for April — Chicago Tribune — Jason McLeod, the Cubs' executive vice president of scouting and player development, told reporters at the Cubs Convention to keep an eye on pitcher Tyson Miller.
Jesse Rogers / ESPN:
How the Cubs already took over first place in the NL Central — CHICAGO — If there is such a thing as a baseball Hollywood script in early May, then the Chicago Cubs have the plot line down: Get off to a bad start — inviting doubters from all over the game — then turn things around …
Discussion:
Bleed Cubbie Blue
Keith Law / ESPN:
Keith Law's 2019 MLB Mock Draft 1.0 — The MLB draft starts in just four weeks, which means we're close enough to at least start talking about who might be drafted where. The top 10 or so picks are at least becoming less opaque. I think these are mostly the right names up top …
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
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David Wilson / Miami Herald:
Is there a consensus building for the Miami Marlins' first-round pick in the MLB Draft? — Popular thinking heading into the 2019 MLB Draft has stated it's a three-player draft. Adley Rutschman, Andrew Vaughn and Bobby Witt Jr. have created a clear top tier, each of whom provide something a little bit different.
Discussion:
Fish Stripes
Bobby Nightengale / Cincinnati.com:
Cincinnati Reds closer Raisel Iglesias upset with use in non-save situations — Josh VanMeter discusses his breakout start to his Triple-A season. He was called up to the Majors on Sunday. — CONNECT — Reds closer Raisel Iglesias doesn't want to make excuses for his early-season struggles …
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Joe Kay / Associated Press:
A swarm of bees delays the start of the Giants-Reds game 18 minutes — A swarm of bees delays the start of the game between the Reds and Giants at Great American Ball Park on May 6, 2019. (Joe Robbins / Getty Images) — Giants manager Bruce Bochy got buzzed in his final game at Great American Ball Park.
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
ESPN:
Vets Hernandez, Sabathia battle as Yankees host Mariners — Felix Hernandez and CC Sabathia own a combined 416 victories, 5,498 strikeouts and 951 starts. — Besides accumulating numbers, the veteran pitchers are in various stages of revamping their pitching styles from being power pitchers to using craftiness to get outs.
Discussion:
Pinstripe Alley
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Ryan Ford / Detroit Free Press:
Here's why Detroit Tigers' Buck Farmer should fear Albert Pujols — Albert Pujols picked up his 3,000th hit on May 4. Which active player will be the next one to reach the milestone? Video by Ryan Ford/DFP — CONNECT — As the buzz over milestones grows for Miguel Cabrera — 3,000 hits!
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Chris Nelsen / Detroit Free Press:
Brandon Dixon the hero, but don't overlook Spencer Turnbull's dominance
Discussion:
Bless You Boys and MLive.com
Kristie Ackert / New York Daily News:
Mike Tauchman is cool with the writing on the wall — Mike Tauchman knows what's coming, and he's happy about it. Until now, the 28-year-old has spent the majority of his career in the minors, give or take a few major-league shots with the Rockies. This extended run with the Yankees brought …
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Columbus Telegram:
Blue Jays open 3-game series at home against Minnesota — Minnesota Twins (20-12, first in the AL Central) vs. Toronto Blue Jays (15-19, fourth in the AL East) — PITCHING PROBABLES: Twins: Martin Perez (4-0, 3.41 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 30 strikeouts) Blue Jays: Marcus Stroman (4-4, 2.20 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 39 strikeouts)
Discussion:
Bluebird Banter, Hanford Sentinel and Elko Daily Free Press
ESPN:
Power Rankings: NL powerhouses emerge in fight for No. 1 — The early-season shake-ups and surprises are starting to fade. Say goodbye to another fast Mets start, and the Mariners cracking the top five was fun while it lasted. But the deeper we get into the season, quality and depth are beginning to show through.
Phil Rosenthal / Chicago Tribune:
Column: The Cubs are ESPN's answer to ‘Game of Thrones’ and other observations from Sunday night's telecast — Photos from the Cubs' 13-5 win over the Cardinals on May 5, 2019, at Wrigley Field. — Chicago Tribune — ESPN “Sunday Night Baseball” play-by-play man Matt Vasgersian sang …
Eddie Matz / ESPN:
106 or bust? How Jordan Hicks learned he could throw faster than anyone on Earth — Jordan Hicks has thrown the three fastest pitches in major league baseball this year. And the next three after that. And the next three after that. In fact, the St. Louis Cardinals' closer has unleashed every …
Walter Villa / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Kevin Gausman will start Monday after 28-pitch ejection Friday — Kevin Gausman, ejected on Friday after only 28 pitches, will start Monday for the Braves against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. — “I'm getting that ‘back in the day’ action — the three-man rotation,” Gausman joked. “It's a little weird.
Discussion:
True Blue LA and Talking Chop
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Walter Villa / Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
Ender Inciarte's blessed bat delivers as Braves complete sweep of Marlins
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Steve Adams / MLB Trade Rumors:
Red Sox Place David Price On Injured List, Select Ryan Weber — The Red Sox announced Monday that they've placed lefty David Price on the 10-day injured list due to tendinitis in his left elbow. Right-hander Ryan Weber's contract has been selected from Triple-A Pawtucket …
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …
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Rob Bradford / WEEI:
Why this Michael Chavis thing is working so well
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News …, Over the Monster, Camden Chat and MLB Daily Dish
Todd Rosiak / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
With the pressure on to deliver a quality start, Zach Davies did that and more against the Mets — Zach Davies knew exactly what needed to be done. — Then he went out and did it. — With the bullpen running on fumes following Saturday night's 18-inning affair, the right-hander set …
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball and Amazin' Avenue
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Deesha Thosar / New York Daily News:
Steven Matz flies back to New York with nerve irritation, next start in question
Discussion:
MLB Baseball News … and NBCSports.com
