Top News:
New York Post:
A-ROD PLAYING FIELD ALL OVER — SWINGER AND A MISS IN 5 CITIES — By AUSTIN FENNER in Toronto and JANA WINTER and DAN MANGAN in N.Y. … Alex Rodriguez hasn't partied only in Toronto with a mystery blonde - the Yankee superstar has also been spotted across the United States squiring around …
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Adam Lisberg / NY Daily News:
As wife packs up, is A-Rod out at home? — Rodriguez says his off-field antics won't 'be a distraction' to team — Yankees superstar Alex Rodriguez vowed yesterday that revelations about his off-the-field antics wouldn't affect his play for the slumping Bombers.
Discussion:
Boston Globe, WasWatching.com, The Big Lead, A Red Sox Fan …, Sports Frog, With Leather and River Ave. Blues
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Rodriguez Says 'Ha,' but Jays Aren't Laughing — Somehow or other, Alex Rodriguez has said, the game always comes down to him. That is an exaggeration, of course, but it seemed inevitable on Wednesday. — Rodriguez's day at the ballpark began with a refusal to answer questions about his personal life …
George King / New York Post:
JAYS BLAST SMART ALEX — Alex Rodriguez woke up yesterday to find himself in the middle of a sticky situation, courtesy of The Post. He went to sleep early this morning with the Blue Jays attacking him for using his mouth to distract their infielders. — In between, the Yankees broke …
Bryan Hoch / MLB.com:
A-Rod defends controversial shout — Yankees third baseman cites frequency of similar plays — TORONTO — The Yankees' desperation to win a game was so great, Alex Rodriguez reasoned, that he was willing to try anything to make it happen — even yelling into the ear of an infielder trying to catch a pop fly.
Steve Buckley / Boston Herald:
No reason for worry: Dice Man able to locate problem — Yes, the Red Sox [team stats]' lead in the AL East was 14 ½ games going into last night's action, and, yes, that's precisely what the lead was when things started to fall apart back in the summer of '78, and, yes …
Discussion:
Peter's Red Sox Forever
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Christopher L. Gasper / Boston Globe:
This one tough for him to stomach — Matsuzaka not pleased after loss — This time it wasn't his stomach that left Daisuke Matsuzaka feeling queasy. It was the Cleveland Indians' offense. During his last start in Texas, the Japanese sensation was seen dry-heaving in the dugout runway.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Setback for injured Hill — Nationals right-hander to get second opinion on elbow — WASHINGTON — Nationals right-hander Shawn Hill will go to the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on Thursday and have a second opinion on his sore elbow. Dr. Mark Schickendantz will look at the elbow.
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Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
Gregg the latest recycled closer to star — Today: Marlins RHP Wes Obermueller (1-3, 5.28 ERA) vs. Brewers RHP Claudio Vargas (3-1, 4.01 ERA), 8:05 p.m., FSN — Friday: Marlins LHP Scott Olsen (4-4, 5.11 ERA) vs. Brewers RHP Jeff Suppan (6-5, 3.58 ERA), 8:05 p.m., FSN
Discussion:
FishStripes
Anthony DiComo / MLB.com:
Glavine solid, but Mets fall to Giants — Lefty allows three runs, but New York shut out for first time — NEW YORK — Tom Glavine's consistency has become almost uncanny. Every time the 41-year-old lefty takes the mound, he gives the Mets a chance to win — nothing more, nothing less.
S.L. Price / Sports Illustrated:
Dark Times for a Baseball Man — Only seven months after a World Series triumph that sealed his place among the greats, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa is calling on all his smarts to cope with crises on and off the field — He was the boy wonder once, and if Tony La Russa hated that perception …
Joe Frisaro / MLB.com:
Mitre injures right hamstring — Right-hander unsure if he will make next start Monday — CHICAGO — Sergio Mitre, arguably the Marlins' top starter this season, exited in the top of the fifth inning on Wednesday night against the Cubs with a right hamstring ailment.
Discussion:
FishStripes
John Hickey / seattlepi.com Mariners blog:
Weaver will return to Seattle rotation next week. — The Mariners have made a bit of an about-face and will not send disabled pitcher Jeff Weaver out on an injury rehabilitation assignment. — Tuesday, manager Mike Hargrove said he wanted Weaver to face some live batters in game competition.
Discussion:
U.S.S. Mariner
Jeff Zrebiec / Baltimore Sun:
Bedard silences Royals … KANSAS CITY, MO. // Erik Bedard sat in the dugout the previous four days, waiting for his turn and undoubtedly wondering if he would be afforded the same luxuries as the other members of the Orioles' rotation. — The Orioles' offense, which has let Bedard …
Discussion:
Oriole Post