Top News:
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Cards notebook: Ponson will start — Ponson will start — Sidney Ponson learned shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday that he will return to the starting rotation Sunday. His rapid response was a bullpen session that left him soaked in perspiration but anticipating his approaching second chance.
Discussion:
Cardinals Diaspora
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Mark Gonzales / Chicago Tribune:
1-hit thunder — Thome only batter to crack Cards' Reyes— with solo HR in 7th to complete sweep — Several thousand White Sox fans turned Thursday to a suite behind home plate where their suspended manager was seated and chanted "Ozzie, Ozzie." — But Freddy Garcia and Jim Thome deserved …
Joe Strauss / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Reyes throws one-hitter, Sox still win — CHICAGO — Thursday's first jolt occurred when manager Tony La Russa penned Albert Pujols' name into the No. 3 spot in the batting order after 18 days on the disabled list and at least one day earlier than expected.
Discussion:
Reverend Redbird
Dave van Dyck / Chicago Tribune:
Guillen, Duncan feud over plunking
Guillen, Duncan feud over plunking
Discussion:
Exile in Wrigleyville
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Marlins rally late to dump O's in 10th — Pinch-hit homers by Borchard, Helms force extra innings — BALTIMORE — They may not yet be the "Miracle Marlins," but what this underdog team did Thursday night was downright miraculous. — One out away from defeat in the ninth inning …
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Mark Sheldon / MLB.com:
Notes: Phillips ready for Cleveland — Second baseman returns to face team that traded him away — NEW YORK — Brandon Phillips doesn't just get to return to Cleveland on Friday. — The second baseman gets to return to Jacobs Field with a successful and thriving career outlook …
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Barry Svrluga / Washington Post:
A Legend's Uncertain Future — The past is the past, and no one's taking it away from Frank Robinson, least of all those in Baltimore, where he will arrive today to manage the 2,155th game of his major league career. "I am attached to Baltimore," he said this week, "and I always will be."
Discussion:
The Curly W, District of Baseball, William F. Yurasko's …, Capitol Punishment and Ben Maller
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Darren Everson / NY Daily News:
Delgado first, then Pedro — Before Pedro Martinez visits Fenway for the first time since leaving the Red Sox, the Mets' reunion tour has another stop to make. — The Mets are at Toronto tonight through Sunday, meaning Carlos Delgado will face his former team for the first time.
Discussion:
Metsblog.com
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Kat O'Brien / Dallas Star-Telegram:
RANGERS NOTES — Tejeda confident third time will be charm — ARLINGTON — When Robinson Tejeda starts for the Rangers on Saturday against the Rockies in Colorado, it will mark his third stint in the major leagues this year. His two previous visits lasted only two outings, but Tejeda is confident this time will be different.
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Andrew Ryan / Associated Press:
Phillies ace arrested in Boston on domestic violence charge — BOSTON —Philadelphia Phillies ace pitcher Brett Myers was arrested Friday and charged with assaulting his wife on a downtown Boston street. — Myers, 25, who was scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Red Sox …
Winter Olympics / Chicago Sun Times:
Baker's days appear numbered — MINNEAPOLIS — The clock is close to officially ticking down what a growing number of close observers now suspect will be the final weeks of Dusty Baker's tenure as Cubs manager. — It might be perceived more correctly as a time bomb.
Richard Durrett / Dallas Morning News:
Bank on Hank: Blalock keys Rangers' 5-3 win — ARLINGTON - Cleanup hitter Hank Blalock showed again in Thursday's 5-3 win over San Diego why his bat is critical in clutch situations. But where exactly does his bat belong in the lineup? — Blalock went 2-for-4 and had the winning two-run double in the fifth inning.
Discussion:
Lone Star Ball
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — The Fight for Youth — I hope everyone will read UTK for the info you expect, then keep reading after Quick Cuts. The extended piece is too long to put up top, but needs to be read by everyone, especially if you're involved in youth baseball.
Ben Shpigel / New York Times:
Reyes and Wright Are Hitting, and Hitting Their Stride — It is entirely conceivable that in the last few hours, some organization has lavished another honor on David Wright or José Reyes, the Mets' talented 23-year-old infielders. But at last check, these were their recent accomplishments:
Chris Snow / Boston Globe:
A league of their own — Bats come alive vs. weaker NL — Among the statistical devices Red Sox management has at its disposal is a program that simulates a major league season. One thing the Sox brass has done: place American League teams as presently composed in the National League and simulate a 162-game season.