Top News:
Associated Press:
If it's 'best for team,' Smoltz says he's open to trade talk — ATLANTA — John Smoltz said he's ready to leave Atlanta if a trade can help the last-place Braves. — The 17-year veteran, who's played his entire career in Atlanta, said his once-firm opinion against leaving the Braves changed this year.
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Mark Bowman / MLB.com:
Notes: Smoltz not seeking trade — Veteran right-hander can veto any move — ATLANTA — Wearing his usual smile and showing no signs of being a disgruntled employee, John Smoltz came to Turner Field on Tuesday afternoon and proclaimed there's no reason for anybody to believe he's seeking a trade.
Discussion:
Talking Chop
Ken Rosenthal / Fox Sports:
Managers not an endangered species in '06 — The last time that an entire season passed without a managerial dismissal was 2000. — It could happen again. — Eight managers are beginning their first full seasons with new clubs, and only four are in the final years of contracts.
Discussion:
The Sports Frog
Associated Press:
Padres-Rangers Preview — The Texas Rangers look to extend their winning streak to four when they begin a three-game series with the San Diego Padres at Ameriquest Field on Tuesday. — The Rangers (38-32) swept Arizona in three games over the weekend and are looking to win four straight …
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Tom Krasovic / San Diego Union-Tribune:
Eyes of Young are on Texas — Nostalgia's a no-show for return to Arlington — Ask Chris Young about Texas and you'll hear about San Diego. Ask him about his days with the Rangers, and expect to hear about the Padres. — Nostalgia won't be part of Young's experience tomorrow …
Discussion:
Ducksnorts
Jeff Passan / Yahoo! Sports:
Left in the dark — There is a hilarious commercial playing on the radio these days. It is for Major League Baseball's online video-streaming service, and the announcer states with all the zeal of a snake-oil salesman: "Sign up for MLB.TV and never miss a game again!" — Bill Reed is the punch line.
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
David Briggs / MLB.com:
Home-field matters — Garner, Guillen will play to win 2006 All-Star Game — PITTSBURGH — Last year's Fall Classic won't be lost on Phil Garner when he manages the National League in next month's Midsummer Classic. — His Astros were swept by Chicago, but Garner knows the complexion …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
All-Star Balloting Validates Soriano the Outfielder — BOSTON, June 19 — Perhaps the strongest indication that Alfonso Soriano is considered a true left fielder — even after his winter of discontent, when he strongly resisted moving from second base — came Monday, when he moved …
Keith Law / ESPN:
Devil Rays deal Gathright to Royals for LHP Howell … The Kansas City Royals have traded left-handed pitcher J.P. Howell to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for center fielder Joey Gathright, ESPN.com has learned. — The Rays also sent minor league second baseman Fernando Cortez to the Royals in that deal.
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Jack Curry / New York Times:
Baseball Won't Save Samples For Testing — While Commissioner Bud Selig reiterated that Major League Baseball was eventually hoping to find a urine test to detect human growth hormone, he said he did not envision freezing urine samples from baseball players for future testing.
Discussion:
The Griddle
Adam McCalvy / MLB.com:
Notes: Pitching staff down to 12 — Barnwell called up, Simpson designated for assignment — MILWAUKEE — The Brewers made a flurry of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon to allow veteran right-hander Rick Helling to join the starting rotation and to bolster the infield depth behind him.
Discussion:
Brew Crew Ball
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Armas Jr., Johnson hurting — No DL decision has been made as players return to D.C. — BOSTON — Nationals right-hander Tony Armas Jr. and first baseman Nick Johnson returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday to be checked out by Dr. Ben Schaffer. Armas has elbow and forearm problems …
Discussion:
Capitol Punishment
Matt Eagan / Hartford Courant:
Sox Dealt An Ace In Arroyo — NEW YORK — Almost two hours before the first pitch Monday, Bronson Arroyo sat inside the visitors clubhouse at Shea Stadium scanning MLB.com and glancing at the College World Series on television. — Dressed in a white, button-down shirt adorned with loopy brown circles …
Discussion:
Boston Sports Media Watch
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Steve Lombardi / WasWatching.com:
It's A-Rod Season! — I just noticed the following entry over at NoMaas.org - … Related, Peter Abraham has an A-Rod "clutch" stat in his blog today: … Around three weeks ago, I looked at A-Rod's numbers this season in a different light. — And, I thought that I would re-look at them today.
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Paul Sullivan / Chicago Tribune:
Baker: 'Are you guys going to miss me?' — Manager knows extension in doubt — CLEVELAND — Cubs manager Dusty Baker finished talking about his uncertain future in Chicago Monday at Jacobs Field when he turned the tables and asked reporters a question. — "Why, are you guys going to miss me?" he said.
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Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — Game Seven/Game Six — Powered by a furious Game Seven from one of the most evenly matched Stanley Cups in history, on to Game Six of the NBA Finals ... oh, and on to the injuries: — Call it a cascade if you want. There hasn't been much discussion of Pedro Martinez …
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
Sports Illustrated:
Despite low OBP, Reyes is dangerous leadoff hitter — Can a guy with a .338 on-base percentage be the best leadoff hitter in the National League? The question occurred to me recently as I watched the Mets' Jose Reyes score from second base on a dribbler to third against Philadelphia.
Discussion:
Mike's Mets