Top News:
David Heuschkel / Hartford Courant:
Sox See Duel Turn Cruel — Take Lead In 12th, Then Lose On Slam — MINNEAPOLIS — Johan Santana was piling up strikeouts at a rapid pace, using his dazzling array of pitches to baffle the Red Sox hitters. It almost seemed too easy, even though sweat was dripping down his face.
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Chris Snow / Boston Globe:
Grand funk — After Schilling shines, Tavarez gets slammed — MINNEAPOLIS — Last night's game, on paper, had the look of a pitching duel that comes along once or twice a season: Johan Santana (6-4, 3.16 ERA) vs. Curt Schilling (9-2, 3.81), the guy who won the 2004 Cy Young against the guy who placed second.
Jason Brummond / MLB.com:
Tavarez gives up slam to Twins in 12th — Schilling holds Minnesota to one run in eight innings — MINNEAPOILS — Curt Schilling threw one of his best games of the season, but he wasn't in contention for the win when he exited in the eighth on Tuesday. — And four innings later, the Red Sox weren't on the winning side, either.
Karen Guregian / Boston Herald:
Aces go 1-on-1: Schill, Santana duel — MINNEAPOLIS - The way Johan Santana was striking out Red Sox batters last night, memories of two historic pitching performances by Roger Clemens came to mind. — Curt Schilling? — He wasn't nearly as dazzling, but that didn't mean he wasn't as effective as the Twins southpaw.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
Duel ends not so grand: Twins slam Tavarez to stun Sox in 12th — MINNEAPOLIS - The pitchers' duel between Curt Schilling and Johan Santana last night was, for once, even better than advertised. — It was so great, it ended in a draw - one run apiece over eight innings for the aces - meaning the game came down to the bullpens.
Michael Silverman / Boston Herald:
No relief for DL, as Foulke latest to join list
No relief for DL, as Foulke latest to join list
Discussion:
Hartford Courant
David Lennon / Newsday:
Tom's bad location: Over the fences — PHILADELPHIA — Tom Glavine made his shortest outing of the season feel like the longest in last night's 9-7 win over the Phillies. He gave up four solo home runs, including two to Jimmy Rollins, and seemed to labor through every one of the 110 pitches that he needed for only 4 1/3 innings.
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NY Daily News:
Reyes now off and walking — PHILADELPHIA - Jose Reyes surpassed his 2005 walk total last night. The extra time on base may help him break the team record for runs scored in a season, too. Reyes bunted for a single in his first at-bat, then doubled off the left-field wall two innings later.
Phil Sheridan / Philly.com:
Fans could sense trouble was on way — The worst thing - and there is stiff competition for that distinction - is that you can feel it coming. — The way cows somehow know an earthquake is imminent, Phillies fans know when the Big Foldo is about to commence. It's instinct. It's in your DNA.
Discussion:
A CITIZEN'S BLOG
Los Angeles Times:
Signing Top Draft Pick Will Be Much Easier — There will be no lengthy holdout for the Angels' first-round pick this year. Hank Conger, the Huntington Beach High catcher who was the 25th overall pick in last week's draft, has agreed in principle to a bonus of about $1.35 million and is expected …
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Ken Gurnick / MLB.com:
Dodgers loss to Padres sparks changes — Top pitching prospect Billingsley promoted; Guzman demoted — SAN DIEGO — Jeff Kent was activated, Eric Gagne disabled, Chad Billingsley promoted, Joel Guzman demoted, Odalis Perez moved to the 'pen and Jae Seo injured on Tuesday night.
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Patterson Will Get One More Rehab Start — Washington Nationals right-hander John Patterson, who hasn't pitched in the majors since April 21, will make one more rehabilitation start in the minors on Saturday for Class A Potomac, further delaying a return that has been put off time and again.
Discussion:
District of Baseball
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Rockies Finish Fast vs. Nationals — O'Connor Allows 5 Runs in Sixth: Rockies 9, Nationals 2 — Several hours before his Washington Nationals hosted the Colorado Rockies last night at RFK Stadium, Manager Frank Robinson leaned back in a chair and explained why his club could shrug off …
Discussion:
William F. Yurasko's …
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Mike Kiley / Chicago Sun Times:
Marmol to get another start; Santo in booth — Rookie Carlos Marmol's strong performance in his first major-league start Sunday will keep him in the Cubs' rotation for now, with left-hander Glendon Rusch getting skipped after Monday's day off. — Skipping Rusch will keep Greg Maddux …
Discussion:
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse
Andrew Baggarly / insidebayarea.com:
Benitez has Giant issues to resolve Closer unhappy with negativity on team, comment by Miller — SAN FRANCISCO — Armando Benitez is unhappy with the Giants and fed up with what he perceives as excessive criticism from the club's broadcasters. — In an animated conversation with this newspaper …
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Yanks' Youth Still Shines Amid Growing Power Shortage — As the Yankees approach the July 31 trading deadline, teams will surely ask for Chien-Ming Wang and Robinson Canó. They are young, inexpensive and productive — exactly the reasons the Yankees will not consider trading them.
Discussion:
Bronx Banter
Mike Triplet / Chicago Tribune:
Prior comes up big — Strikes out 10 in Triple-A tune-up — NEW ORLEANS — Mark Prior said he definitely believes he can compete at the major-league level with the stuff he had Tuesday night in his latest rehab start. — Prior said he felt strong after an impressive 90-pitch outing …
Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Bartlett's back; Batista's out — The Twins gave their roster a jolt late Tuesday night, designating third baseman Tony Batista for assignment and promoting Jason Bartlett from Class AAA Rochester. — Bartlett will join the team tonight and replace Juan Castro as the team's starting shortstop.
Karen Guregian / Boston Herald:
Away from game, Manny connects — MINNEAPOLIS — These days, not many people get up-close-and-personal time with Manny Ramirez, outside of his family, friends and teammates. That's simply how the Red Sox slugger prefers it. — A small glimpse inside his life yesterday morning, however …