Top News:
Henry Schulman / San Francisco Chronicle:
Giants close book on closer Benitez — (05-31) 21:25 PDT New York — There was one unusual sight in the Giants' clubhouse after their 4-2 loss to the Mets on Thursday night. As 24 players scurried to dress for the two-hour bus ride to Philadelphia, Armando Benitez's locker was abandoned, his chair folded and stored.
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Chris Haft / MLB.com:
Giants trade Benitez for Messenger — Beleaguered closer returns to former team, the Marlins — NEW YORK — Armando Benitez's tortured era with the San Francisco Giants ended on Thursday night when the team traded its embattled closer to the Florida Marlins for right-hander Randy Messenger.
Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
Maligned Benitez returns to Marlins — MILWAUKEE — Armando Benitez is returning to the team for which he had his best year in 14 major-league seasons. — The Marlins acquired the beleaguered closer from the Giants on Thursday for reliever Randy Messenger.
Discussion:
FishStripes
George King / New York Post:
CHASIN' WITH NO JASON — FOOT INJURY LIKELY SHELVES GIAMBI FOR YEAR — On the eve of a colossal series against the Red Sox, the Yankees learned yesterday that Jason Giambi's season is likely finished. — Giambi was diagnosed with a partially torn plantar fascia tendon on the bottom of the left foot …
Discussion:
Replacement Level …
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Roger Rubin / NY Daily News:
Theo pities Cashman — BOSTON - If the buzz about this three-game series between the Yankees and the Red Sox feels a little different, it should. — The distance in the standings between first-place Boston and the fourth-place Bombers is an astonishing 13-1/2 games, the furthest apart the teams have been since September of 2001.
Discussion:
WasWatching.com
Tyler Kepner / New York Times:
Giambi Will Be Out Several Weeks With a Foot Injury — Jason Giambi tore the plantar fascia in his left foot while trotting around second base after hitting a home run on Tuesday in Toronto. He had already been hobbled by the injury, and when he felt a pop during his trot, he feared the worst.
Tim Dahlberg / Associated Press:
A-Rod makes the tabloids happy, and the Blue Jays sad — The New York tabloids were already having their way with Alex Rodriguez well before he rounded second, headed for third, and exchanged pleasantries with Howie Clark of the Toronto Blue Jays. — No, this had nothing to do with hitting …
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Dan Shaughnessy / Boston Globe:
Did A-Rod put foot in mouth? — Bush league or smart play? — Sometimes the answer depends on the individual involved. It almost always depends on which team you like. — The reeling New York Yankees come to Fenway tonight, and Red Sox fans can't wait to mock the pathetic millionaires from the Bronx.
Discussion:
Dan Shaughnessy Watch
John Branch / New York Times:Rodriguez Keeps Straddling Baseball's Foul Line
Discussion:
Across the Seams
Mark Hale / New York Post:
PEDRO NEARS NEXT STAGE — Four days from now, Pedro Martinez is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time this season. — Martinez, who's recovering from a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder, is scheduled for his initial bullpen session on Tuesday. He also will long toss that day.
Lee Jenkins / New York Times:
Detour on the Scott Boras Expressway — For any young ballplayer who thinks he should have been drafted higher, treated better, offered more, there is a place where he can still go and get the signing bonus of his dreams. — LaGrave Field is on the banks of the Trinity River, between the stockyards and the skyline.
Tom D'Angelo / Palm Beach Post:
Mitre's status still undetermined — MILWAUKEE — Starter Sergio Mitre will attempt to throw a bullpen session today before a decision is made about his availability next week. — "We'll see how it feels when I push off,'' he said. — Mitre strained his right hamstring against the Cubs …
Derrick Goold / St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
Infection sends Duncan home — DENVER — Cardinals outfielder Chris Duncan was admitted to a St. Louis-area hospital Thursday night and is expected to meet with a specialist to determine what kind of infection has taken root in his injured left knee, the club said.
Bill Ladson / MLB.com:
Notes: Speigner stays in rotation for now — Righty gets the call Saturday despite struggles as starter — WASHINGTON — The Nationals have decided to let right-hander Levale Speigner start on Saturday night against the Padres instead of right-hander Joel Hanrahan, who is pitching for Triple-A Columbus.
Discussion:
Oleanders and Morning Glories
Jeff Goldberg / Hartford Courant:
Youkilis Is Removing Any Doubt — Critics Provide Motivation — BOSTON — During the course of his ascent to a top major league hitter, Kevin Youkilis has always considered his toughest critics his biggest allies. — The more Youkilis perceives he is being doubted, the harder he plays to prove them wrong.
