Top News:
Sports Illustrated:
Baseball Prospectus: Clemens' impact on AL East race — With a dramatic seventh-inning announcement, Roger Clemens made himself a returning hero, a difference-maker, and a whole big pile of cash. — Clemens, who was on his way into retirement the last time he was being cheered wildly …
RELATED:
David Picker / New York Times:
Clemens Is Returning to the Yankees — The sun was shining, the Yankees were ahead during the seventh-inning stretch of their game against the Seattle Mariners and it seemed as if the day couldn't get any better. That's when the Yankees' public address announcer, Bob Sheppard …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
Clemens announces return to Yanks — Seven-time Cy Young Award winner agrees to one-year deal — NEW YORK — The Yankees desperately needed another quality starting pitcher. Roger Clemens didn't want to wait any longer to pitch. It all came together on a memorable Sunday afternoon.
Kat O'Brien / Newsday:Clemens back with Yankees — The Yankees have wanted Roger Clemens …
Discussion:
Phillies Nation
ESPN:
MLB draft to be televised for first time on ESPN2 — The NFL and NBA drafts have been televised for years. Now, Major League Baseball is joining the trend. — For the first time in its history, the baseball entry draft will be aired live on ESPN2. Coverage will begin on Thursday …
RELATED:
Baseball America:
Draft Will Be Televised — The baseball draft is finally joining the television age. — For the first time ever, Major League Baseball's draft will be on television, with ESPN2 televising the proceedings on June 7 from 2-6 p.m. — That means the draft will also get a physical location …
Kevin Goldstein / Baseball Prospectus:
Monday Morning Ten Pack — Over the weekend, in need of an extra outfielder, the Cardinals called up minor league veteran Ryan Ludwick, who started in right field for them on Sunday. So Ankiel waits a little longer for what's looking more and more like a remarkable return to the big leagues.
Discussion:
Viva El Birdos
RELATED:
Will Carroll / Baseball Prospectus:
Under The Knife — The Rocket's Fuel — Roger Clemens is a Yankee again, the highest paid player in baseball history on paper by my math. People are breaking this signing down in many ways, but for me, the question is only whether Clemens, one of the all-time greats, can stay healthy.
Discussion:
River Ave. Blues
Toasty Joe / Yes Joe, It's Toasted.:
Whacking Days — [Sung to the tune of "Oh Christmas Tree," sung by the Springfield Children's Choir (click link to play)] … Yesterday's loss notwithstanding, the Mets by and large put the annual Phoenix smack-down on the snakes this weekend, and I love-love-loved it.
Rich Lederer / Baseball Analysts:
B.J. Upton: Enjoy It While You Can — B.J. Upton is off to a hot start, leading the American League in batting average (.371) while ranking third in SLG (.660) and OPS (1.084). Upton is also among the top ten in the league in OBP (.425), HR (6), RBI (22), and SB (5).
Associated Press:
Salas suspended for 50 games after positive drug test — NEW YORK (AP) — Tampa Bay relief pitcher Juan Salas was suspended for 50 games Monday after becoming the first player this year to flunk a drug test under Major League Baseball's testing program. — Salas tested positive …
Discussion:
Sports Illustrated
RELATED:
Associated Press:
Yanks ship Igawa to minors, keep Rasner — NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees shipped struggling pitcher Kei Igawa to the minors on Monday to make room on the roster for right-hander Matt DeSalvo. — Igawa was optioned to Class-A Tampa, keeping right-hander Darrell Rasner in the big leagues …
Discussion:
Boston Herald
Associated Press:
Tigers RHP Zumaya out 12 weeks — DETROIT (AP) — Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya is expected to be out for 12 weeks because of a ruptured tendon in his middle right finger. — Zumaya, who regularly throws fastballs at over 100 mph, hurt himself while warming up Saturday night at Kansas City.
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Notes: Smith a man of ritual — Right-hander has extended process of uniform preparation — PHOENIX — The ritual began while Joe Smith was learning his craft at Wright State and regularly enduring a rather benign wardrobe malfunction. The bottom of the legs of his uniform pants would ride …
Marty Noble / MLB.com:
Pelfrey inconsistent in finale — Rookie hit with fourth loss as club's winning streak halted — PHOENIX — The benefit of the doubt was in ample supply Sunday afternoon as the Mets measured the latest performance of Mike Pelfrey. They viewed his work, not through the prism of his potential …
Discussion:
NJ.com
Mark Hale / New York Post:
BELTRAN, ALOU ONSORE SIDE — The Mets were without both Moises Alou and Carlos Beltran in yesterday's starting lineup, with both outfielders ailing. — Alou has been battling a hurt left knee, and yesterday he didn't play for the third straight day. Beltran's left quad is "a little sore …
