Top News:
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
With Rivera Resting, Ninth Becomes Wang's to Lose — WASHINGTON, June 18 — In the left-field bullpen at R.F.K. Stadium late Sunday afternoon, the greatest closer in Yankees history began to stretch. It was the ninth inning, and the Yankees had a one-run lead. Mariano Rivera wanted the call.
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Jim Baumbach / Newsday:
Don't look now, but A-Rod's hot — WASHINGTON — It's almost cruel. Alex Rodriguez gets important, timely hits two straight days, and both get lost amid two tough defeats. — Rodriguez's two-out RBI double off Gary Majewski in the eighth yesterday opened a one-run lead …
Mark Feinsand / MLB.com:
Notes: Torre alters rotation — Yankees looking for ways to aid overworked bullpen — WASHINGTON — With the Yankees' bullpen in a state of disarray, manager Joe Torre and pitching coach Ron Guidry have decided to rearrange the team's starting rotation. — With an off-day on Thursday …
Discussion:
High and Tight
Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
Zimmerman's Homer Lifts Nationals Over Yankees — Sitting along the third base line more than 20 rows from the Washington Nationals' dugout at RFK Stadium, Keith Zimmerman watched New York Yankees left fielder Melky Cabrera run down a blast off the bat of Jose Vidro to end the eighth inning …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated
Damian Cristodero / St. Petersburg Times:
Upton arrested, accused of DWI — B.J. Upton, one of the Devil Rays' most touted prospects, was arrested Friday morning in Chapel Hill, N.C., on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. — Late Friday night, the shortstop for Triple-A Durham, apologized. — "I want to apologize to everyone …
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
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Baseball America:
Devil Rays' Durham Woes Continue — With new ownership and management in place, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays adopted the slogan "Under Construction" this offseason. Based on the numerous incidents the organization has endured this season, it is clear the Rays are still a work in progress.
Discussion:
The GYS Network
Associated Press:
That's all, folks — Karsay announces retirement after 11-year career — OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Steve Karsay had the rare luxury of beginning and ending his career with the same club. — Karsay announced his retirement from the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, one day after pitching the A's …
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Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Notes: Team expects to win every day — General manager recognizes .500 finish as an accomplishment — MIAMI — Having a low payroll, and loads of rookies, hasn't diminished the Marlins' expectations. — Obviously, with a payroll of about $15 million, and in a season where 18 rookies …
Discussion:
FishStripes
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Yost finesses lineup — Weeks getting comfortable with the leadoff spot — MILWAUKEE — Brewers manager Ned Yost shuffled the deck again on Saturday, still looking for the right offensive mix nearly halfway into the season. — Yost batted Rickie Weeks in his usual leadoff hole …
Discussion:
Al's Ramblings
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Rob Parent / Philly.com:
Gillick: Skid players' fault, not Manuel's — When asked to weigh in yesterday on the issue most weary Phillies fans never tire of debating - the job security of Charlie Manuel - Pat Gillick stood by his manager. — They don't call this general manager "Stand Pat" for nothing.
Discussion:
Baseball Musings
Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Smoltz takes on Schilling in finale — Boston (38-28) at Atlanta (30-39), 8:05 p.m. ET — If the Braves are going to prevent being swept in a second straight series, they're going to need John Smoltz to break out of his recent funk and emerge victorious against Curt Schilling and the Red Sox.
Discussion:
The Joy of Sox
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Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Bowden active in trade talks — General manager in daily discussions regarding potentials deals — WASHINGTON — Nationals general manager Jim Bowden is having daily discussions with opposing general managers when it comes to making possible trades.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
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ESPN:
Transcript: David Segui's interview with ESPN … David Segui, in an interview with ESPN's Jeremy Schaap on Saturday, admitted that his was one of the names redacted in an IRS affidavit that claims Jason Grimsley received two kits of human growth hormone. Portions of that conversation …
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Ryan Crawford / MLB.com:
Cubs sign two-sport star Samardzija — Fifth-round pick to pitch until football season starts in August — CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs on Sunday agreed in principle to a contract with Jeff Samardzija, a two-sport star from the University of Notre Dame. — Samardzija, a right-handed pitcher …
Discussion:
The Cub Reporter
Albany Times Union:
A-Rod deserves better — Alex Rodriguez choked again. — He crushed what should have been a game-deciding homer with the score tied in the fifth inning — when everyone knows such homers do not count unless crushed with two strikes and two outs in the ninth.
Ken Mandel / MLB.com:
Notes: Alito lives out a lifelong 'dream' — Supreme Court Associate Justice throws out first pitch — PHILADELPHIA — Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Alito Jr. was just another Phillies fan on Sunday afternoon. — The newly appointed member of the nation's highest court lived …
Discussion:
Sports Law Blog